CELLULAR STRUCTURE Meaning and
Definition
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Cellular structure refers to the arrangement and organization of cells, which are the basic structural and functional units of all living organisms. It encompasses the intricate organization of different organelles within a cell and how they interact to perform specific functions.
At a microscopic level, cellular structure includes the plasma membrane, cytoplasm, and nucleus, which are present in both plant and animal cells. The plasma membrane, composed of a phospholipid bilayer, separates the cell's internal environment from the external surroundings. The cytoplasm is a gel-like substance that fills the cell and houses various organelles, such as mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, and ribosomes. These organelles play essential roles in cellular metabolism, protein synthesis, and intracellular transport.
The cellular structure also involves the nucleus, which contains the cell's genetic material, including DNA and RNA. It is responsible for controlling cell activities, including growth, replication, and reproduction.
In plants, cellular structure additionally encompasses unique organelles such as chloroplasts (for photosynthesis) and cell walls (for shape, support, and protection). These aspects of cellular structure vary across different organisms and play crucial roles in determining their specific functions and characteristics.
Understanding cellular structure is vital for comprehending the mechanisms behind various cellular processes, such as cell division, differentiation, and communication. It allows scientists and researchers to study and investigate the causes and effects of diseases, conduct genetic engineering, and explore novel therapeutic approaches in medicine.
Common Misspellings for CELLULAR STRUCTURE
- xellular structure
- vellular structure
- fellular structure
- dellular structure
- cwllular structure
- csllular structure
- cdllular structure
- crllular structure
- c4llular structure
- c3llular structure
- ceklular structure
- ceplular structure
- ceolular structure
- celkular structure
- celpular structure
- celoular structure
- cellylar structure
- cellhlar structure
- celljlar structure
- cellilar structure
Etymology of CELLULAR STRUCTURE
The term "cellular structure" is a combination of two words: "cellular" and "structure".
The word "cellular" comes from the Latin word "cellula", meaning "small room" or "cell". This root word was first used in biology to describe the basic unit of life, the cell, by the British scientist Robert Hooke in the 17th century. Hooke used the word "cell" to describe the small compartments he observed in cork under a microscope, which resembled the small rooms monks lived in called "cells".
The word "structure" comes from the Latin word "structura", which refers to the action of building or arranging. It can also mean the way parts are organized to form a whole. The term "structure" has been used in various contexts, including architecture, engineering, and biology, to describe the arrangement or organization of components.
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