The main difference between cell and corpuscles is that cell is the basic structural and functional unit of life forms, whereas corpuscles are the most common type of blood cells in vertebrates.
Cells and corpuscles are two types of components that occur in the body. Generally, they have structural and functional units. Each type of cell contains a cell membrane that encloses organelles and biomolecules.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is a Cell
– Definition, Structure, Function
2. What are Corpuscles
– Definition, Structure, Function
3. Similarities Between Cell and Corpuscles
– Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Cell and Corpuscles
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms
Cell, Corpuscles
What is Cell
A cell is the smallest structural and functional unit of an organism. Cells were first discovered by Robert Hooke in 1665. Generally, cells are microscopic. Some organisms are unicellular, and others are multicellular. In unicellular organisms, all the functions of living organisms, such as growth, development, and reproduction, are carried out by a single cell. All cells develop from the pre-existing cell either by mitosis or meiosis. The four main components of a cell are the cell membrane, cytoskeleton, genetic material, and organelles.
Figure 1: Bacterial Cell
Furthermore, there are two main types of cells based on their organization. They are prokaryotic cells and eukaryotic cells. Prokaryotic cells, such as that in bacteria and archaea, are typically unicellular and self-sufficient in the environment. Some prokaryotic cells are composed of a cell wall, capsule, flagella, and pili. Many of the eukaryotic cells are multicellular and are organized into different tissue types, performing specialized functions in the body. Prokaryotic cells lack membranous organelles, while eukaryotic cells comprise membranous organelles such as nuclei, mitochondria, plastids, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, ribosomes, and lysosomes. Each organelle performs a unique function in the cell.
What are Corpuscles
Corpuscles are the type of cells found in the blood of animals, differentiating into the transport of gases. “Erythrocytes” and “red blood cells” are other names for corpuscles. The diameter of corpuscles is around 6 µm; this size enables them to squeeze through small blood capillaries in the body. In addition, corpuscles are the most common type of cells in the blood. Generally, there are around 4 to 6 million cells per cubic millimeter of blood. Normally, the lifetime of blood is 120 days. Macrophages in the spleen and liver are responsible for clearing off old blood cells from the system.
Figure 2: Red Blood Cells
Moreover, the process which produces RBCs is called “erythropoiesis.” By erythropoiesis, 2 to 3 million RBCs are produced and released into circulation by the bone marrow. Mature RBCs of mammals do not contain a nucleus as a differentiation for the efficient transport of oxygen by storing more hemoglobin inside the RBC. The biconcave shape of the cells also increases the ability to transport more oxygen by increasing the surface area for the diffusion of oxygen per RBC. In contrast, non-mature mammals like fish and birds contain a nucleus in their RBCs. Anemia occurs due to the reduced levels of hemoglobin in RBCs in the circulatory system. Genetic defects in hemoglobin also form disease conditions like sickle cell anemia.
Similarities Between Cell and Corpuscles
- Cells and corpuscles are two types of components that occur in the body.
- They contain cell organelles and biomolecules, including DNA, RNA, proteins, and carbohydrates.
- They carry out different functions inside the cell.
Difference Between Cell and Corpuscles
Definition
Cell refers to the smallest structural and functional unit of an organism, which is typically microscopic and consists of cytoplasm and a nucleus enclosed in a membrane, while corpuscles refer to a minute body or cell in an organism, especially a red or white cell in the blood of vertebrates.
Significance
The cell is the basic structural and functional unit of life forms, while corpuscles are the most common type of blood cell in vertebrates.
Importance
A cell is the basic unit of life, while corpuscles occur in the blood.
Proliferation
Moreover, cells undergo proliferation, while corpuscles do not undergo proliferation.
Structure
A cell contains a cell membrane, cell organelles, and biomolecules inside the cell, while corpuscles contain flexible, biconcave disks.
Function
Furthermore, a cell undergoes various tasks within the cell, such as protein synthesis, DNA replication, metabolism, and motility, while corpuscles deliver oxygen to the tissues of the body.
Conclusion
In brief, cells and corpuscles are two types of components that occur in the body. Generally, the cell is the basic structural and functional unit of the body. In general, our body consists of multiple cells. These cells also undergo proliferation. Cells contain cell membranes, cell organelles, and biomolecules inside the cells, such as proteins, carbohydrates, DNA, RNA, and lipids. In fact, the main function of the cell is to undergo various tasks, including protein synthesis, DNA replication, metabolism, and motility. On the other hand, corpuscles occur in the blood, freely floating. Generally, they are flexible, biconcave disks that deliver oxygen to the tissues of the body. However, the main difference between cell and corpuscles is their structure and function.
References:
- “Cell biology.” Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation
- “Red Blood Cell.” Wikimedia. Wikimedia Foundation
Image Courtesy:
- “Prokaryote cell” By Materialscientist – Own work (CC By-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia
- “Redbloodcells” By Mrmw – Own Work (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia
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