Cellular Function

Cellular function refers to the processes that occur within a cell to maintain homeostasis and carry out the necessary functions for the survival of the organism. These processes include metabolism, growth, reproduction, response to stimuli, and maintaining the internal environment of the cell.

Study Guide

1. Cellular Organelles: Understand the structure and function of organelles such as the nucleus, mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, and chloroplasts (in plant cells).
2. Cellular Respiration: Learn about the process of cellular respiration, including glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, and the electron transport chain. Understand how cells use oxygen to produce energy in the form of ATP.
3. Photosynthesis: Understand the process of photosynthesis in plant cells, including the light-dependent and light-independent reactions, and how plants convert light energy into chemical energy in the form of glucose.
4. Cell Division: Study the process of cell division, including mitosis and meiosis. Understand how cells replicate and divide to produce new cells for growth and repair.
5. Cellular Communication: Learn about cell signaling and how cells communicate with each other through chemical signals, including hormones and neurotransmitters.
6. Homeostasis: Understand how cells maintain a stable internal environment despite external changes. Learn about processes such as osmoregulation and thermoregulation.

Understanding cellular function is essential for understanding how living organisms function and interact with their environment. By studying the processes that occur within cells, we can gain insights into how living organisms maintain life and respond to changes in their surroundings.