Senior High School Department

Module in General Biology 1

Hans Janssen and Zacharias Jansenn (1597). invented the prototype of the
compound microscope, wherein one lens is positioned at the eyepiece of the
microscope and the second lens was place need the specimen to be studied. The
lenses are based on reverse telescope.

Robert Hooke (1665). English Scientist and the English Father of

Microscopy. He discover the “cell” from a thin slice of cork which
looked like small box like compartments. Hooke’s observation
was limited by the magnification power of his microscope which
enlarged object up to 30x to their normal size. This made it
difficult to examine the internal organization of the cell.

Antonie Van Leeuwenhoek (1676). A dutch textile merchant. He was able to

polish and grind purer glass and mounted the double-convex lens between
brass plates. His microscope was capable of giving 270x magnification
compared than those early compound microscope which had 20-30x
magnification. He was also the first to view living cells, including the blood
cell, bacteria, sperm cell and single celled organisms (algae and protozoa using the microscope he made.

The Cell Theory

Matthias Schleiden (1838) German botanist, discovered that all plants are compose of cells. A year later,
German zoologist, Theodor Schwann discovered that all animals are made up of cells. Several years after
the discovery of asachleiden and Schwann, in 1855, Rudolph Virchow, a German physician, discovered that
cells came from a pre-existing cells after he worked on how diseases affect living organisms. The
observations made by these three scientists together comprised the cell theory which includes:
1. All living organisms are made of one or more cells;
2. Cells are the smallest unit of life;
3. Cell come only from pre-existing cells.
Comparing Prokaryotic Cell and Eukaryotic Cell
Cells fall into one of two broad categories: prokaryotic and eukaryotic. The predominantly single-celled
organisms of the domains Bacteria and Archaea are classified as prokaryotes (pro– = before; –karyon– =
nucleus). Animal cells, plant cells, fungi, and protists are eukaryotes (eu– = true).
Components of Prokaryotic Cell
All cells share four common components:
1) a plasma membrane, an outer covering that separates the cell’s interior from its surrounding environment;
2) cytoplasm, consisting of a jelly-like region within the cell in which other cellular components are found;
3) DNA, the genetic material of the cell; and
4) ribosomes, particles that synthesize proteins. However, prokaryotes differ from eukaryotic cells in several
ways.
A. Archaea are single-celled (unicellular) organism that lacks a nucleus, or any other membrane-bound
organelle. Can survive without oxygen and resides in extreme environments (high temperature).
Three Types of Archaea
1. Methanogens- in mud at the bottom of the lakes and swamps, some lives in intestinal
tracts of human and animals.

2. Thermoacidophiles- lives in dark, live without oxygen

-superheated water temp. reaching 750 deg. F
-prefer environment that are very acidic

3.Halophiles- live in water with salt concentrations exceeding 15%

B.Bacteria are single-celled (unicellular) organism that lacks a nucleus, or any other membrane-bound
organelle. DNA is found in the central part of the cell: a darkened region called the nucleoid (Figure 1).

Figure 1. This figure shows the generalized structure of a prokaryotic cell.

Flagella- tail like structure for locomotion.
Types of Flagellation
Monotrichous-has only a single flagellum
Amphitrichous-opposite poles of cell has flagella
Lopotricous- tuft of flagella are located at one pole
Peritrichous- flagella are located around the cell.

Pili/Fimbriae- short and thin appendages for attachment. used to exchange genetic material during a type of
reproduction called conjugation.
Capsule- made of thick polysaccharide that serves as a outermost covering of the cell and enables bacteria
to attach to surfaces in its environment..
Cell wall- outermost covering and make of peptidoglycans, acts as an extra layer of protection, helps the cell
maintain its shape, and prevents dehydration.
Granules- located within the cytoplasm where food and glucose molecules are stored.
Cytoplasm-made up of fluid substances known as the cytosol
Nucleoid- with condensed DNA molecule
Types of bacteria base on shape:
A. Coccus- round shape
B. Bacillus- rod shape
C. Spirillum- spiral configurationBacteria
having this type of morphological feature are the
biggest bacteria in terms of size.

Types of bacteria base on their cell wall

-Gram negative (has thicker outer cell wall than gram posi,
consist of Lipopolysaccharide (LPS))
-Gram positive (cell wall consist of Theichoic Acid)

Components of Eukaryotic Cell

What are the key features of eukaryotic cells? Unlike prokaryotic cells, eukaryotic cells have:
1. A membrane-bound nucleus, a central cavity surrounded by membrane that houses the cell’s genetic
material.
2. A number of membrane-bound organelles, compartments with specialized functions that float in the
cytosol. (Organelle means “little organ,” and this name reflects that the organelles, like the organs of
our body, have unique functions as part of a larger system.)
 3. Multiple linear chromosomes, as opposed to the single circular chromosome of a prokaryote.
A eukaryote is an organism made up of one or more eukaryotic cells. All multicellular organisms are made
of eukaryotic cells. The DNA of a eukaryotic cell is found in an internal compartment of the cell called the
nucleus. All eukaryotic cells have membrane-bound organelles. An organelle is a small structure found in
the cytoplasm that carries out specific activities inside the cell. Each organelle in a eukaryotic cell performs
distinct functions. The complex organization of eukaryotic cells enables them to carry out more specialized
functions than prokaryotic cells.
All of the life processes of a living cell involve transformation of energy and matter. The source of
this life energy is the molecules undergoing chemical activities within the cell. A living cell
performs the following life processes:

1. Nutrition is the process by which cells obtain food molecules to support their other activities.
2. Digestion is the process by which food particles are broken down into smaller soluble units
suitable for cell use with the help of enzymes.
3. Absorption is the process by which cells absorb water, minerals and other materials essential
to life from their environment.
4. Biosynthesis is the process by which all cells organize complex chemicals from simple building
units or substances.
5. Excretion is the process by which by-products of all cell activities which are not needed for
further cell functioning are eliminated.
6. Egestion is the process by which insoluble, non-digested particles are eliminated by the cell.
7. Secretion is the process by which substances that are synthesized by the cells are expelled from
the membrane. This elimination process helps in the functioning of the body.
8. Movement is a process which includes the locomotion of cell by means of special structures like
cilia or flagella.
9. Irritability is the process by which cells respond or react to external factors or conditions
around them. Cells can alter their functions in response to changes their environment.
10. Respiration is the process of breaking down food molecules into chemical energy needed by all
cells in order to function.

11. Reproduction is a process by which a cell copies or replicates its DNA and increases its
number by cell division. It gives rise to new cells as a result, organisms grow.
The principal p arts of a cell are:
1. Cell membrane
2. Cytoplasm
3. Nucleus

The nucleus is covered with a membrane that allows materials to pass in

and out. It’s often called the “control center” of the cell because it
contains DNA. The nucleolus is where the ribosomes are formed and this
structure can be found both in plants and animals.

Nucleolus- Dark staining zone within the nucleus. Composed of

RNA and plays role in the synthesis of ribosomal RNA (rRNA)
Nuclear Envelope-Compose of an inner and outer phospholipid
bilayer, the outer layer is continuous with the membrane of the
endoplasmic reticulum
Nuclear pores- provide passage for proteins and rRNA into and
DNA never leaves the nucleus

The cell membrane/plasma membrane is a

semi-permeable membrane that facilitate the movement of
molecules inside and outside the plant or animal cell. It
allows only chosen substances to enter or leave cell which
can protect the cell from harmful substances.

The cell membrane is often pictured as fluid mosaic model.

Fluidity becomes its characteristic because its molecules are
constantly moving. The phospholipid molecules move
sideways within the membrane. Since the plasma membrane is fluid, it can seal itself if it is
damaged or broken.

The Mitochondria are called the

“powerhouses” of cells. They
produce much of the energy a plant
or animal cell needs to carry out its
functions. They are the centers of
cellular respiration, a process in
which energy-rich ATP (Adenosine
Triphosphate) that functions in
energy storage and transfer is
produced.

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a series of tunnels throughout

the cytoplasm.
They transport proteins from one part of the cell to another that is
why they are called as the transport center of the cell.
E.R in plants and animals form a network of tiny canals through the
cell. These canals are formed by two parallel membranes. They
connect the nuclear membrane and the plasma membrane thus
serving as passageway for food substances.

Two types of Endoplasmic Reticulum:

Smooth ER- ribosome free and functions in
detoxification of lipids.
Rough ER- contains ribosomes and releases newly
made protein from the cell.
 Ribosomes are the protein factories of the cell. These are
very essential since all the functions and processes in plant
and animal cell requires protein. Even all the organelles
inside the cell are made up of proteins making ribosomes very
important.

Golgi bodies -flattened stacks of

membranes, receive proteins and
other compounds from the ER. They
package these materials and
distribute them to the plant and
animal parts of the cell.

Cis face- recieve

Trans face- deliver/transport

Lysosomes contain hydrolytic enzymes that can break things down. Lysosomes pick up bacteria,
food, and old organelles in plant and animal cell and break them into small pieces that can be
reused.
 Components of cytoskeleton
Microtubules- absent in plant cell, it provide
pathways for certain cellular molecules to
move about just as tracks are provided for
railroad cars or trains. It is also found in
structures like the cilia and flagella which both
aid in movement. For examples, the cells that
line your windpipe use cilia to sweep foreign
materials from the lungs. Sperm cells use flagella to move. It is also involve in cell division as a
mitotic spindle.

Intermediate filaments- these are absent in plants. Since they are the
most stable component of the cytoskeleton, they are found in durable
structures such as hair, scales and fingernails. They also help provide
structure to the nuclear envelope.

Microfilaments- pipe-like structures and help provide shape and

movement for the cells. Examples of microfilaments are found in
muscle cells.

Cell wall A protective, semi-permeable outer layer of

the plant cell. The major function of the cell wall is to
give structure and strengthen the cell. The cell wall
consist of several distinct layers. The primary cell
wall is the outer layer, it expands as the cell grows.
As the plant reaches its full size, a secondary cell wall
develops inside the primary cell wall. This new layer
adds strength to the wall.

Plants cells typically have a central vacuole

Occupies up to 90% volume of some plant cells.
Storage of water, nutrients, pigments, and waste
productsDevelopment of turgor pressure.Some
functions performed by lysosomes in other
eukaryotes. (absent in all animal cell)

Centrioles are paired organelles found only in animal cell.

They are located together near the nucleus, at right angles to
each other. They are essential in building cilia and flagella
and also as spindle fiber during cell division.
The cytoplasm is a viscous fluid or jelly like material where organelles are embedded. Its jelly like
feature secures the organelles in plants and animals so that they remain in place.

Chloroplast -Membranous organelles in

plant cell (a type of plastid) that serve as
the site of photosynthesis
 School as an Analogy for Cell Structure and Function
The parts of the school are like the parts of the cell, keep reading and see how their functions are almost the
same!
Security guard- cell membrane because the guard chooses who can enter or leave the school, only those
with student I.D can enter.
School perimeter- cytoplasm because it is where all the parts and processes of the school can be found
Principal- nucleus because the principal is the person in authority inside the school especially in terms of
management and decision making.
DepEd- nucleolus because they are the ones responsible for hiring and producing teachers like how
nucleolus produces the ribosomes.
Teachers- Ribosomes because they are the ones active in making the students the best person that they can
be.
Classrooms- Golgi Body because it is where the students are taught and package physically, mentally,
socially and spiritually.
Canteen- Mitochondria because the food served in the canteen gives energy to the students and teachers.
Janitor/Maintenance Team-Lysosome because lie lysosome they get rid of trashes by cleaning the school
premises.
Hallways and corridor- endoplasmic reticulum because they are the passageway that could be used to
transport services, materials and processes involve in the teaching and learning process.
Cabinets- Vacuole because it stores books, papers and other stocks needed by the school

Prokaryotes versus Eukaryotes

The difference between prokaryotes and eukaryotes are detailed below.
Characteristic Prokaryotes Eukaryotes
Size of cell Typically 0.1-5.0 mm in Typically 10-100 mm in diameter
diameter
Nucleus No nuclear membrane or True nucleus, consisting of nuclear
nucleoli membrane and nucleoli
Membrane-enclosed Absent Present; examples include lysosomes,
organelles golgi complex, endoplasmic reticulum,
mitochondria and chloroplast
Flagella Consist of two protein building Complex, consist of multiple
blocks microtubules
Glycocalyx Present as a capsule or slime Present in some cells that lack a cell wall
layer
Cell Wall Usually present; chemically When present, chemically simple
complex (typical bacterial cell
wall includes peptidoglycan)
Plasma membrane No carbohydrates and generally Sterols and carbohydrates that serve as
lacks sterols receptors present
Cytoplasm No cytoskeleton Cytoskeleton
Ribosomes Smaller size (70S) Larger size (80S); smaller size (70S) in
organelles
Chromosome (DNA Single circular chromosome; Multiple linear chromosomes with
Arrangment) lack histones histones
Cell division Binary fission Mitosis
Sexual reproduction No meiosis Involves Meiosis
 What I Have Learned……

TEACHER’S CONTACT DETAILS

Name: Kristine Ellen Marie Ventura Nanglihan
Address: C. Recto Street, Aurora West, Diffun, Quirino
Contact number: 09975805327
Email Address: Kristine.nanglihan@gmail.com

References
Madriaga, E, Oronce, O,.et.al. BiologicalScience of Life. Rex Book Store. pp. 42-43
Postlethwait, J, Hopson, J. The World of Biology. Cengage Learning Asia Pte. Ltd. Pp. 41-47
Department of Education. Teaching Guide in Senior High School. pp. 49-57
Rea, M.A. et al.2017. General Biology 1. Rex Bookstore. Quezon City.