& testbook.com Cell Its Structure & Functions, Components of Cell and their Diagrams 2021/06/10 The cell is the fundamental unit of life. However, in itself, a cell consists of different components which help the cell to run properly. Each of them has a unique set of functions. Our body contains different types of cells like muscle cells, nerve cells, etc. having different structures. Yet, all of them have similar basic components. In the following notes on Biology, we will learn about the various components of cells and their functions. Learn all about Cell here. 1. Cell membrane (Plasma membrane) Itis made of proteins and lipids. The fluid mosaic model was proposed by Singer and Nicholson (1972). The fluid mosaic model describes the structure of the plasma membrane as a mosaic of components —including phospholipids, proteins, cholesterol, and carbohydrates—that gives the membrane a fluid character. Example: ‘The characteristic shape of Human red blood cells, bone cells, and nerve cells. It allows the transport of selective substances into and out of the cell, but not all substances. This is why it is known as‘selectively permeable’. Functions of Plasma Membrane The plasma membrane encloses the entire cell contents. It provides the cell shape (in animal cells). Plasma Membrane helps in the transport of material in and out of the cell. Small molecules can be transported across the plasma membrane by any one of the following three methods: Diffusio: Molecules of substances move from the region of higher concentration to the regions of lower concentration, Diffusion does not require energy. Example: Absorption of glucose in a cell. Osmosis: It is a process of movement of water molecules from the region of the higher concentration to the region of their lower concentration through a membrane. Active Transport: When the direction of movement of a certain molecule is from the region of their lower concentration towards the region of their higher concentration, it would require an “active effort” by the cell for which energy is needed. This energy is provided by ATP (adenosine triphosphate). The active transport may oceur through a carrier molecule. Example: Na+/K+ Pump.4. Cell Wall ItIs the outermost layer of a Cell. Itis only found in plant cells and is composed of Cellulose. It protects the inner parts of the cell. Itis rigid that gives shape to the cell and does not allow distension of the cell, thus leading to turgidity of the cell that is useful. Functions of Cell Wall It freely allows the movement of water and other chemicals into and out of the cells, There are breaks in the primary wall of the adjacent cells through which the eytoplasm of one cell is connected with the other. These cytoplasmic strands which connect one cell to the other one are termed plasmodesmata. Check out Biomolecules here. 3. Endoplasmic Reticulum Discovered by Keith R. Porter in 1954. It is absent in Human RBCs, Blue-Green Algae, Bacteria. Ithelps in the production and storage of proteins They are of two types of Endoplasmic Reticulum Functions of Endoplasmic Reticulum Rough ER (Endoplasmic Reticulum): Ribosomes are present on its surface. It is involved in protein assembly where it synthesizes and packages important proteins. Smooth ER (Endoplasmic Reticulum) When no ribosomes are present and its function is to synthesize lipids & steroids, and the storage of carbohydrates. Se ae rare————— Ribosomes are present in the cytoplasm of a cell, and also on the surface of the rough endoplasmic reticulum. They are made of RNA and Proteins. Functions of Ribosomes Nicknamed “protein factory of the cell” this organelle is responsible for the synthesis of protein molecules. Itcollects important amino acids and then produces protein chains based on what the cell needs. 5. Golgi Apparatus Discovered in 1898 by Camillo Golgi There are 3 to 7 Golgi body organelles present in an animal cell. Not present in Blue Algae. Golgi Apparatus in Plants is known as, “dictyosomes” Many of these organelles are present in a plant cell In animal cells, the Golgi apparatus is present near the nucleus. In plant cells, they are present all over and around the cell. Functions of Golgi Apparatus Its funetion is to store and transport proteins &¢ lipids that have been synthesized. Italso helps with the synthesis and secretion of important molecules. Helps to synthesize wall elements like pectin, mucilage. These proteins are stored in a temporary vacuole known as the “Lipochondria.” 6. Lysosomeseer Lysosomes are ponch-like structures found only in animal cells. They are special vesicles that are pinched out of the Golgi Body. They contain different digestive enzymes like Protease, Phosphatase, Glycosidases, and Sulfatases. They are called suicidal bags of cells because they contain lytic enzymes. With these enzymes lysosomes digest their own cell, causing the cell to die. This mechanism is used when the cell is old or diseased. Functions of Lysosomes Lysosomes digest nucleic acid, polysaccharides, fats and proteins. The main function of lysosomes is intracellular digestion. Funetions like digesting food, breaking down a dying cell, or digestion of unwanted substances. Through a process called autolysis, lysosomes can end up killing themselves. 7. Plastids The term, “Plastid” was first coined by Ernst Haeckel in 1866. Plastids are absent in Animals, Blue-Green Algae and Bacteria, There are three types of plastids, based on their colour:~ Leucoplast ~ white or colourless. For Example Roots with the exception of carrots. Chromoplast ~ blue, red, pink, orange, yellow. For Example:- Petals of Flowers. Chloroplast:— green in colour. Functions of Plastids8. Cytoplasm Itis present inside the cell. Itis present only within the cell membrane of a cell, Itis not present in the nucleus of a cell It comprises mainly water, but also enzymes, salts, organelles, and various organic molecules. Functions of Cytoplasm All the cell's organelles such as the nucleus, ribosomes, mitochondria, Golgi bodies, plastids, lysosomes and endoplasmic reticulum are present here. Cytoplasm supports them and keeps them nourished. Learn all about Cell Division here 9. Mitochondria Nicknamed the ‘PowerHonse of the Cell.” They are present in both plant cells and animal cells Mitochondria in animal & plant cells are the energy generators & releasers. Mitochondria (Singular = mitochondria) appear as tiny thread-like structures under the light microscope. Approximately 0.5 — 1.00 1m (micrometer) in size. Structure of Mitochondria The wall is made up of a double membrane but is categorised into five distinet compartments the outer mitochondrial membrane, The intermembrane space is the space between the outer and inner membranes, The inner mitochondrial membrane, ‘The cristae space (formed by infoldings of the inner membrane), the matrix (space within the inner membrane).Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) Functions of Mitochondria 10. Mitochondria convert glucose into ATP through a few processes (Glycolysis, the Citric acid cycle, and ATP Synthesis.) Through the process of cellular respiration, Mitochondria oxidizes pyruvate in its matrix to form pyruvic acid, in order to capture the energy that is stored in the form of ATP. This is why Mitochondria is called the ‘powerhouse’ of a cell. This ATP is then digested by the organelles in a cell to produce energy for their functioning. ATP Digestive enzyme Nucleus Robert Brown was responsible for discovering the nucleus of a cell in 1831 It stains deeply, spherical in shape, WBC has lobed nuclei. Mostly, there is only one present in each cell A double layered nuclear membrane having fine nuclear pores encloses nucleoplasm which contains a chromatin network and a nucleolus Components of Nucleus ‘A Double-layered membrane called the nuclear envelope, which has a large number of nuclear pores. This membrane is made up of lipids and proteins (like plasma membrane) and has ribosomes attached to the outer membrane which make the outer membrane rough. The pores allow the transport of large molecules in and out of the nucleus, and the membranes keep the hereditary material in contact with the rest of the cell. Nucleoplasm=liquid found within the nucleus Just like the cytoplasm is found within the cell membrane, nucleoplasm is found within the nuclear membrane It supports and surrounds all components of the nucleus, like DNA, RNA, chromosomes, and nucleoli Chromatin Within the nuclear membrane, there is a jelly-like substance known as kai lymph or nucleoplasm rich in proteins. Itis made up of Histone and Nucleic acid. The fibrillar structures form a network called chromatin fibrils. which gets condensed to form distinctbodies called chromosomes during cell division. The point-like structure is called a “Gene.” On staining the chromosomes, two regions can be identified in the chromatin material heterochromatin, dark and euchromatin (light). Heterochromatin has highly coiled DNA and is genetically less active than euchromatin which has highly uncoiled DNA and more active genetically. Each cell contains 23 pairs of chromosomes, a total of 46 in all. ecu Nucleolus. Felice Fontana discovered the Nucleolus in 1774. Tris a sub-organelle found within the nucleus of a cell. ‘The membrane has fewer spheroidal bodies present in all eukaryotic cells except in sperms and in some algae It is composed of DNA, RNA and proteins. Protein 85%, RNA ,10% & DNA 5%. Storehouse for RNA and proteins; it briefly disappears during the early phase of the cell cycle and reappears after telophase in the newly formed daughter nuclei. Regulates the synthetic activity of the nucleus. |. The nucleus and eytoplasm are interdependent, and this process is equal to nucleocytoplasmic interaction. So, this is all about the Biology notes on Structure & Components of Cell. Get some practice of the same on our free Testbook App. Download Now! Kidney Diseases Blood Disorders Human Heart Human Blood Sensory Organs Plant TissuesStructure & Components of Cell FAQs Q.1 Who discov d the Golgi Apparatus? Ans.t Golgi Apparatus was discovered in 1898 by Camillo Golgi .2 Who discovered Nucleus? Q Ans.2 Robert Brown was responsible for discovering the nucleus of a cell in 1831 Q: An: 3 Who discovered Plasti The term, “Plastid” was first coined by Ernst Haeckel in 1866 Q.4 Who discovered Endoplasmic Reticulum? Ans.4 Endoplasmic Reticulum was discovered by Keith R. Porter in 1954. Q.5 Why is Cell Membrane called selectively permeable? Ans.5 It allows the transport of selective substances into and out of the cell, but not all substances. This is why it is, known as ‘selectively permeable’. eal 1000+ torts AQ+ Fretect fell) 3 Bi epee een) peer cose) conpterey TEST SERIES aii sett Ds The Complete Exam Preparation bala)Brey Ee