CELL STRUCTURE
All cells share general structures
All cells have tree main regions
Table 1- Major parts of the cell and its functions.
Cell Part Function
Cell Membrane The outer membrane of most cells that controls the movement
of substances and out of the cell. It is described as a Fluid
Mosaic Model
Double Phospholipid Layer
Hydrophilic head (water loving)
Hydrophobic tail (water fearing)
Membrane Protein
Peripheral proteins are attached on the surface (inner
or outer)
Integral proteins are embedded completely through the
membrane.
Cytoplasm It is the material outside the nucleus and inside the plasma
membrane. Made up of jelly substance called Cytosol. All the
chemical processes happen here.
Nucleus Known as the brain of the cell, a membrane-bound part of the
cell that directs all activities and contains the genetic material-
DNA
Regions of Nucleus
Nucleus envelope (membrane)
Barrier of the nucleus
Consists of a double membrane
Contains nuclear pores that allow for exchange of
material with the rest of the cell
Nucleoli
Nucleus contains one or more nucleoli
Sites of ribosome assembly
Ribosomes migrate into the cytoplasm through nuclear
pores
Chromatin
Composed of DNA and protein
Present when the cell is not dividing
Scattered throughout the nucleus
Condenses to form chromosomes when the cell
divides
Chromosomes
Nucleoproteins that bear genetic code.
Most eukaryotes have between 10-50
chromosomes
Table 2- Other parts of the cell and its functions.
Cell Part Function
Cell Wall Most commonly found in plant cells, fungal cells and bacteria
for support and protection. In kingdom plantae, it is made of
cellulose, in kingdom fungi, it is made of chitin, in kingdom
bacteria, it is made of peptidoglycan, and in kingdom
archaebacteria, it is made of s-layered protein and lacks
peptidoglycan.
Rough Ribosome embedded structure that serves as a pathway and
Endoplasmic modification of protein.
Reticulum
Smooth Site for synthesis of lipids, steroid hormones, the detoxification
Endoplasmic of harmful metabolic substances and the storage and
Reticulum metabolism of calcium.
Golgi Modifies and packages protein
Bodies/Apparatu Produces different types of packages like, Secretory vesicles,
s Cell membrane component and lysosomes.
Ribosomes Ribosomes are produced in the nucleolus of the cell. Reads
RNA and synthesize proteins.
2 types
Free ribosomes
Located in the cytoplasm of the cell.
Not attached to any structure, but they may group
together with other ribosomes for form polysomes.
Produce proteins that are used by the cell, this includes
proteins that are used for the metabolism of food and
enzymes involved in the metabolism of glucose.
Bound ribosomes
Located on the surface of the endoplasmic reticulum.
Cannot move to other areas of the cell.
They are attached to the cytosolic side of the
endoplasmic reticulum.
Produce proteins that are transported out of the cell
which includes proteins that are required for a specific
function, such as digestive enzymes.
Also produce polypeptide hormones. A few proteins
produced by bound ribosomes are used in the cell
membrane and on the outer surface of the cell. Surface
receptors and cell signaling proteins are produced by
bound ribosomes.
Mitochondria “Powerhouses” of the cell. All mitochondria are inherited from
the mother. Change shape continuously
Carry out reactions where oxygen is used to break own food
Provides ATP for cellular energy
Centrioles Rod- shaped bodies made of microtubes
Direct the formation of mitotic spindle during cell division
Lysosomes Contain enzyme lysozymes that digest worn-out or non-usable
materials within the cell. AKA suicidal bag of the cell since it is
responsible for breaking down the cell if the cell undergoes
apoptosis.
Peroxisomes Exist as small vesicle containing digestive enzyme to break
down toxic materials. They carry oxidative enzymes that require
oxygen. They can also absorb nutrients that had been acquired
by the cell.
Vacuole Membrane-bound sac performing functions such as storage,
ingestion, digestion, excretion, and expulsion of excess water.
Contains water solution and helps plants maintain shape. In
plants, the vacuole takes up about 80-90% of the volume, thus
being the largest cell organelle in a plant cell.
Note: The largest cell organelle, in general, is considered to be
the nucleus.
Plastids Membrane bound organelles found in the cytoplasm of the
plants and photosynthetic protists.
They are classified as:
1. Chromoplast- colored plastids. Example include
carotenoid which contains yellow or orange pigment.
2. Chloroplast- contain the green pigment chlorophyll and
are sites of photosynthesis.
3. Leucoplasts- Colorless plastids that stores food
Cellular Not found in all cells
Projections Used for movement
1. Cilia move materials across the cell surface.
2. Flagella propel the cell. The only flagellated cell in the
human body is sperm
Cytoskeleton Network of interconnected protein filaments that are usually
found in the cytoplasm
Provide structural support and is responsible for the shape
of the cell
Microtubules
Small cylindrical fibers that change in length by assembling
(polymerizing) and disassembling (depolymerizing). They
are made of a protein called tubulin. Tubulin dimers are
arranged to form a long yellow cylinder. Microtubules are
largest.
Actin Filaments (Microfilaments)
Actin filaments are long, thin fibers composed of 2 chains of
protein wrapped around each other.
They occur in bundles or mesh like network which provide
mechanical support and determine the shape of the cell.
Because they can assemble and disassemble quickly, the
shape of a cell can change rapidly. Actin filaments are
smallest
2 Types of Cells
1. Eukaryotic Cell
- Contain organelles surrounded by membranes.
2. Prokaryotic Cell
- One-celled organism.