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Chapter 1 – Cells Origins and Diversity

Introduction

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Figure 1.1 (a) Human sinus cells (viewed with a light microscope), (b) onion cells (viewed with a light microscope), and (c) Vibrio tasmaniensis bacterial cells (seen through a scanning electron microscope) are from very different organisms, yet all share certain basic cell structure characteristics. (credit a: modification of work by Ed Uthman, MD; credit b: modification of work by Umberto Salvagnin; credit c: modification of work by Anthony D’Onofrio, William H. Fowle, Eric J. Stewart, and Kim Lewis of the Lewis Lab at Northeastern University; scale-bar data from Matt Russell)

Cells are the building blocks of all life, making up all living organisms, including bacteria, plants, fungi, and – yes – even humans (Figure 1.1). But despite all having the important function of supporting life on earth, cells vary in structure and function. In this chapter, we will discuss some of the most basic unifying principles of all cells on earth. We will then dive into the two most basic divisions of cells; prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, and how those cells came to be. This chapter will finish with the evolution of multicellularity, which is how organisms like you and me evolved.

Chapter Outline

1.1 Some Unifying Principles

1.2 Prokaryotic Cells and Evolution

1.3 Eukaryotic Cells and Evolution

1.4 Evolution of Multicellularity

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Online Textbook for Biol 395 Copyright © 2024 by Jantina Toxopeus is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.