Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.

Definition Cell theory is a proposed and widely accepted view of how most life on Earth functions. According to the theory, all organisms are made of cells. Groups of cells create tissues, organs, and organisms. Further, cells can only arise from other cells. These are the main tenants of cell theory. Overview Before the invention…

What is Cell Signaling? Cell signaling is the process of cellular communication within the body driven by cells releasing and receiving hormones and other signaling molecules. As a process, cell signaling refers to a vast network of communication between, and within, each cell of our body. Cell signaling enables coordination within multicellular organisms. Overview Cell…

Definition The cell plate is a structure that forms in the cells of land plants while they are undergoing cell division. The cells of land plants, unlike animal cells, have a cell wall made of stiff sugars which surround their cell membranes. In addition to protecting the cell from damage, the cell walls help to…

Cell Nucleus Definition The cell nucleus is a large organelle in eukaryotic organisms which protects the majority of the DNA within each cell. The nucleus also produces the necessary precursors for protein synthesis. The DNA housed within the cell nucleus contains the information necessary for the creation of the majority of the proteins needed to…

Definition The cell membrane, also known as the plasma membrane, is a double layer of lipids and proteins that surrounds a cell. It separates the cytoplasm (the contents of the cell) from the external environment. It is a feature of all cells, both prokaryotic and eukaryotic. Function of the Cell Membrane The cell membrane gives…

Cell Division Definition Cell division is the process cells go through to divide. There are several types of cell division, depending upon what type of organism is dividing. Organisms have evolved over time to have different and more complex forms of cell division. Most prokaryotes, or bacteria, use binary fission to divide the cell. Eukaryotes…

Cell Differentiation Definition Cellular differentiation, or simply cell differentiation, is the process through which a cell undergoes changes in gene expression to become a more specific type of cell. The process of cell differentiation allows multi-cellular organisms to create uniquely functional cell types and body plans. The process of cell differentiation is driven by genetics,…

Cell Cycle Definition The cell cycle is a cycle of stages that cells pass through to allow them to divide and produce new cells. It is sometimes referred to as the “cell division cycle” for that reason. New cells are born through the division of their “parent” cell, producing two “daughter” cells from one single…

Cell Culture Definition Cell culture is a method used to cultivate, propagate and grow a large amount of cells in a dish. The cells can be of a mixed, heterogeneous origin with different cell types growing, or they can be a singular cell type, sometimes clonal in origin. Cell culture allows one to grow cells…

Cell Definition Cells are the basic unit of life. In the modern world, they are the smallest known world that performs all of life’s functions. All living organisms are either single cells, or are multicellular organisms composed of many cells working together. Cells are the smallest known unit that can accomplish all of these functions.…