Cell Theory
The debate between whether a virus is living or nonliving has been going on for years. In order to answer this question, one must have background knowledge relating to the current cell theory, the differences between prokaryotes and eukaryotes, and the structures and functions found within cells. Once this knowledge is known, a person is then able to give their opinion in the debate.
In the 1800s, the cell theory was developed. This theory states that cells are found in all living things making them the basic units of life and that all cells come from other cells. In order to be classified as a cell, the object in question must be able to reproduce, respond to chemical signals, obtain energy, maintain homeostasis, and undergo evolution. All cells can be divided into two different categories: prokaryotes or eukaryotes. Bacteria and archaea are classified as prokaryotes while animals and plants are eukaryotes. Prokaryotes are small and unicellular. Due to their small size, they do not have …show more content…
Typically in biology, structure is synonymous with the word organelle. The word function relates to the role of each individual organelle of a cell. Each component of a cell has a job that it completes in order to keep the organism functioning. Two major components of cells are the ribosomes and the cell membrane. Ribosomes are found in both eukaryotes and prokaryotes. Although the location of the ribosomes vary between prokaryotes and eukaryotes, the structure and function are the same. Ribosomes are made up of a large and small subunit. These subunits contain rRNA and smaller protein molecules that work to synthesize protein. Along with ribosomes, eukaryotes and prokaryotes have a cell membrane. The cell membrane acts as a barrier between the cell and the outside environment. This barrier controls what materials enter and leave the cell. These two organelles are significant components to maintaining a
In the 1800s, the cell theory was developed. This theory states that cells are found in all living things making them the basic units of life and that all cells come from other cells. In order to be classified as a cell, the object in question must be able to reproduce, respond to chemical signals, obtain energy, maintain homeostasis, and undergo evolution. All cells can be divided into two different categories: prokaryotes or eukaryotes. Bacteria and archaea are classified as prokaryotes while animals and plants are eukaryotes. Prokaryotes are small and unicellular. Due to their small size, they do not have …show more content…
Typically in biology, structure is synonymous with the word organelle. The word function relates to the role of each individual organelle of a cell. Each component of a cell has a job that it completes in order to keep the organism functioning. Two major components of cells are the ribosomes and the cell membrane. Ribosomes are found in both eukaryotes and prokaryotes. Although the location of the ribosomes vary between prokaryotes and eukaryotes, the structure and function are the same. Ribosomes are made up of a large and small subunit. These subunits contain rRNA and smaller protein molecules that work to synthesize protein. Along with ribosomes, eukaryotes and prokaryotes have a cell membrane. The cell membrane acts as a barrier between the cell and the outside environment. This barrier controls what materials enter and leave the cell. These two organelles are significant components to maintaining a