STRUCTURES

AND
FUNCTIONS OF
EUKARYOTIC CELLS
By Khin Chan Myae Nyein
Common Features in all eukaryotic cells
Contains DNA - Deoxyribonucleic Acid as
genetic material

Contains cell membrane surrounding each cell

Contains organelles which are responsible for

the cell’s metabolic functions
Nucleus
Contains DNA and proteins organized into
chromosomes or chromatin

Parts
Nucleoplasm containing nuclear matrix
Nucleolus containing RNA, proteins and
chromatin
Nuclear Envelope containing two bilayers
with a lumen between them and nuclear
pore complexes
Endoplasmic Reticulum
Parts
Rough ER : Protein synthesis
Smooth ER : Synthesis of lipid products
Golgi Apparatus
Membrane-bound organelle
Responsible for packaging and trafficking of
materials

Parts
Cis-surface
Trans-surface
Endomembrane Sytem
Parts
Nuclear Envelope
Endoplasmic Reticulum
Golgi Apparatus

Functions
Synthesis of Proteins/Polypeptides
Storage and processing of Proteins via
vesicles
Modification of Proteins
Transport of Proteins to destination
Lysosomes
Membrane-enclosed sacs
Contains hydrolytic enzymes
pH ~ 5
Intracellular Digestive System
Peroxisomes
Membrane-enclosed sacs
Containing oxidase enzymes (e.g. catalase)
Functions
Break down toxic materials (e.g. H2O2)
Synthesis of certain materials
(e.g. cholesterol and bile acids)
Vesicles
Membrane-bound sacs
Function
Transport and storage of substances

Vacuoles
Large vesicle in a plant cell
Function
Stores water, ions, sugars, amino acids and
macromolecules
Breaks down macromolecules and cell waste
Chloroplast
Contains
Outer and Inner Membrane
Thylakoids containing chlorophyll
Stroma
Functions
Photosynthesis

Mitochondria
Contains
Outer and Inner Membrane
Cristae, Matrix, Intermembranous Space
Functions
Oxidative Phosphorylation
Cell Wall
Contains
Polysaccharides
Glycoproteins
Pectin in plants
Chitin in fungal cells
Cytoskeleton
Parts
Microtubules
Intermediate Filaments
Microfilaments

Functions
Provide structure
Anchor the cell membrane and
organelles
Cilia
Many shorter appendages of cells
Made of internal microtubules and covered
with cell membrane

Flagella
Few longer appendages
Made of internal microtubules and covered
with cell membrane
Cell Membrane
Phospholipid Bilayer containing proteins and
other macromolecules
Fluid mosaic model
Fluidity varies with
Temperature
No. Of Double Bonds
Length of Fatty Acids
Amount of cholesterol
Functions
Transport of Materials
Catalysation of Reactions
Recognition of other cells
Signal Reception and Transduction
THANK YOU SO MUCH