Cell Concept Map Template

The concept of cells can be understood efficiently using a cell concept map. This article describes the cell and its types and evaluates the use of EdrawMind for concept maps.
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animals cells concept map

What is a Cell?

Towards the middle of the 19th century, English Scientist Robert Hooke discovered the basic unit of life - The Cell. A cell is the fundamental and structural building block of all living things. It can be perceived as an isolated chemical system wherein the chemistry of life takes place. Therefore, the chemical activity enclosed within a cell is separated from the external environment by a thin membrane.
The plasma membrane regulates exchanges between the cell and its environment, therefore acting as a selective barrier between the two. It is identified as partially permeable since it only allows certain concentrations of specific substances to enter or exit. This feature allows a regulated exchange of materials to take place between the cell and its external surroundings.
Enclosed within the cell surface membrane is a jelly-like aqueous substance called cytoplasm. Organelles within the cell are embedded in its cytoplasm. Each of these organelles has specialized functions that operate in a coordinated manner to perform tasks like DNA replication, protein synthesis, and respiration. The cytoplasm provides a suitable medium for these organelles to function in, and it also maintains the PH and water potential of the cell.
Cells also carry, preserve, process and replicate hereditary information, which enables them to carry out life processes. Genes carried by the cell contain information that determines a wide variety of essential aspects of the organism.

Types of Cells

Cells are divided into two major types, Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic. This classification is determined by the presence of membrane-bound organelles in the cell. Simple single-celled organisms like bacteria and archaea tend to be Prokaryotic, while complex multicellular organisms like plants and animals tend to be Eukaryotic.
  • Prokaryotic Cell
    Single-celled organisms with the absence of a definite nucleus and membranous organelles are referred to as Prokaryotes. Prokaryotic cells tend to be smaller and simpler, with a diameter of about 0.1 - 5.0μm. Although today only Bacteria and Archaea are classified as Prokaryotic, it is a widely held scientific belief that all life was originally based on Prokaryotic cells and has since evolved into a more complex type. Nonetheless, Prokaryotes still exist in abundance, making up a considerable portion of the earth's biomass.
    Prokaryotic cells have a simple structure as they are only based on four key components, Membrane, Cytoplasm, DNA, and Ribosomes. Since their DNA is not membranous, it is embedded in regions within the cytoplasm, called nucleoids. Other structures carried by Prokaryotes may include cell walls, capsules, pili, flagella, and plasmids. Prokaryotic microorganisms play an essential role in biotechnology; examples include E. coli Bacteria, Streptococcus Bacterium, and Lactobacillus Acidophilus.
  • Eukaryotic Cell
    The eukaryotic cell is classified by the presence of a nucleus and other membranous organelles like Mitochondria and Golgi apparatus. Eukaryotes are complex organisms with multiple organs and functional systems. Two major types of Eukaryotic cells are plant cells and animal cells. Although both contain a double membrane nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, there are certain features that differentiate the two.
    Plant cells are Eukaryotic cells that contain chloroplasts, cell walls, and large permanent central vacuoles, all of which are absent in animal cells. Animal cells, on the other hand, are eukaryotes that contain centrioles and small temporary vacuoles. The presence of membrane-bound organelles like mitochondria, a double membrane nuclear envelope, and endoplasmic reticulum make both plant and animal cells eukaryotes. Other examples of eukaryotes include protists and fungi.
  • Difference Between Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells
prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell difference

Cell Concept Map Templates

A cell concept map is an effective tool for understanding the mechanisms, features, and types of cells. The following is an evaluation of different Cell concept maps.
1. Eukaryotic Cells Concept Map
This Eukaryotic Cell concept map is a well-structured representation of the different features of a Eukaryotic cell. Different aspects are categorized in three suitable subheadings, "External," "Boundary," and "Internal''. Each subheading is further color-coded, distinguishing different concepts within the main idea.
2. Plant Cells and Animal Cells Concept Map
The ideas have been communicated in a simple and compact manner in this cell concept map. The two significant sub-topics, "Plant Cells" and "Animal Cells," have been written in color-coded rectangular boxes, while further subheadings describing their features are distributed in circular color-coded compartments. This clever use of both shapes and colors has simplified a complex concept in a clean manner for the reader to understand.
3. Plant Cells and Animal cells Concept Map (Detailed)
A detailed overview of the topic can be seen in this cell concept map, with several subheadings discussed under each main topic. This cell concept map begins with a clear distinction between two major concepts: "Animal Cells" and "Plant Cells." It further goes on to elaborate on their features, similarities, and differences using an intricately webbed chart with several arrows and corresponding descriptions.
4. Animal Cells Concept Map
This cell concept map gives a detailed overview of the features and operations of an animal cell. Three major components of the cell have been divided as "Nucleus," "Cytoplasm," and "Cell Membrane." Their roles and function have further been described using subcategories in a detailed chain of ideas.
Although a cell concept map is an efficient way to learn the complexities of a cell, it is not always easy to make. Here EdrawMind provides an elegant solution. As a mind map software, EdrawMind provides its users with innovative mind map templates promoting a conceptual flow of learning. Its advanced features, a wide variety of options, and state-of-the-art program make it the perfect platform to form and edit concept maps, share ideas, and draft outlines.

How to Create a Concept Map?

In this part, we will demonstrate how EdrawMind's pragmatic templates can be used to create a perfect cell concept map:
Step 1: Launch the App and Choose a Template
First, download EdrawMind from its website and launch the application on your device. Next, you will be directed to a window displaying a wide variety of template designs. Select one according to your needs.
choose your edrawmind template
Step 2: Insert Main Topics
Now you can start editing the template. Start by clicking on “Main Idea” and write your title for the cell concept map. Then press “Enter” to insert as many main topics as per your requirement. You can organize your main topics by clicking on one and pressing “Enter” or “Shift + Enter” to form a box above or below the main topic.
finalize main idea and topics
Step 3: Insert Concept Map Subtopics
Select the “Main Topic” and press the "Tab'' key to add as many subtopics as you need. The chain of subtopics can be extended by selecting a subtopic and pressing "Tab." This will linearly generate further subtopics to the chain.
add your subtopics
Step 4: Customize the Arrowheads
To modify the arrowheads, locate the “Branch” section on the right-side toolbar and click on the “Arrowhead” icon under it. A list showcasing different arrowheads will appear. Choose a design and click on it to apply.
change your arrowhead style
Step 5: Modify your Cell Concept Map
You can utilize features on the toolbar to modify your concept map. To apply a predesigned theme, click on the options below "Themes." To create your color scheme and background, explore the icons under "Background." The color and texture of the boxes and the background can be modified using these features.
customize your concept map style

Conclusion

After an in-depth review of cells and their structures, it can be concluded that a cell concept map is an elegant way to understand a concept of such complexity and detail. For this, EdrawMind is the perfect tool to create a well-balanced, effective, and easy-to-comprehend cell concept map.
EdrawMind's simple program makes it user-friendly for everyone without the need for special digital expertise. Furthermore, its connectivity and sharing options make it a convenient choice to record, develop and share ideas with the world. Finally, its wide variety of unique features allows users to customize their cell concept map as per their particular requirements.