The art behind the science of the cell
Illustrated by Micah Gemeniano
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Illustrated by Micah Gemeniano
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A cell is the fundamental structural and functional unit of all living organisms, serving as the basic building block of life. These microscopic entities can be categorized into prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, with the latter possessing a distinct nucleus enclosed by a membrane. Cells exhibit remarkable diversity in structure and function, carrying out essential processes such as metabolism, growth, and reproduction. They house genetic material in the form of DNA, which orchestrates cellular activities and dictates an organism’s traits. Additionally, cells are equipped with various organelles, each with specific roles, contributing to the overall functionality of the cell. The intricate and coordinated interactions within cells enable the complex and dynamic nature of life processes, making them the foundation of biological systems.
According to the National Human Genome Research Institute (2024), The fundamental unit of living organisms is the cell, and they can be classified into two categories: eukaryotes and prokaryotes. Eukaryotic cells possess a nucleus and membrane-enclosed cytoplasmic structures called organelles such as mitochondria and chloroplast, organelles that are capable of providing energy to the cell. Whereas, prokaryotic cells do not have a nucleus and generally lack membrane-bound organelles. Plants and animals are composed of multiple eukaryotic cells, while certain microorganisms like bacteria and archaea consist of single cells. The human body, in adulthood, is thought to have a cell count ranging from 10 to 100 trillion.
In studying the cells for a long time, some interventions have arisen. One of them is the cellular rejuvenation. According to Ji et al. (2023), the revelation that epidermal cells can de-differentiate into stem cells and somatic cells can reprogram into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) challenges the notion of irreversible cell aging. Evidence suggests cellular senescence plays a key role in aging, hinting at the potential age reversal through senescence targeting. Various rejuvenation strategies, notable stem cell therapy, and dietary restriction have shown promising real-world results. These approaches to combat human aging, age-related diseases, and cancers are anticipated for the succeeding years, fostering optimism for clinical rejuvenation interventions. Consequently, this research shows us that by studying at a cellular level, we can prolong lifespan and address aging-related diseases.
References
Cell. National Human Genome Research Institute. (2024, January 24). https://www.genome.gov/genetics-glossary/Cell.
Ji, S., Xiong, M., Chen, H., Liu, Y., Zhou, L., Hong, Y., Wang, M., Wang, C., Fu, X., & Sun, X. (2023, March 14). Cellular rejuvenation: Molecular mechanisms and potential therapeutic interventions for diseases. Nature News. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41392-023-01343-5.