1. Plasma Membrane: A selectively permeable barrier that encloses the cell and regulates the passage of substances in and out.
2. Cytoplasm: The gel-like substance that fills the cell and contains all the organelles and other cellular components.
3. Ribosomes: Small, granular organelles responsible for protein synthesis.
4. DNA: The genetic material of the cell, carrying the instructions for building and maintaining the organism.
5. RNA: A molecule that carries genetic information from DNA to the ribosomes for protein synthesis.
6. Metabolism: The sum of all chemical reactions that occur within a cell, including energy production and utilization.
7. Growth: Cells increase in size and complexity through the production of new cellular components.
8. Reproduction: Cells reproduce themselves through cell division, creating two or more daughter cells.
9. Response to stimuli: Cells can react to changes in their environment, such as temperature, light, or chemical signals.
10. Homeostasis: Cells maintain a relatively stable internal environment despite external fluctuations, ensuring their proper functioning.
11. Organization: All cells are organized structures with specialized components that work together to carry out essential functions.
While these properties are common to all cells, there are differences in the specific features and structures between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. For example, eukaryotic cells have membrane-bound organelles, a nucleus, and a more complex cytoskeleton, while prokaryotic cells lack these features.
