Why We Study the Cell and Its Components. free essay sample

Why We Study the Cell and Its Components The cell is the most basic form of life essentially. Anything that is living fundamentally is composed of cells. We study the cell because it is the simplest unit of all living organisms and to begin understanding life, we must realize the cell’s structure, whether it is about the different types of cells or how the cell functions. Biology is the study of life and for the human species; the cell is the most basic principle of life, which is why it is so important to understand the complexities of cells. There are two basic categories of that all cells fall under. They are prokaryotic cells and eukaryotic cells. Prokaryotic cells are single-celled organisms that include bacteria and archaea. Eukaryotic cells are more complex cells that include protists, plants, fungi, and animals. The major difference of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells is that prokaryotic cells do not have a nucleus and eukaryotic cells do. We will write a custom essay sample on Why We Study the Cell and Its Components. or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Prokaryotic cells are also a lot smaller than eukaryotic cells, usually about 1/10 of the size of eukaryotic cells. Prokaryotic cells are the oldest primitive form of life through findings of fossils by scientists. Both types of cells reproduce, but each have a different process of reproduction. Prokaryotic cells reproduce through a process called binary fission and eukaryotic cells reproduce through a process called mitosis. DNA structures of eukaryotic cells are far more structured than that of prokaryotic cells. The DNA of eukaryotic cells is organized into chromosomes and the DNA of prokaryotic cells is a single loop. Both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells gain the energy it needs to develop and maintain functionality by a process of cellular respiration. Basically, cellular respiration is broken down in three general phases: electron transport, glycolysis, and the citric acid cycle. In eukaryotic cells, cellular respiration usually reacts within the mitochondria; and in prokaryotic cells, cellular respiration occurs in the cytoplasm and/or within the cell membrane. With understanding the basics principles of life we can better evolve as a species. The importance of how a cell functions is the foundation of what life is made of. We as a human species are always fighting diseases and learning how to upgrade our health. To accomplish this, medical technology relies so much on cellular biology. It is the essence of our health and the human species depend on the knowledge we gain from cellular research. Without understanding the composition of the cell, how would we know where to look or start to combat the viruses and bacteria that kills the life of the human species? That is why it is so critical to our population to further our knowledge of cellular biology. The future of the human species, as well as, every living species known is depending on the research of cells. The better we can understand what makes up the cell and what will deteriorate the cell, the better we will survive as a species. Imagine a world with perfect health and being able to resist harmful bacteria that viruses have. We would then value life so much more and will advance as a species to its fullest potential. In Europe, a group of researchers began the study of a robotic cell. A robotic cell is an artificial cell that can replicate on its own and even evolve under specific conditions. The only way to achieve such a remarkable task would be to first understand completely how a cell functions. With learning cells, we can better protect cells to prevent infection and harmful effects. We can also observe cells to diagnose diseases, treat cells to heal illnesses, and even stop harming cells because of our choices or actions. All in all, the study of the cell and its components is a subject of importance for the livelihood of our world today. References: The Cell-Cell Structure, Eukaryotic Cells and Prokaryotic Cells, By Regina Bailey, About. com, http://biology. bout. com/od/cellanatomy/a/eukaryprokarycells. htm, Accessed on August 6, 2011. Campbell Essential Biology with Physiology Vital Source eBook for South University, 3rd Edition, Eric J. Simon, New England College, Jane B. Reece, Berkeley, California, Jean L. Dickey, Clemson University, Chapter 4 – Tour of the cell, http://digitalbookshelf. southuniversity. edu/#/books/0558586805/pages/28225209, Accessed o n August 6, 2011. Why are cells important? Topic 1. 1, http://www. mcgrawhill. ca/web_resources/sch/SL10_sample_unit1_topic1_1. pdf, Accessed on August 6, 2011.