Chap 1.ppt课件.pptVIP

Chapter 1 What is a Cell? By Benjamin Lewin 1.1 Introduction Cells arise only from preexisting cells. Every cell has genetic information whose expression enables it to produce all its components. The plasma membrane consists of a lipid bilayer that separates the cell from its environment. 1.2 Life began as a self-replicating structure The first living cell was a self-replicating entity surrounded by a membrane. 1.3 A prokaryotic cell consists of a single compartment The plasma membrane of a prokaryote surrounds a single compartment. The entire compartment has the same aqueous environment.