MCDB 1A Chapter Notes - Chapter 5: Cytoplasmic Streaming, Microtubule, Peroxisome
10 Oct 2016
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5. 1 what features make cells the fundamental units of life. Cells are the fundamental units of life. All living organisms are composed of cells. Evolution through natural selection explains the diversity of modern cells. Studying cell biology = studying life (functions of cells very similar) Origin of life on earth was marked by the origin of the first cells. Cell size is limited by the surface area to volume ratio. As an object increase in volume, its surface area also increases. As a living cell grows larger, its chemical activity and need for resources/rate of waste production increases faster than its surface area. Cells must be small in volume in order to maintain a large enough surface area to volume ratio and an ideal internal volume. Light microscopes can be used to visualize living cells. Electron microscopy has better resolution but only show dead cells because they are prepared in a vacuum.
