Cells: Structure and Functions

Introduction:

All living organisms are composed of cells. A cell is a small, membrane-bound compartment that
contains all the chemicals and molecules that help support an organism’s life. It’s important that you have the
basic understanding and knowledge about the structure of the cell as it will be your basis in comprehending
the complex cellular interactions that direct and produce life.

Cells are known to be the building blocks of life. All organisms are composed of either single or millions
of cells. These cells work together to perform the simplest up to the complex functions of every organisms
body. There are different types of cells with individuated structures. Single-celled organisms have different
cell structure than multi-celled organisms and plant cells have different structures from animal cells. These
reflect the differences in the functions that each of the classes of cells is required to perform. The focus of this
material will be in the structure and functions of the cell that compose complex multi-cellular organisms.

Lots of scientists and expert in the world of Science believe that cell have its origin. Most of them based this in
what we called “Cell Theory.” The cell theory grew out of the work of many scientists and became the key to
the improvements of the Microscope.

The illustrations above are some of the scientists who contributed to the cell theory. This became more
possible as the microscopes started to improve.

The cell theory has three main principles:

 All organisms are made up of cells.

 All existing cells are produced by other living cells.
 The cell is the most basic unit of life.
 CELL MEMBRANE
All cells share certain characteristics and these are the following:

 Cells tend to be microscopic

 Enclosed by a membrane
 Filled with cytoplasm
 Have DNA

There are two cell types: Eukaryotic and Prokaryotic cells.

 Eukaryotic cells have nucleus

 Eukaryotic cells have membrane-bound organelles.

CYTOPLASM

Nucleus

Organelles

Cell membrane
Cell membrane

 Prokaryotic cells do not have a nucleus

 Prokaryotic cells do not have membrane-bound organelles.

Cytoplasm
CELL STRUCTURE FUNCTION AND CHART

PLANT CELL

ANIMAL CELL
CELL WALL
An inflexible barrier that protects and give support to the plant cell. Not selectively permeable and
described to be a rigid structure.

CELL MEMBRANE
Boundary wall between the cell and the environment. It allows nutrients and regulates the movements
in and out of the cell. (Selectively permeable)
MICTROTUBULES
Part of the cell skeleton that act as a scaffold to maintain in the shape of cell. (supporting framework)

NUCLEUS
Central leader of the cell, usually surrounded by a nuclear envelope. It contains the directions to make
proteins and genetic information, DNA or RNA (Control center of the cell); inside the nucleolus which
makes ribosomes.
NUCLEAR MEMBRANE
The outer lining or wall of the nucleus. (Sometimes this is called the nuclear envelope.)

CHROMATIN
Master set of directions for making proteins. Contents are in the form of Genes and DNA.
VACUOLE
Membrane-bound “compartment” used for temporary material “storage.” (In plants it is found in the
center of the cell, in animals it is off to the side.

MITOCHONDRIA
Membrane-bound organelle that transforms (generates) energy from the cell. Also known as the
“powerhouse of the cell”.
Lysosome
Contain enzymes which digest excess organelles, food particles, food particles, viruses, and
bacteria.The “vacuum cleaner” of a cell. They break down organelles not needed by the cell.

ROUGH ENDOPLASMIC RETICULUM

Site of cellular chemical reactions. It’s called rough ER because ribosomes usually attached and
synthesized/make proteins. Also known as “Transportation system with workers”.
SMOOTH ENDOPLASMIC RETICULUM
Site of a cellular chemical reaction. No ribosomes are present or attached in smooth ER.
“Transportation system with no workers”

RIBOSOMES
Site where cell produces proteins according to the DNA instructions, which comes from the nucleus.
(workers of the cell)
- Bound ribosomes: make proteins for use outside cell
- Free ribosomes: make proteins for use inside cell.
GOLGI APPARATUS
Flattens and packages proteins to be sent to their appropriate destination.

CHLOROPLASTS
Found in the green plants and some protest only. It converts light energy coming from the sun to
chemical energy or also known to be sugar. It also contain chlorophyll responsible for the process of
photosynthesis.
CYTOPLASM
Clear gelatinous fluid inside a cell which suspends and has the ability to hold cell’s organelles.

CENTRIOLES
Play a role in cell division (only find in the animal cell)
CYTOSKELETON
Network of fine tubes and threads. It provides internal structural support.

CILIA, PILLI, AND FLAGELLA

Structures used to enable movement of cells or sometimes to propel substances across outer surface
of the cell, predominantly protein in composition.
Conclusion:

Cells are the smallest common denominator of life. Some cells are organisms unto themselves: others
are part of multicellular organisms. All cells are made from the same major classes of organic molecules:
nucleic acids, proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids. In addition, cells can be placed in two major categories as a
result of ancient evolutionary events. Though they are small, cells have evolved into a vast variety of shapes
and sizes. Together they form tissues that themselves form and eventually entire organisms.