4.1: Why It Matters- Cellular Structure

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Why is it important to learn about cells?

The cell is the basic structural, functional, and biological unit of all known living organisms: all living things are made up of cells (or a single cell, in some cases). However, it’s important to remember that cells are simply the smallest unit that can act by themselves. Cells are composed of many different subunits that work in harmony. Each of these different units—membranes, organelles, filaments, etc.—performs a unique function that facilitates life.

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When a specific organelle performs incorrectly, it can result in various diseases. For example, the following diseases are linked directly to specific cellular components:

Pompe Disease: characterized by excess accumulation of glycogen in muscle cells
Leigh Disease: progressive disorder of lesions (dead or dying cells) in the brain
Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy: wasting and weakness in muscles of the shoulders, upper arms, and calf muscles

What cellular components could each of these be connected to? Understanding how cellular components work can help you understand health issues related to cellular function.

Contributors and Attributions

Authored by: Shelli Carter and Lumen Learning. Provided by: Lumen Learning. License: CC BY: Attribution