Structure of the Cell

The cell is a discrete body enclosed by a membrane which separate it from the environment. It is capable of forming new components, using its own substances and substances absorbed from the environment.

The cell contains a living material protoplasm a semifluid, more or less transparent phase. It contains1. all chemical substances necessary for metabolic processes 2.genetic material which controls the vital functions of the body The cell is enclosed in a membrane. plasma membrane - separates the cell from the external environment

 Cell membranes Membranes form an basic constituent of cells. define the interface between the cell and the environment through the plasma membrane. also define intracellular compartments* where specific functions could be carried out in a more or less isolated environment. There is constant movement between the plasma membrane and that of the organelles. made up of a phospholipid layer and proteins. membranes are barriers to water soluble molecules.

Two types of cells- Prokaryotic cells Bacteria, Actinomyceties Genetic material and metabolic material are not separated from each other. Eukaryotic cells a) more complex cells b) hereditary or genetic material is entirely separated c) contained within a special membrane bound region Nucleus or Karyon which is well distinct from the rest of the cytoplasm.

 Cells vary in size shape structure depending on the functions they perform in different tissues and organs. All the cells are not identical but there is a common pattern of organization. Most mammalian cell are with in the range 5-50 microns in diameter.

Cell characteristics Usually have single nucleus uninucleate or some cells multinucleate Motility 1.Cells may move about throwing pseudopodia 2.Movement of various material with in the cell 3. cell movements seen in processes such as endocytosis and exocytosis.

 CytoplasmCytoplasm is composed of a matrix bounded by a plasma membrane- Plasmalemma Different areas are modified to perform different functions. Some areas are separated by membranes. Structures embedded in the cytoplasm are classified into 3 groups

 Organelles _ Membrane bound structures which are important for the metabolic functions of the cell. Eg. Mitochondria, Ribosomes, Endoplasmic reticulum Golgi apparatus, Lysosomes and transport vesicles. Inclusions temporary components of the cell. pigments,Lipids, Carbohydrates, Stored food

Others - Centrioles, Microtubules, microfilaments and Cilia

Mitochondria - Involved in production and storage of energy EM- Bounded by two membranes- inner and outer membranes. Outer membrane is smooth, inner membrane is thrown into folds- Cristae Enzymes necessary for electron transport system of tissue respiration and oxidative phosphorylation are attached to cristae. Mitochondrial matrix is rich in proteins and contain DNA, RNA enzymes for krebs cycles and fatty acid Beeta-oxidation are found with in the matrix.

Ribosomes - Small electron dense particles made up of ribonucleic acid (60%) and proteins (40%) Two classes of ribosomes a) found in prokaryocytes and mitochondria b)in eukaryotic cells Made up of major and minor subunits. Major subunits are further dissociated into protein subunits. They occur individually as granules or in a cluster held together by a mRNA stranded.

 Proteins which are secreted out are stored in the rER are formed with the help of ribosome attached to rER. Free polysomes synthesize the structural proteins of the cell Actin, tubulin, haemoglobin, and enzymes in the cytosol. These are formed by other ribosomes in the cytoplasm.

Endoplasmic reticulum- is the site of a) lipid and protein synthesis, b) protein segregation from the cytoplasm, prepare protein for their specific function. They are elongated flattened or rounded Two types rough and smooth Rough type presence of polyribosomes on the cytoplasmic surface give them a rough granular appearance. The function is to segregate proteins which are to be exported from the cell.

Smooth endoplasmic reticulum- In muscle sarcoplasmic reticulum Occur in the form of a network. Formed from rER. Smooth as they lack polyribosomes attached to it. Cisternae are more tubular and interconnected. Functions in a) steroid hormone synthesis, b) oxidation, conjugation, and methylation (process to detoxify certain hormones and noxious substances, Insecticides , alcohol) c) involved in breakdown of glycogen

 Golgi Apparatus - Appear as a group of stacked, flattened vesicles with peripheral dilations. Three distinct bound compartments- 1. slightly curved stacks of cisternae 2. numerous small vesicles around the periphery of the stack 3. Few large vacuoles at one pole transfer vesicles Transfer vesicles are attached to Cis face Secretory products bud off from golgi at trans face Function-synthesis, concentration, storage

Lysosomes membrane bound organelles abundant in cells involved phagocytosis contain lytic enzymes that break down protein, carbohydrate and nucleic acid at an acid pH. Lysosomes may take several forms. 1. primary lysosomes 2. Secondary lysosome or phagolysosomes ( fused primary lysosome and phagocytic vacuole) 3. autophagolysosomes that contain cellular organelles such as mitochondria and RER.

Nucleus Centre of the cellular activity Contains chromosomal DNA and the system for RNA synthesis that allows DNA to be present as specific proteins in the cytoplasm Stain with H&E shows a purplish blue color Varies in shape and size. May be flatten in cells containing fat or mucous. Some cells have more than one nucleus (Osteoclasts, Liver cells, foreign body giant cells)

Components :1. Nuclear envelope- * forms a barrier between the nucleus and the cytoplasm and contain nuclear pores for passage of macro molecules. 2.Chromatin or chromosomes - two complementary strands of DNA arranged in a double helix. 3. Nucleoli are morphologically distinct regions specialized for the production of RNA. 4.Nuclear matrix - structural framework to organize and facilitate its functions 5. Nucleoplasm

Nuclear envelope - made up of two membranes separated by a perinuclear space of 20-30 A. The outer layer is continuous with membranes of the cytoplasm rER and ribosomal granules are attached to it. Rough circular gaps, the nuclear pores** measuring 50nm are present in the envelope. Pores serve chiefly as a passage for diffusion of materials into and out of the nucleus. Particularly the large molecules of ribonucleic acid RNA and protein.

 Chromatin (coloured by stains)- coiled strands of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) attached to basic proteins in the form of threads or filaments arranged in a network. basophilic staining properties are due to the presence of DNA. Chromatin can exist in two forms. Heterochromatin and euchromatin Heterochromatin is tightly coiled, condensed and therefore darkly stained, electron dense, found at the periphery and scattered in the nucleus. metabolically inactive.

 Euchromatin - uncoiled, extended and hence not clearly stained. electron translucent and found in open faced nuclei. This type is metabolically active and is involved in protein synthesis. Chromatin appear as : Chromatin threads
Chromatin granules prior to cell division the chromatin threads become tightly coiled -chromosomes. Chromosomes are the carriers of genes which direct the activity of the cell

Nucleoli -dense well defined bodies in the nucleus. contains RNA bond to a basic protein and associated with the synthesis of ribosomes. made up of a network of granules and filaments, the nucleolenema Nucleoli are largein cells having a high rate of protein synthesis as these cells need more ribosomes. young cells with intense reproductive activity (active embryonic cells), malignant neoplasms, cells synthesizing protein.

 Nucleoplasm or nuclear sap is the amorphous substance that fills the space between the chromatin and the nucleoli. It is a semifluid colloidal solution containing electrolytes and ions.