โ† All Science topics
Science ยท Topic 30 of 64

Cells

Cells are the tiny building blocks of all living things. Some living things, like bacteria, are just one cell.

๐Ÿ’ก Fun fact

Your body has trillions of cells.

All about Cells

A cell is the smallest unit of life. Cells are tiny building blocks that make up all living things. Your body has trillions of them, and each type of cell has a specific job, such as carrying oxygen or sending nerve signals.

Most cells have a membrane, cytoplasm and a nucleus that holds genetic information. Plant cells also have a cell wall and chloroplasts. Bacteria are single-celled organisms, so one cell is their whole body.

๐ŸŽฎ Try it yourself!

Loadingโ€ฆ

Real-life uses of Cells

  • Understanding how diseases affect the body
  • Growing new skin and bone after an injury
  • Making yeast bread rise, using yeast cells

Frequently asked questions about Cells

Who discovered cells?

Robert Hooke first described cells in 1665 after looking at cork through a microscope. The name came from the small rooms, or cells, he saw.

What is the difference between plant and animal cells?

Plant cells have a cell wall, chloroplasts and a large central vacuole. Animal cells do not have these parts.

Can you see cells without a microscope?

Usually not. Most cells are too small to see without magnification. Some eggs and plant tissues are large enough to see with the naked eye.