Source: Kaplan GED Test Prep 2022–2023 by Caren Van Slyke Authority Tier: Commercial Preparation (
TIER_3_COMMERCIAL) | License: Restricted Reference (RESTRICTED) Coverage: Chapter 2: Life Science (Pages 1130–1160) Curriculum Standard: High School Equivalency Preparation
Kaplan Reference: Chapter 2: Life Science
Lesson 1: Cell Structures and Functions
(Page 1130)
CHAPTER 2 Life Science Lesson 1: Cell Structures and Functions Key Ideas The basic unit of all living things is the cell, which carries out the life functions, including movement, growth, and reproduction. All cells have a cell membrane, cytoplasm, and genetic material. Unlike an animal cell, a plant cell contains a cell wall—a structure that gives the cell rigidity and shape. All living things are made of cells , the basic unit of life. Some organisms, like bacteria and protozoa, are unicellular —they consist of a single cell. Others, like plants and animals, are multicellular , consisting of many dif- ferent types of specialized cells. For example, humans have skin cells, blood cells, and nerve cells, to name just a few. All cells carry out the basic life functions: movement, growth, cell maintenance, reproduction, and the manufacture of specialized substances. Although cells differ widely in size and appearance, they all have basic