ES

1.1.1
Summarize the structure and function of organelles in eukaryotic cells
(including: the nucleus, plasma membrane, cell wall, mitochondria,
vacuoles, chloroplasts, and ribosomes)
Explain ways that these organelles interact with each other to perform the
function of the cell.

Cell Structure and Function

What is a cell?
A cell is the basic structural and
functional unit of life.
All organisms are composed of cells.
Some organisms are unicellular.
Other organisms are multicellular.

2 Categories of Cells
1. Prokaryotic Cells (prior to a
nucleus) are all bacteria cells.
* They do not have a
nucleus.
* They lack membranebound
organelles.
2. Eukaryotic Cells (true nucleus) are
protists, fungi, plants, animals
* they have a nucleus and MBOs.

Structure, Function and

Relationships of the 7 Major
Cell Organelles

1. Nucleus

Nucleus Structure
Membrane-bound organelle
found in eukaryotic cells.

Contains DNA in chromosomes.

Pores are found in nuclear

membrane.

Description of Nucleus
Function
Directs cell activity through
protein synthesis.
DNA transcribes mRNA.

Nucleus: Relationship of
Structure to Function
Pores in nuclear membrane allow
mRNA to pass through to the
ribosomes in the cytoplasm for
protein synthesis.
DNA in segments called genes
are found in chromosomes.

Nucleolus in nucleus produces

the two ribosome subunits.

Nucleus: Interaction of Cell

Organelles
Nucleus produces the mRNA
which together with the
ribosome translate the DNA
code into polypeptide chains.
Nucleus is dependent on ATP
production from mitochondria.
ATP is energy source for DNA
replication and transcription.

Plasma Membrane
2. Plasma Membrane

Plasma Membrane:
Description of Structure
Plasma membrane is a
phospholipid bilayer. It The
plasma membrane of a cell is a
selectively permeable
membrane. It maintains
chemical homeostasis.
The proteins help in cell
signaling between cells. is a
fluid mosaic which also contains
protein molecules and

Plasma Membrane:
Description of Function
The plasma membrane of a cell
is a selectively permeable
membrane. It maintains
chemical homeostasis.
The proteins help in cell
signaling between cells.

Plasma Membrane:
Relationship of Structure to
Function

The phospholipids will block nonlipid soluble molecules as well as

large molecules.

The proteins act as carrier

proteins and protein channels
for passage of materials through
the plasma membrane.

Plasma Membrane:
Interaction of Cell Organelles
Plasma membrane is the
gateway for absorption as well
as secretion and excretion of
chemicals.
Cell signals via the plasma
membrane may ultimately
control organelle function

Cell Wall
3. Cell Wall

Cell Wall: Description of

Structure
Cellulose fibers.

Glycoproteins.

Cell Wall: Description of

Function
Mechanical support yet plastic.
Protects cell from bursting under
high turgor pressure.
Protects cells from insects and
pathogens

Cell Wall: Relationship of

Structure to Function
Cellulose microfibers provide
strength.
Plasmodesmata are channels
which connect plant cells to each
other.

Cell Wall: Interaction of Cell

Organelles
Cell walls protect the plasma
membrane bound components.

4. Mitochondria

Mitochondria Description of
Structure
Mitochondria have an inner and
outer membrane. The inner
membrane is folded.

Mitochondria Description of
Function
Mitochondria function in the
process of aerobic cellular
respiration. They produce ATP
energy for the cell.

Mitochondria Relationship of
Structure to Function
The increased surface area
because of the folded inner
membrane gives more space for
cellular respiration.

Mitochondria - Interaction of
Cell Organelles
ATP is produced by mitochondria
to fuel cell work for other
organelles.

Vacuoles
5. Vacuoles

Vacuoles Description of
Structure
Small (animals) membrane bound
organelles. Large in plants.

Vacuoles Description of
Function
Storage of water or food;
Isolates substances that may be
harmful to the rest of the cell.
Maintains turgor pressure in
plant cells.
Isolates harmful substances from
the rest of the cell.

Vacuoles Relationship of
Structure to Function
Semipermeable membrane of
vacuole controls what enters and
leaves the vacuole.

Vacuoles Interaction of Cell

Organelles
Large water vacuoles in plant
cells maintain turgor pressure.
Isolating mechanism protects
other cell organelles.

6. Chloroplasts

Chloroplasts Description of
Structure
Small green organelles.
Consist of stacks (grana) of
membrane-bound sacs.
Contain chlorophyll.
Chloroplasts have their own DNA
which looks like bacterial DNA.

Chloroplasts Description of
Function
Has green pigment (chlorophyll)
which absorbs light energy for
photosynthesis.

Chloroplasts Relationship of
Structure to Function
Membranous sacs provide large
surface area for photosynthesis
reactions.
Chlorophyll and other
photosynthetic pigments trap
light energy.

Chloroplasts Interaction of
Cell Organelles
Some glucose produced by
photosynthesis is used by plant
cell mitochondria to produce ATP.

7. Ribosomes

Ribosomes Description of
Structure
One small subunit and one large
subunit, both consisting of rRNA
and proteins.
Not membrane bound.

Ribosomes Description of
Function
Integrates mRNA with tRNA to
translate the DNA code into a
specific protein.

Ribosomes Relationship of
Structure to Function
mRNA moves between the large
and small subunit. There is an
opening for growing polypeptide
to leave ribosome.

Ribosomes Interaction of Cell

Organelles
Ribosome interacts with mRNA
information from the nucleus to
form proteins.
Proteins are important for all cell
organelles (structure, hormones,
enzymes)

Lysosome
Scrapyard of the cell.
Lysosomes break down cellular waste
such as worn out cell materials. The
lysosome also breaks down food
particles, and can destroy engulfed
viruses and bacteria.
Uses a variety of enzymes to break down
items.
If it ruptures, the whole cell is destroyed -apoptosis.