Cell Structures and Functions
1) Cell Wall
• Present around the outside of plant cells.
• It is a tough, non-living layer made of cellulose, surrounding the cell membrane.
Function:
• Freely and fully permeable, allowing water and dissolved substances to pass through.
• Prevents plant cells from bursting when they take up more water by osmosis.
2) Cell Membrane
• Outermost limiting membrane in animal cells, surrounding the cytoplasm.
• Present next to the cell wall in plant cells.
• Made mostly of phospholipids and is partially permeable.
Function:
• Selectively permeable, controlling what substances enter and leave the cell.
• Prevents cell contents from escaping.
• Allows oxygen, food, and water to enter while wastes leave.
3) Cytoplasm
• A jelly-like fluid containing organelles and particles.
• Enclosed by the cell membrane, it contains water, salts, and dissolved nutrients.
Function:
• Site of chemical reactions.
• Contains cell organelles, e.g., mitochondria, nucleus, ribosomes, and rough endoplasmic
reticulum.
4) Nucleus (Nuclei - Plural)
• Spherical in shape, made of a double membrane with nuclear pores for the exchange of
substances.
• Inside the nucleus are thread-like structures called chromosomes, made of DNA and
proteins.
Function:
• Controls the type and quantity of proteins to be synthesized.
• Regulates cell division, cell activities, and chemical changes (development).
5) Chloroplasts
• Disc-like cell organelles present in the cytoplasm of plant cells.
• Contain green pigments called chlorophyll and are made of double membranes.
Function:
• Absorb light energy to convert CO₂ and water into glucose through photosynthesis.
• Convert light energy into chemical energy.
6) Mitochondria (Singular: Mitochondrion)
• Rod-like organelles seen as circular or oval in section.
• Observed under high-power electron microscope.
• Made of a double membrane. the inner membrane has many finger-like foldings, increasing
the surface area for enzyme reactions.
Function:
• Site of aerobic respiration, releasing energy.
• Known as the 'Powerhouse of the Cell'.
• Metabolically active cells (e.g., liver, muscle) contain more mitochondria.
7) Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (RER) and Ribosomes
• RER is a network of flattened sacs surrounded by membrane, linked with the outer nuclear
membrane.
• The membrane holds ribosomes on the surface, giving it a rough appearance.
• Ribosomes can also be found freely in the cytoplasm and are visible under an electron
microscope at higher magnification.
Function:
• Produces, transports, and stores proteins.
• Ribosomes are the site of protein synthesis.
8) Vacuole
• Most plant cells have a large, central, permanent, fluid-filled space called the vacuole.
• It contains cell sap, a watery solution of sugars, salts, and sometimes pigments, and is
surrounded by a membrane.
• Animal cells may have small, temporary vacuoles.
Function:
• Provides outward pressure on the cytoplasm and cell wall, helping maintain plant cell
firmness.
• Helps to provide shape to plant cells.
