Chapter 1

The Dynamic Cell

Copyright (c) by W. H. Freeman and Company

1.1 Molecular evolution

Evolution is an historical process that dictates the form
and structure of life
Evolution ultimately depends on alterations in the
structure and organization of genes and gene products
Fundamental aspects of cellular life are shared by
different organisms and dependent on related genes
Small changes in certain genes allow organisms to
adapt to new niches

Copyright (c) by W. H. Freeman and Company

1.2 The molecules of life

The activities of cellular molecules are governed by the
basic principles of chemistry
Cellular water, inorganic ions, and small organic
molecules account for 75-80% of the living weight of a
cell
Macromolecules (proteins, polysaccharides, DNA)
account for the remainder

Copyright (c) by W. H. Freeman and Company

1.2 Cells are packed with molecules of various sizes

Figure 1-2
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1.2 Examples of cellular macromolecules

Figure 1-3
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1.3 Lineage tree of life on earth

Figure 1-5
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1.3 The plasma membrane separates the cell

from the environment
The fundamental structure of all cell membranes is the
lipid bilayer
Various membrane proteins present in the different cell
membranes give each membrane a specific function

Figure 1-6
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1.3 Prokaryotic cells

Single cell organisms
Two main types: bacteria and archaea
Relatively simple structure

Figure 1-7a
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1.3 Eukaryotic cells

Single cell or multicellular organisms
Plants and animals
Structurally more complex: organelles, cytoskeleton

Figure 1-7b
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1.3 Eukaryotic DNA is packaged into chromosomes

Each chromosome is a single linear
DNA molecule associated with proteins
The total DNA in the chromosomes of
an organism is its genome

Figure 1-8
Copyright (c) by W. H. Freeman and Company

1.4 The life cycle of cells

Cell division occurs when one cell, after a period of growth,
divides to become two daughter cells
Most eukaryotic cells follow the cell cycle, an internal clock
that determines the phases of cell growth and division
Progress through the cell cycle is controlled at checkpoints
Cells may leave the cell cycle and differentiate to perform
specialized functions
Cells may undergo programmed cell death as a way of
balancing cell growth or generating structures during
development (apoptosis)
Copyright (c) by W. H. Freeman and Company

1.4 The eukaryotic cell cycle

Figure 1-9
Copyright (c) by W. H. Freeman and Company

1.5 Cells associate to form tissues

Tissues are composed of cells and extracellular matrix
Tissues may form organs
Rudimentary tissues and an overall body plan form early in
development due to a defined pattern of gene expression
and the ability of cells to interact with other cells
Many animals share the same basic pattern of development,
which reflects commonalities in molecular and cellular
mechanisms controlling development

Copyright (c) by W. H. Freeman and Company

1.5 Multiple tissues combine to create this artery

Figure 1-11
Copyright (c) by W. H. Freeman and Company