CELLS

Continued!!!
Structures and Functions
 Basic Parts of the Cell
• Plasma membrane – barrier
between in and outside of cell

• Cytoplasm – everything inside cell

• Cytosol – includes molecules and small
particles but not organelles

4. Genetic material

6. Ribosomes
Organelles!
Eukaryotic Cell

Nucleu
s
 The Nucleus
• Most obvious structure (5μm)
• Most eukaryotic cells contain a nucleus
• Function:
• Houses and protects genetic
information
• Controls most functions of cell
4. Structure:
• Nuclear envelope – double membrane
layer contains genetic contents; porous
– materials enter and exit
• Nucleoplasm – jelly like fluid filling
1.Processes:
• Cell Division
 Normal state - DNA exists as
chromatin: long, thin
structures
 During division - DNA
condenses to form
chromosomes
• Transcription – DNA converted to
RNA in the nucleus
 Chromatin

Cell
Division

Chromosome
Mitochond
ria
 Mitochondria
• Size: 1-10 μm long
• Function:
• Transfer energy from organic
molecules to adenosine
triphosphate (ATP) – powers most
cellular reactions
3. Structure: inner & outer
membrane
• Outer – separates mitochondria
from cytosol
• Inner – many folds (cristae) that
capture and store energy
1. Processes:
• Cellular respiration – formation of
ATP by extracting energy from
food sources
Ribosome
s
 Ribosomes
• small, spherical (< 25 nanometers)
• Function:
• Build proteins
• Free ribosomes – make proteins
used in cytosol (Ex: enzyme)
• Bound ribosomes – make proteins
used in membranes, packaging,
and elsewhere in body
3. Structure:
• Manufactured partly in nucleolus,
completed in cytoplasm
Endoplas
mic
Reticulum
 Endoplasmic Reticulum
(ER)
• System of cisternae - membranous
tubes & sacs
• Function – move molecules from one
part of cell to another
• Structure
– Rough ER – covered with ribosomes;
makes certain proteins and
phospholipids
• Secretory proteins – secreted in vesicles
(Ex: digestive enzymes)
• Membrane proteins – inserted in
membranes
Golgi
Apparatus
 Golgi Apparatus
• System of cisternae stacked up
• Function:
a. Manufactures, stores, sorts, ships
b. Modify contents of nearby vesicles, give
“address label,” transport to other parts
of cell
3. Structure:
– Distinct polarity – membranes on
opposite ends have different thickness &
molecular composition
– Two poles:
• Receiving – near ER
•
 Vesicles
• Small, spherical shaped sacs
• Function:
a. Migrate to and merge with cell
membrane
b. Release contents outside of cell
3. Structure:
a. Single membrane
b. Different types (lysosomes,
peroxisomes)
 Lysosomes
• Structure – bud from Golgi,
contain digestive enzymes
• Function – Break down
macromolecules (proteins,
carbohydrates, nucleic acids)
• Processes:
– Autophagy – Digestion of worn-out
organelles
– Autolysis – Digestion of damaged or
extra cells
Vesicles
 Peroxisomes
1. NOT produced in Golgi, contain
different enzymes

3. Neutralize oxygen ions

5. Detoxify alcohol and other drugs

7. Break down fatty acids

 Vacuole
1. Membrane bound storage
structures, contains fluid

3. Types:
– Food – stores nutrients
– Contractile – contract, dispose of
excess water
 Vacuoles

Centriole
 Centrioles
1. Animal cells ONLY!
2. Organize cell structure during
division
3. 2 short cylinders of microtubules
Part of cytoskeleton
 Cytoskeleton
• Provides shape and support

• 3 structural elements
– Microtubules – hollow tubes made of
maintain cell shape, hold organelles in
place

– Microfilaments - 2 strands intertwined;

used in cell movement, muscle
contraction, cell division

– Intermediate fibers – anchor nucleus and