Cells
⭐ MasteredCells are the tiny building blocks of all living things. Some living things, like bacteria, are just one cell.
Your body has trillions of cells.
All about Cells
A cell is the smallest unit of life. Cells are tiny building blocks that make up all living things. Your body has trillions of them, and each type of cell has a specific job, such as carrying oxygen or sending nerve signals.
Most cells have a membrane, cytoplasm and a nucleus that holds genetic information. Plant cells also have a cell wall and chloroplasts. Bacteria are single-celled organisms, so one cell is their whole body.
Your body contains trillions of cells, and most are too small to see without a microscope. Each cell has a membrane that holds it together, and inside it there is a control centre called the nucleus.
Cells come in many shapes and sizes, and they each do a special job. Muscle cells can contract, nerve cells carry messages and root cells absorb water in plants. Some living things, such as bacteria, are made of just one cell, while plants and animals are made of millions or even trillions.
🎮 Try it yourself!
Loading…
Real-life uses of Cells
- Understanding how diseases affect the body
- Growing new skin and bone after an injury
- Making yeast bread rise, using yeast cells
Frequently asked questions about Cells
Who discovered cells?
Robert Hooke first described cells in 1665 after looking at cork through a microscope. The name came from the small rooms, or cells, he saw.
What is the difference between plant and animal cells?
Plant cells have a cell wall, chloroplasts and a large central vacuole. Animal cells do not have these parts.
Can you see cells without a microscope?
Usually not. Most cells are too small to see without magnification. Some eggs and plant tissues are large enough to see with the naked eye.