Cell Biology
Fall 2024
The Cells
Prof : Dr. Vincent Gagnon
Last class
Macromolecules
• I know there was a lot of info given in a short
time in the class on Macromolecules.
• Don’t worry, if you did not understand all of it!
• To help you, I’ll be giving a class in the lab
period on September 12th.
• During this class, we will go over the
macromolecules and you can ask questions
on any of the other classes ☺
Scared student
The Cells
New Class
• New class in the lab period on September 12th.
The cells
Study guide:
Topic References
Summarize the Cell Theory and list the key properties common to all cells,
including the three principles of cell theory and the three fundamental Chapter 4, section 4.1
components of a cell.
Draw, and/or label diagrams of typical plant and animal cells as seen
Chapter 4, section 4.3
through light and electron microscopes.
Draw and/or label a diagram of the components of a biological membrane
(phospholipids, membrane proteins, cholesterol, identity markers
Chapter 4, section 4.3
(glycolipid, glycoprotein), in the context of the fluid mosaic model, and
indicate the function of each.
Identify and/or provide a simple explanation or function of the various
cellular structures found within typical eukaryotic cells, including: nucleus,
nucleolus, nuclear membrane, nuclear pore, RER, SER, ribosomes, Chapter 4, section 4.3,
lysosomes, Golgi apparatus, peroxisome, chloroplast, mitochondrion, 4.4
centrosome, cytoskeleton, vacuole, vesicles, cell wall, cilia, flagella,
cytoplasm, cytosol
The Cells
Cell theory
1. All organisms are made of 1 or more cells.
2. Cells are smallest living things and basic unit of life.
3. Cells only arise by division from a pre-existing cell.
Mathias Schleiden Theodor Schwann
The Cells
• Cell is composed of 3 main parts:
1) Plasma Membrane
• Flexible outer surface.
• Separates cell’s internal
environment from its
external environment.
The Cells
• Cell is composed of 3 main parts:
1) Plasma Membrane
• Flexible outer surface.
• Separates cell’s internal
environment from its
external environment.
2) Nucleus*
• DNA contains all the
information of the cell is
surrounded by a membrane.
* in prokaryote there is no membrane, only a
circular DNA that is called nucleoid
The Cells
• Cell is composed of 3 main parts:
1) Plasma Membrane
• Flexible outer surface.
• Separates cell’s internal
environment from its
external environment.
2) Nucleus*
• DNA contains all the
information of the cell is
surrounded by a membrane.
3) Cytoplasm
• All parts inside the plasma membrane.
▪ Cytosol: liquid portion of cytoplasm
(water + solutes)
* in prokaryote there is no membrane, only a
▪ Organelles: biological machines. circular DNA that is called nucleoid
The Cells
Cell structure
• Cell is like a medieval city Library: Nucleus
Inside the wall: Cytoplasm Wall: Plasma Membrane
Cell membranes
Plasma Membrane
Cell membranes
Function:
• The plasma membrane encloses a cell
and separates its contents from its
surroundings.
• This separation permit to maintain a
stable chemistry inside the cell.
• Allow some substances to move into
and out of cell but stops others
(selective permeability).
• Transmits signals between intra and
extracellular spaces.
Cell membranes
Hydrophilic
Structure:
head
• Lipid bilayer (back to back layers made up of phospholipids).
fatty acid tails
Hydrophobic
Lipid
bilayer
Water
Water Water
Water
Cell membranes
Why cell membranes are important?
Living cells are encased within a lipid membrane, which permit the physical
separation between the inside of the cell, where biochemical reaction take place,
and the outside of the cell.
The plasma membrane
have selective permeability
where the cell can generally
control what goes in and Organelle
out. membranes
In addition, Eukaryotes
have organelles, which
membrane permit to
further compartmentalise
the biochemical reactions.
Plasma membrane
Cell membranes
Molecular constituents of the cell membrane
1) Phospholipid bilayer
Transmembrane protein
2) Protein:
Interior protein network
3) Surface markers (mainly carbohydrates)
Cell membranes
Membrane Structure
2) Proteins
• The fluid mosaic model by Singer and Nicolson 1976:
It’s a model of the plasma membrane, where the proteins are inserted into the lipid
bilayer, with their nonpolar segments in contact with the nonpolar interior of the bilayer
(fatty acids tails) and their polar portions protruding out from the membrane surface.
In this model, a mosaic of
proteins floats in or on the
fluid lipid bilayer.
Cell membranes
Membrane Structure
2) Proteins
• Integral membrane proteins: Are inserted into the phospholipid bilayer. An integral
protein that crosses the bilayer completely is called a
transmembrane protein.
Phospholipid
bilayer
Integral membrane proteins
Cell membranes
Membrane Structure
2) Proteins
• Integral membrane proteins: Are inserted into the phospholipid bilayer. An integral
protein that crosses the bilayer completely is called a
transmembrane protein
• Peripheral membrane proteins: Are attached to the surface of the phospholipid bilayer
or to an integral protein
Peripheral extracellular membrane protein
Phospholipid
bilayer
Peripheral intracellular
membrane protein
Integral membrane proteins
Cell membranes
Membrane Structure
2) Proteins
• Integral membrane proteins:
− Protein region, called a transmembrane domain, are
Hydrophilic
composed of hydrophobic amino acids, which anchor amino acids
the protein to the membrane, since the fatty acids of
the phospholipids are also hydrophobic.
− The integral membrane proteins are Hydrophobic
usually arranged into α-helices. amino acids
− Integral membrane
protein can also be
form of β sheet, which
form pore through the Hydrophilic
membrane. amino acids
α-helix
β sheet
Cell membranes
Membrane Structure
2) Proteins
1) Transporter 2) Enzyme 3) Cell-surface receptor
4) Cell-surface marker 5) Cell-to-cell adhesion 6) Attachment to the cytoskeleton
Cell membranes
Membrane Structure
2) Proteins
1) Transporter proteins: Out of the cell
Selectively transport molecules in and
out of the cell, thus the cell membrane is
said to be selectively permeable.
Plasma
membrane
In the cell
Cell membranes
Membrane Structure
2) Proteins
2) Enzymes: Protein involve in the catalytic reactions of chemical, lowering
the activation energy.
Cell membranes
Membrane Structure
2) Proteins
3) Cell surface receptors: detect chemical messages.
Example:
Insulin receptor is a protein Insulin
present at the membrane of
cell and detect the present
of the hormone insulin.
Insulin
receptor
Insulin hormone tell the cell
to take in sugar when there
is too much of it in the
blood.
Cell membranes
Membrane Structure
2) Proteins
4) Cell surface markers: Membranes have carbohydrates (usually oligosaccharides) on
the outer surface and permit to ID a cell type and self.
Phospholipids
Cell membranes
Membrane Structure
2) Proteins
4) Cell surface markers: Membranes have carbohydrates (usually oligosaccharides) on
the outer surface and permit to ID a cell type and self.
• Glycolipids:
Carbohydrate
Carbohydrate + lipid
Phospholipids
Glycolipid
Cell membranes
Membrane Structure
2) Proteins
4) Cell surface markers: Membranes have carbohydrates (usually oligosaccharides) on
the outer surface and permit to ID a cell type and self.
• Glycolipids:
Carbohydrate Carbohydrate
Carbohydrate + lipid Glycoprotein
Protein
• Glycoproteins:
Carbohydrate + protein Phospholipids
Glycolipid
Cell membranes
Membrane Structure
2) Proteins
4) Cell surface markers: Membranes have carbohydrates (usually oligosaccharides) on
the outer surface and permit to ID a cell type and self.
− For example, blood type are the presence of different oligosaccharides at the surface
of the red blood cells.
Cell membranes
Membrane Structure
2) Proteins
5) Cell-to-cell adhesion: bind cells together.
Cell membranes
Membrane Structure
2) Proteins
6) Attachment: anchor cells to the cytoskeleton and extracellular matrix.
Cell membranes
Plasma membrane structure
Nucleus
Nucleus
Library
Nucleus
Plasma Membrane
Nucleus
Function:
• Stores genetic material DNA (blueprint).
• “Information centre”.
• Contains nucleolus.
Nucleus
Function:
• Stores genetic material DNA (blueprint).
Where ribosome
• “Information centre”. are made ☺
• Contains nucleolus. Ribosome
• In eukaryotes, the DNA is divided
into multiple linear chromosomes.
Nucleus
Structure:
• Largest organelle in cell (round).
• Is surround by a nuclear envelope which is compose of two
phospholipid bilayer membranes.
• The outer layer of the nuclear envelope is connected to the Endoplasmic
Reticulum (ER).
• The nuclear pores allows ions and small molecules to diffuse freely,
while controlling the passage of proteins and RNA-protein complexes.
Ribosomes
Ribosome Library
Nucleus
Plasma Membrane
Ribosomes
• Function:
- Site of protein synthesis
- “Builder”
• Each ribosome is composed of two subunits,
each of which is composed of a combination of
RNA, called ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and proteins. Ribosomes subunit proteins
(purple) and rRNA (orange).
Ribosomes
• Made within the nucleus (nucleolus)
• Ribosome can be attached
to endoplasmic reticulum or
free in cytosol.
Ribosomes
Organelles
• Cell is like a medieval city
Organelles: All the building
Endomembrane system
• Series of membranes throughout the cytoplasm
(surround the organelles)
• Divides cell into compartments where different
cellular functions occur
• The presence of endomembrane is one of the
fundamental distinctions between eukaryotes
and prokaryotes
Endoplasmic Reticulum
Endoplasmic Reticulum
Ribosome Library
Rough Endoplasmic
Reticulum
Nucleus
Smooth Endoplasmic
Reticulum
Plasma Membrane
Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)
Structure:
• Network of folded membranes attached to the nucleus
Function:
• “Assembly line”
• Synthesis
• Intracellular transport
Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)
2 types of E.R.:
• Rough E.R.:
▪ Covered with ribosomes
▪ Involved in protein synthesis
▪ Proteins can be modified by the addition
of short-chain carbohydrates to form
glycoproteins.
▪ Those proteins bound for secretion are
separated from other products and
packaged into vesicles that move to the
Golgi for further modification and
packaging for export.
Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)
2 types of E.R.:
• Smooth E.R.:
▪ Has no ribosomes
▪ Involved in lipid and carbohydrate synthesis
▪ The majority of membrane lipids
are assembled in the smooth E.R.
▪ Store Ca2+ which keeps the
cytoplasmic level low, allowing Ca2+
to be used as a signaling molecule
(muscle contraction).
▪ Detoxification of foreign substances
(medication, drugs, alcohol, etc.)
Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)
Smooth E.R Rough E.R
Golgi Complex
Golgi Complex
Ribosome Library
Rough Endoplasmic
Reticulum
Vesicle Nucleus
Smooth Endoplasmic
Reticulum
Plasma Membrane
Golgi Complex
Ribosome Library
Rough Endoplasmic
Reticulum
Vesicle Nucleus
Golgi Complex
Smooth Endoplasmic
Reticulum
Plasma Membrane
Golgi Complex
Function:
• Collection, packaging and distribution
• Modify proteins and lipid
• Synthesized at one location (ex.: ER), receive
by the Golgi and send to another place within
the cell or even outside the cell
Golgi
Complex
Golgi Complex
Structure:
• Flattened membranes with bulging edges
• Cis face: Receiving side located
near the ER
• Trans face: Exit side where they are
discharged in secretory
vesicles
Electron microscope view
Golgi Complex
Modify proteins and lipid
• Glycoprotein: Addition of a polysaccharide to the protein
• Glycolipid: Addition of a polysaccharide to the phospholipid
Vesicles
Ribosome Library
Endocytosis Vesicle
Rough Endoplasmic
Reticulum
Exocytosis
Vesicle Nucleus
Vesicle Golgi Complex
Smooth Endoplasmic
Reticulum
Plasma Membrane
Vesicles
Structure:
• Small membrane sac made of
bilayer of phospholipid
Function:
• Transporting material within
the cell
• Transporting material in
and out of cell
Two types of transport:
• Endocytosis: importing
material into cell
• Exocytosis: exporting
material out of cell
Lysosomes and Peroxisomes
Ribosome Library
Lysosome
Endocytosis Vesicle
Rough Endoplasmic
Reticulum
Exocytosis
Vesicle Nucleus
Vesicle Golgi Complex
Smooth Endoplasmic
Reticulum
Plasma Membrane
Lysosomes
Structure:
• Small round vesicles
• Arise from the Golgi apparatus
Function:
• “Recycling truck” of cell.
• Contain digestive enzymes that can
breakdown proteins, nucleic acids,
lipids, and carbohydrates.
• They digest and remove old structures
and organelles.
• Recycle their component molecules,
allowing room for newly formed
organelles.
• The very low pH inside the lysosomes
activate the enzymes (thus important to
have a vesicle to not digest the entire
cell).
Peroxisomes
Structure:
• Similar to lysosome but smaller
Function:
• Oxidize fatty acids and some
amino acids
• Produce hydrogen peroxide as a
by-product of the activities of
oxidative enzymes
• Contain enzyme catalase, which
catalyzes the decomposition of
hydrogen peroxide into water
and oxygen
Mitochondria
CO2
ATP
Energy
Glucose
Mitochondria
Oxygène
Ribosome Library
Lysosome
Endocytosis Vesicle
Rough Endoplasmic
Reticulum
Exocytosis
Vesicle Nucleus
Vesicle Golgi Complex
Smooth Endoplasmic
Reticulum
Plasma Membrane
Mitochondria
Structure:
• Rode shaped (size of a bacteria)
• Have two phospholipid bilayer membranes
• Outer membrane.
• Intermembrane space.
• Inner membrane shaped into folds called cristae.
• Matrix (most inner part)
Function:
• “Powerhouse of cell”
• Generate ATP (energy
currency of cell)
• Uses oxygen and
glucose for energy
• Produces CO2 & H20
Cytoskeleton
Structure:
• Network of protein fibers
found in all eukaryotic cells
Function:
• Supports the shape of the cell
• Keeps organelles in fixed
locations
Red : Actin filament
Green : microtubules
Blue : DNA
Cytoskeleton
Structure:
• Network of protein fibers
found in all eukaryotic cells
Function:
• Supports the shape of the cell
• Keeps organelles in fixed
locations
Three Types of fibers
1. Actin filaments (Microfilaments)
2. Microtubules
3. Intermediate filaments
Cilia and Flagella
The city as a cell example breakdown for the for the cilia and flagella... Since a city
don’t move! But you could say that the cilia and flagella are like the propulsion of
a spaceship.
Cilia and Flagella (Eukaryote)
Function:
• Both used for motion
Flagellum: longer than cilia, few of them
• Example: in humans only found in the
tail of sperm [Link]
Flagella of a sperm
Cilia: shorter than flagellum, more of them
• Example: - Uterine tubes: move egg
- Respiratory system: move mucus
- Protist like paramecia
Flagellum of green alga
Cilia paramecia
Cilia of epithelial cells
of the lungs
Centrosome
Structure:
• Two centrioles arranged
perpendicular to each
Centrioles
other
Function:
• Moves chromosomes to
ends of cell during cell
division
Centrosome
Centriole
Plant cell
Special Structure:
• Central vacuole
• Cell wall
• Chloroplast
• No centrioles
Plant cell
Vacuole
Function:
• Storage sugar, ions and
pigment
• Storage of waste
• Can also function as
lysosomes
• Involve in the water balance
Plant cell
Vacuole
Structure:
• Plasma membrane surrounding the
vacuole is called the tonoplast
because it contains channels for
water that are used to help the cell
maintain its tonicity, or osmotic
balance
Chloroplast
Structure:
• Organelles present in cells of
plants and some other eukaryotes
• Surrounded by two membranes
• Contain chlorophyll for
photosynthesis
• Thylakoids are membranous sacs
within the inner membrane
• Have their own DNA and
ribosomes