The Cell: Structure and Function

Syllabus tag: KCSE | Biology | Form 1 | Topic 3 The Cell

Lesson objectives

By the end of this topic, you should be able to:

• Identify the parts of a light microscope and state their functions.
• Calculate magnification and prepare a temporary slide.
• Describe the structure and function of cell organelles.
• Compare plant and animal cells and make biological drawings.

Summary

The cell is the basic unit of life. Cells are too small to see unaided, so a light microscope is used, and its total magnification is the eyepiece magnification multiplied by the objective magnification. Inside the cell, each organelle has a specific function. Plant and animal cells share most organelles, but three — cell wall, chloroplasts and a large permanent vacuole — occur only in plant cells.