Learning objectives
- Define the cell as the basic structural and functional unit of the human body.
- Classify cells based on their structure and describe the differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
- Identify the major components of a typical human cell, including the plasma membrane, cytoplasm, nucleus, and cell organelles.
- Describe the structure and functions of important cell organelles such as the nucleus, mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, lysosomes, ribosomes, and peroxisomes.
- Explain the composition and functions of the plasma membrane, including membrane transport mechanisms.
- Discuss the organization and functions of the cytoskeleton and its role in maintaining cell shape, intracellular transport, and cell movement.
- Correlate the structure of cell organelles with their physiological functions and their relevance in maintaining cellular homeostasis.
- Apply the basic concepts of cell biology to understand the pathophysiology of common diseases resulting from cellular dysfunction