Cell – Structure and Function
Detailed Notes, Important Points & Diagrams
These notes contain detailed explanations of important topics from the chapter Cell – Structure and Function
including organelles, biomolecules, mitosis, meiosis, comparisons, and labelled diagrams for revision and board
preparation.
1. Plant Cell and Animal Cell
Plant Cell Animal Cell
Vacuole
Nucleus Nucleus
Plant Cell Animal Cell
Cell wall present Cell wall absent
Large vacuole Small vacuole
Plastids present No plastids
Fixed shape Irregular shape
Centrioles absent Centrioles present
2. Plasma Membrane (Fluid Mosaic Model)
• Plasma membrane is selectively permeable.
• Made of lipids and proteins.
• Proposed by Singer and Nicolson.
• Controls movement of substances in and out of the cell.
• Transport methods: diffusion, osmosis and active transport.
Protein Molecule
Phospholipid Bilayer
3. Cell Organelles
Mitochondria – Site of cellular respiration and ATP production. Known as the powerhouse of the cell.
Chloroplast – Present in green plants. Site of photosynthesis.
Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) – Internal transport system of the cell.
• Rough ER → protein synthesis
• Smooth ER → lipid synthesis
Golgi Body – Packaging and secretion of substances.
Ribosomes – Site of protein synthesis.
Lysosomes – Suicidal bags containing digestive enzymes.
Mitochondrion Chloroplast
Golgi Body
4. Biomolecules
Living cells contain different biomolecules that help in growth, energy production and regulation. Carbohydrates –
Main source of energy.
Proteins – Structural components and enzymes.
Lipids – Long-term energy storage.
Nucleic Acids – DNA and RNA; genetic material.
Vitamins – Required for healthy growth.
Hormones – Chemical messengers controlling activities.
Biomolecule Important Function
Carbohydrates Provide energy
Proteins Enzymes and structure
Lipids Energy storage
DNA / RNA Genetic material
Vitamins Metabolism and growth
Hormones Regulation and coordination
5. Nucleus
The nucleus is the control center of the cell. Functions: • Controls cellular activities
• Contains hereditary material (DNA)
• Helps in cell division
• Produces ribosomes through nucleolus
Nucleus
Nucleolus
6. Cell Cycle and Mitosis
The cell cycle consists of: • G1 Phase – Growth
• S Phase – DNA replication
• G2 Phase – Preparation for division
• M Phase – Cell division Mitosis occurs in somatic cells and produces two identical daughter cells.
Prophase Metaphase Anaphase Telophase
Importance of Mitosis
• Growth
• Tissue repair
• Replacement of old cells
• Asexual reproduction
7. Meiosis
Meiosis is reduction division that reduces chromosome number from diploid (2n) to haploid (n). Important stages of
Prophase-I: • Leptotene
• Zygotene (synapsis)
• Pachytene (crossing over)
• Diplotene
• Diakinesis
Mitosis Meiosis
One division Two divisions
Produces 2 cells Produces 4 cells
No crossing over Crossing over occurs
Chromosome number same Chromosome number reduced
Growth and repair Gamete formation
Most Important Exam Notes
• Mitochondria = Powerhouse of the cell
• Ribosomes = Protein factories
• Lysosomes = Suicidal bags
• Chloroplast = Site of photosynthesis
• Meiosis creates genetic variation
• Crossing over occurs during Pachytene stage