Cell Structure
& Function
Biology part of coc
exam
[Link]
Objective
• Describe definition of cell
• Describe type of cell
• Explain cell organelles and their
functions
• .
Definition of Cell
A cell is the smallest unit that is
capable of performing life functions.
• Smallest functional units of the body
• Grouped together to form tissues, each having a
specialized function, [Link], muscle, bone.
• Different tissues are grouped together to form
organs, e.g. heart, stomach,brain.
• Organs are grouped together to form systems,
that perform particular function that maintains
homeostasis and contributes to the health of the
individual. E.g. digestive system, cardiovascular
system.
• A cell consists of a cell (plasma) membrane inside
which a nucleus and cytoplasm surrounding the
nucleus is present
• Organelles are small organs of the cell embedded
in the cytoplasm.
• Have individual and highly specialized functions
• Organelles are enclosed in their own membrane
within the cytoplasm.
• Individual cells are too small to be seen through
the naked eye.
Two Types of Cells
•Prokaryotic
•Eukaryotic
Prokaryotic
• Do not have
structures
surrounded by
membranes
• Few internal
structures
• One-celled
organisms, Bacteria
[Link]
Eukaryotic
• Contain organelles surrounded by membranes
• Most living organisms
Plant Animal
[Link]
“Typical” Animal Cell
[Link]
Cell Parts
Organelles
Organelles
• Cell Membrane
• Nucleus
• Endoplasmic reticulum
• Golgi complex
• Mitochondria
• Lysosomes
• Microfilaments and microtubules
• Vesicles
Cell membrane
• Outer membrane of cell that controls
movement in and out of the cell
• Isolate the cell’s contents from the external
environment
• Regulate traffic in and out of the cell
• Communicate with other cells
The phospholipid bilayer
• It consist of 2 layers of phospholipids with
protein and sugar molecules embedded with in
them
• Impermeable to water-soluble and polar
molecules, ions
• Permeable to small and nonpolar molecules
• Lipids oriented with polar heads facing out
• Cell membrane protects the cytoplasm and the organelles
present in the cytoplasm
• Cell membrane acts as a semipermeable membrane, which
allows only some substances to pass through it and acts as
a barrier for other substances
• Nutrients are absorbed into the cell through the cell
membrane
• Metabolites and other waste products from the cell are
excreted out through the cell membrane
• Oxygen enters the cell from the blood and carbon dioxide
leaves the cell
Inside the Cell
Cytoplasm
• Cytoplasm of the cell is the jellylike material formed by 8o% of
water.
• It contains a clear liquid portion called cytosol and various
particles of different shape and size.
• These particles are proteins, carbohydrates, lipids or electrolytes
in nature.
• Cytoplasm contains many organelles with distinct structure and
function.
• Cytoplasm is made up of two zones:
• Ectoplasm: Peripheral part of cytoplasm, situated just beneath the
cell
membrane
• Endoplasm: Inner part of cytoplasm, interposed
Organelles
• Nucleus
• Mitochondria
• Ribosomes
• Endoplasmic reticulum
• Golgi apparatus
• Lysosomes
• Peroxisome
• cytoskeleton
Nucleus
• Every cell has a nucleus (except matured erythrocyte).
• Nucleus is the largest organelle inside a nuclear envelope
(10-20micron)
• Nucleus contains body's genetic material (gene)
• The cells with nucleus are called
• • eukaryotes - cell with nucleus
.Prokaryote - cell without nucleus
• • Nucleolus is present within the nucleus which involves
in the
manufacture or synthesis and assembly of the
components of ribosomes.
Nucleus
• Directs cell activities
• Separated from cytoplasm by nuclear
membrane
• Contains genetic material - DNA
Nuclear Membrane
• Surrounds nucleus
• Made of two layers
• Openings allow material
to enter and leave
nucleus
[Link]
Chromosomes
• In nucleus
• Made of DNA
• Contain instructions for
traits & characteristics
[Link]
Nucleolus
Inside nucleus
• Contains RNA to build
proteins
[Link]
Endoplasmic Reticulum
• Moves materials around in cell
• Interconnecting membranous Endoplasmic
Reticulum canals in the cytoplasm
• Two types of; endoplasmic reticulum
• Smooth type: lacks ribosomes, synthesizes lipids
and steroid hormones
• Rough type : ribosomes embedded in its surface
and are site of protein synthesis
[Link]
ribosomes
• Tiny granules composed of RNA and
protein
• Present on the outer surface of the
nuclear envelope and rough
endoplasmic reticulum
• Make proteins for use within the cell
such as enzymes required for
metabolism
Mitochondria
• Produces energy through
chemical reactions – breaking
down fats & carbohydrates
• Controls level of water and
other materials in cell
• Recycles and decomposes
proteins, fats, and
carbohydrates
[Link]
• Mitochondria are membranous, sausage-
shaped structures in the cytoplasm
• It is called as power house of the cell
• Involves in aerobic respiration (energy is
made available in cel) by synthesizing ATP
• Most active cell types have the greater number
of mitochondria
• e.g. liver, muscle
Golgi Bodies
• Protein 'packaging
• Move materials within
the cell
• Move materials out of
the cell
[Link]
GB
• Consists of stacks of closely folded flattened
membranous sacs
• Proteins move from ER to GA where they
are packed into membrane-bound vesicles
called secretory granules.
• These vesicles move to the plasma
membranes and fuse with it, when in need
• The contents then leave the cell by
exocytosis
Lysosome
• Digestive for proteins, fats,
and carbohydrates
• Transports undigested
material to cell membrane
for removal
• Cell breaks down if
lysosome explodes
[Link]
• Type of secretory vesicle with membranous
walls formed by GA.
• Contain a variety of enzymes involved in
breaking down fragments of organelles and
large moleculs (RNA, DNA, carbohydrates,
proeins) inside the cell in to smaller particle
• Lysosomes in WBC contain enzymes that
digest foreign
material such as microbes
