The cell is the basic unit of life. Some organisms are made up of a single cell, like bacteria, while others are made up of trillions of cells. Human beings are made up of cells, too.
Different Types of Cells
There are lots of different types of cells. Each type of cell is different and performs a different function. In the human body, we have nerve cells which can be as long as from our feet to our spinal cord. Nerve cells help to transport messages around the body. We also have billions of tiny little brain cells which help us think and muscle cells which help us move around.
There are many more cells in our body that help us to function and stay alive.
Although there are lots of different kinds of cells, they are often divided into two main categories:
Parts of the Cell
There are a lot of parts and functions to some cells. Here are some of the main components many cells have:
Fun Facts about cells
They were discovered by the scientist Robert Hooke.
One of the largest known cells is the ostrich egg which can weigh over three pounds.
When many cells of the same kind are together in a group, it's call tissue.
The word cell comes from the Latin word cellula, which means small compartment.
Humans actually carry more bacteria cells than human cells.