All living things are made from very small components called CELLS.  Cells are the smallest units of living matter.  They are the building blocks of all living things.

Extremely tiny living things, otherwise known as Micro-organisms may consist of one cell, but larger animals and plants are made up of many cells.

There are many different types of cells and they carry out different jobs within a living organism.

When the same type of cells work together, they are called a TISSUE. Different tissues working  together are known as an ORGAN.  These organs have special structure to carry out a particular function.

Cells have many structures in common, but there are notable differences between animal and plant cells.

Cells divide during reproduction and growth.

Function of the cell determines its structure.

 Nucleus  - the control centre of the cell and contains the thread-like structures called chromosomes which are composed of DNA -  the genetic material.  This consists of the information needed to make a living thing.

Cytoplasm - this jelly-like material contains many tiny structures known as organelles, which keep the cell alive. All the chemical processes happen in this part of the cell.  The speed at which these chemical reactions happen is controlled by enzymes.

Cell membrane - it forms the boundary of the cell and is made from a very thin protein layer.  The membrane controls what moves in and out of the cell.  Only certain type of materials are able to cross the membrane, either using active transport mechanism or by diffusion.

Cell wall - made of cellulose and it gives rigid support and toughness to the cell.

Chloroplasts - are green because they contain the green pigment of chlorophyll and used for photosynthesis.  Chlorophyll absorbs light energy, which is used by the plants to make food and grow.

Vacuoles - a large space filled with a week solution of sugar and salt called, watery sap.  Turgor pressure, due to water, in the vacuole pushes the cytoplasm against the cell wall, aiding plants to maintain their shape.  When the vacuoles are full of watery sap, plant cells are strong and rigid.

Mitosis - this type of cell division takes care of growth and tissue repair.

Meiosis - happen with sex cells during reproduction.