Cells The Building Blocks of Life
Ever wondered what you're actually made of? Cells! Scientists like Robert Hooker first observed these tiny structures, while Anton van Leeuwenhoek found what he called "animalcules" in pond water. From these discoveries came the Cell Theory, which has three important parts cells are life's basic unit, all organisms are made of cells, and all cells come from existing cells.
Cells come in two main types. Prokaryotic cells (like bacteria) are simpler with no nucleus and sometimes have flagella for movement. Eukaryotic cells (found in animals, plants, and fungi) have a nucleus containing DNA and specialized structures called organelles.
Plant and animal cells have key differences. Plant cells have chloroplasts for photosynthesis, a central vacuole for storage, and a rigid cell wall that gives them a rectangular shape. Animal cells lack these features and appear more circular. Despite these differences, all cells share some basic parts DNA, cytoplasm, cell membrane, cytoskeleton, and ribosomes.
Did you know? The mitochondria in your cells are like tiny power plants! They produce energy through cellular respiration, converting the food you eat into fuel for your body.