Cell - Organelles, Structure, Functions and Types
1. Cell Overview
A cell is the fundamental unit of life. It includes the plasma membrane, cytoplasm, and nucleus (in eukaryotes).
Organelles are membrane-bound compartments that perform specialized cellular functions.
2. Major Organelles in Eukaryotes
Nucleus
Double-membrane with nuclear pores. Contains DNA. Functions: gene regulation, transcription, replication. Eukaryotic
only.
Ribosomes
Non-membrane. Made of rRNA and protein. Site of protein synthesis. Found in all cells.
Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)
Rough ER (with ribosomes): protein synthesis. Smooth ER: lipid/steroid synthesis, detox. Eukaryotic only.
Golgi Apparatus
Stack of cisternae. Modifies and packages proteins/lipids. Eukaryotic only.
Mitochondria
Double membrane with cristae. Produces ATP. Regulates metabolism. Eukaryotic only.
Lysosomes & Peroxisomes
Lysosomes digest waste. Peroxisomes detoxify harmful substances. Eukaryotic only.
Vacuoles & Vesicles
Storage and transport. Vacuoles prominent in plants. Eukaryotic only.
Cell - Organelles, Structure, Functions and Types
Cytoskeleton
Network of filaments. Maintains shape, aids movement. Present in both types of cells.
3. Organelles in Plant Cells
Chloroplasts: Photosynthesis using chlorophyll. Cell Wall: Rigid cellulose-based layer for support. Only in plant cells
(eukaryotic).
4. Prokaryotic Cells
Lack membrane-bound organelles. DNA present in a nucleoid. Have simplified cytoskeletal proteins like FtsZ.
5. Summary Table
| Organelle | Structure Summary | Function | Found in
|
|------------------------|--------------------------------|----------------------------------|-----------------
--|
| Nucleus | Double membrane, pores | DNA storage, transcription | Eukaryotes only
|
| Ribosomes | rRNA + proteins | Protein synthesis | Both
|
| ER (Rough/Smooth) | Membrane network | Protein/lipid synthesis | Eukaryotes only
|
| Golgi Apparatus | Stacked cisternae | Modify/package proteins/lipids | Eukaryotes only
|
| Mitochondria | Double membrane, cristae | ATP production | Eukaryotes only
|
| Lysosomes/Peroxisomes | Vesicles with enzymes | Digest/detoxify | Eukaryotes only
|
| Vacuoles/Vesicles | Fluid-filled or small vesicles | Storage, transport | Eukaryotes only
|
| Cytoskeleton | Filaments/tubules | Shape, movement | Both
|
| Chloroplasts/Cell Wall | Plastids / rigid cellulose | Photosynthesis / support | Plants only
|
| Nucleoid | Irregular DNA region | Genetic material | Prokaryotes only
|
6. Tips to Remember
- Eukaryotes have membrane-bound organelles; prokaryotes do not.
Cell - Organelles, Structure, Functions and Types
- Mitochondria = powerhouse; Chloroplast = photosynthesis.
- ER to Golgi to vesicles = Protein processing line.
- Cytoskeleton = cell shape and movement.
