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Cell Uses

Cells perform a lot of functions in every life form and play a pivotal role as one of the basic building blocks of life. Every living organism has cells --- from unicellular bacteria to multicellular organisms, such as humans and animals. Although labeled as a basic building block, cells have their own parts, pieces and components, allowing them to perform dynamic functions within living organisms.

Two Types of Cells
- Biological cells have two basic types: eukaryotes and prokaryotes. Multicellular life-forms have eukaryotic cells, while unicellular life forms have prokaryotic cells. The presence of a nuclear membrane serves as the distinguishing factor. Eukaryotic cells have a nuclear membrane, while prokaryotic cells lack this feature. Eukaryotic cells also have organelles, such as the mitochondria, Golgi apparatus, and chloroplasts. Despite the differences, both types perform many of the same processes.
Data Storage Filing System
- Cells contain biological information that life forms use for many things. Cells store this information by producing two types of genetic material: deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA). DNA is the manual that living organisms use in creating biological substances, ultimately leading to protein structures. It also serves as a "how-to" guide for all biological processes and creates RNA. RNA works as a transcriber and a translator of DNA, helping it to replicate itself or create a different structure.
Metabolism
- Cells perform metabolism, which is the process of storing and converting energy. Cells perform two types of metabolism: anabolism and catabolism. Anabolism happens when cells transform molecules into energy, while catabolism occurs when cells use energy in making molecules needed by the body or the cell itself. Metabolism in cells relates to electrical batteries we use in powering up a variety of electronics and electrical machines --- they store energy and release it when needed.
Reproduction
- Cells play a major part in asexual and sexual reproduction. Cells have the ability to reproduce through mitosis, which is the process in which a cell creates copy or clone of itself. Cells reproduce asexually to create new tissue and maintain a genetically identical structure --- common in bacteria.
  
  Meiosis---another type of cell reproduction---plays the critical role in sexual reproduction. Meiosis produces gametes, like the sperm and egg cell in humans. Meiotic cells only contain half of the number of chromosomes found in common cells, since these cells are specific to sexual reproduction and must combine with another cell during the process of fertilization --- ultimately leading to a complete zygote.

Nature