Cell
Cell
The basic unit of plant and animal bodies; it comprises, at least, a nucleus or
nuclear material and cytoplasm enclosed within a cell membrane. Many cells
contain other specialized structures (organelles), such as mitochondria,
chloroplasts, Golgi bodies, and flagella. Many simple organisms comprise a
single cell, and may lack a membrane separating nuclear material from
cytoplasm. Advanced organisms consist of a variety of co-operating cells, often
specialized to perform particular functions and organized into tissues and
organs. Plant cells are typically surrounded by an outer cell wall containing
cellulose. Cell division may occur by splitting into two parts (fission), by
mitosis, and (in the case of reproductive cells) by meiosis. All nucleated
cells contain within their nuclei the entire inherited genetic information of
that individual, but in specialized cells, such as a liver or brain cell, only
a minute fraction of their genetic database is operational. >>
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