Where do cells come from

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The Origins of Cells: A Comprehensive Overview

Introduction to Cell Theory and Origins

The fundamental concept of cell theory, established by Theodor Schwann in 1839, posits that the cell is the basic structural unit of all living organisms. This theory was later expanded by Rudolf Virchow, who asserted that all cells arise from pre-existing cells, encapsulated in the phrase "omni cellula e cellula" 310. This principle underscores the continuity of life through cellular replication.

Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells

Cells are broadly categorized into two types: prokaryotic and eukaryotic. Prokaryotic cells, which lack a nucleus, are found in bacteria and archaea. Eukaryotic cells, which possess a nucleus, are found in animals, plants, fungi, and protists . The origin of the eukaryotic cell nucleus is particularly fascinating, with evidence suggesting it resulted from a symbiotic relationship between an archaeon and a eubacterium. This symbiosis led to the archaeal genes dominating nucleus-related functions, while bacterial genes contributed to cytoplasmic functions .

The First Cells: From Protocells to Living Cells

The question of where the very first cells came from delves into the realm of prebiotic chemistry. The transition from non-living protocells to living cells is thought to involve self-organized prebiotic macromolecules, such as peptides, which formed cell-like structures capable of evolving into living cells. This process preserved the fundamental physical properties necessary for life, bridging the gap between non-living and living matter .

Cell Culture and Isolation

In modern biology, cell culture techniques are essential for studying cells. However, to culture cells, one must first isolate them from their natural sources. While repositories like the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) are valuable, cells are primarily obtained from organisms. Techniques for preparing and isolating cells from their true sources are crucial for various biological studies 12.

Development and Differentiation

All cells in multicellular organisms originate from a single cell, the zygote. Through the process of cell differentiation, this single cell gives rise to various cell types that form tissues and organs. This differentiation is essential for the development of complex organisms, with cells specializing to perform specific functions .

Stem Cells and Regeneration

Stem cells play a pivotal role in the development and regeneration of tissues. For instance, T cells in the thymus derive from hematopoietic stem cells in the bone marrow. These progenitor cells migrate to the thymus, where they differentiate into T cells . Similarly, in regenerative systems like planaria and Hydra, specific precursor cells migrate to sites of injury to facilitate tissue regeneration .

Cloning and Synthetic Biology

Advancements in cloning and synthetic biology have challenged traditional views on cell origin. Techniques such as somatic-cell nuclear transfer allow the creation of new viable cells by combining acellular components. This has led to the development of cloned embryos and the potential for creating human-animal embryonic stem cells, though these practices raise ethical and biological concerns .

Conclusion

The study of cell origins encompasses a wide range of scientific disciplines, from evolutionary biology to modern biotechnology. Understanding where cells come from not only provides insights into the fundamental processes of life but also opens up new possibilities for medical and scientific advancements. The continuity of life through cellular replication, the symbiotic origins of eukaryotic cells, and the potential of stem cells and cloning technologies all highlight the dynamic and interconnected nature of cellular biology.

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Most relevant research papers on this topic

Preparation and Isolation of Cells

Chapter 1 describes the techniques of cell culture, but, of course, to culture cells one must have cells. Many cell biologists, if asked where cells come from, would probably give the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) as their answer. As important as such repositories are as a resource, cells really come from organisms, and Chapter 2 deals with the preparation and isolation of cells from their true source.

2004·

7citations

·J. Harford

Preparation and Isolation of Cells

Cells are prepared and isolated from their true source, which is often a specific organism, using various techniques and methods.

2006·

1citation

·J. Harford

Cell theory, intrinsically disordered proteins, and the physics of the origin of life.

The first protocells may have been formed on the basis of intrinsically disordered peptides, preserving the continuity of fundamental physical properties between protocells and living cells.

2019·

27citations

·Vladimir Vasilievich Matveev

From Cells to Tissues

Cells, the smallest structural and functional unit in the human body, form tissues, which assemble into organs, which finally group into organ systems. Cells consist of two main compartments, the nucleus and the cytoplasm. All cells originate from a single cell, the zygote. During development of the cells, multiple diverse cell types are developed through cell differentiation. Tissues are categorized into four basic types: epithelial tissue, connective tissue, muscle tissue, and nerve tissue.

2017·

1citation

·A. Rehfeld et al.

Where the nucleus comes from.

The nucleus of eukaryotic cells is of archaeal origin, while the cytoplasm is of bacterial origin, suggesting a symbiosis between Archaea and bacteria.

2001·

4citations

·T. Misteli

Many of the IgA producing plasma cells in murine gut are derived from self-replenishing precursors in the peritoneal cavity.

The peritoneal cavity contains a major reservoir of self-replenishing cells that play a significant role in the mucosal immune response, potentially belonging to the Ly-1 B lineage.

Non-RCTAnimal StudyHighly Cited

1989·

366citations

·F. Kroese et al.

From stem cell to T cell: one route or many?

Different bone-marrow progenitors contribute to T-cell development, but only those able to migrate to and settle in the thymus are considered physiological T-cell progenitors.

Highly Cited

2006·

150citations

·A. Bhandoola et al.

All good cells come from cells

Human-animal cloned embryos (h-aCLEs) may not provide faithful models for human-human cloning, and their potential for use in research models for efficient human cloning raises ethical concerns.

2008·

1citation

·J. Sherley

Origins of Cells in Regenerating Systems

Regenerating cells in various systems have varied origins, with some systems relying on neoblasts, others on satellite cells, and others on cellular precursors.

2007·

2citations

·B. Carlson

Understanding Cell Biology

Cell biology is the study of cells, which are the structural and functional units of all living organisms, and their role in maintaining life and cellular functions.

2019·

1citation

·Prem Swaroop Adhikarla et al.

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