NAME: FAHARODIN K.

AMIROL BSSW 3-A

TOPIC: CELL STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION

INTRODUCTION:

 “Cells are the fundamental unit of life.”

 “A cell is defined as the smallest, basic unit of life that is responsible for
all of life’s processes”.
 “Cell is the structural, functional and biological unit of life.”
 They are known as the building blocks of life.
Cell • tissue • tissue system • organ • organ system • body
 Each cell contains a fluid called the cytoplasm, which is enclosed by a
membrane.
 In the cytoplasm, several biomolecules are present like proteins, nucleic
acids and lipids.
 Cellular structures called cell organelles are suspended in the cytoplasm.
 The study of cells from its basic structure to the functions of every cell
organelles is called Cell Biology.
 All organisms are made up of cells. They may be made up of a single cell
(unicellular), or many cells (multicellular).

CHARACTERISTICS OF CELL

 Cells provide structure and support to the body of an organism.

 The cell organized into different individual organelles surrounded by a
separate membrane.
 The nucleus holds genetic information necessary for reproduction and
cell growth.
 Every cell has one nucleus and membrane-bound organelles in the
cytoplasm.
 Mitochondria, is mainly responsible for the energy transactions.
 Lysosomes digest unwanted materials in the cell.
 Endoplasmic reticulum plays a role in synthesising selective
molecules and processing, directing and sorting them to their
appropriate locations.
 Each living cells consist of living matter called protoplasm.
 Protoplasm consist of 70% water, protein, carbohydrate, fats.

TYPES OF CELLS

Cells can be Eukaryotic or Prokaryotic:

PROKARYOTIC CELLS: They are typically smaller and simpler in structure.

Example: Bacteria

EUKARYOTIC CELLS:

 They are typically larger and more complex. They have nucleus and
organelles.
 Eukaryotic cells, one of the two major types of cells, have a nucleus. A
nucleus is a large structure that controls the workings of the cell
because it contains the genes. Both animals and plants have eukaryotic
cells.
 Cell structures that have a specific function and are surrounded by a
membrane that are found in eukaryotes only.

Example: Plants, Animals, Fungi, Protists

THE STRUCTURAL FEATURES OF PROKARYOTIC CELLS

Prokaryotic cells have simpler structures compared to eukaryotic cells.

However, they perform all necessary life functions.

 Nucleoid:
The region of the cytoplasm where chromosomal DNA is located.
It contains the generic material which control cell activities and
reproduction.

 Cell or Plasma Membrane

It is the phospholipid bilayer with embedded proteins
Its functions are to regulate passage of substances in and out of the cell;
to provide protection and support.

 Cell Wall
This is found outside of the cell membrane in plants and animal cells
only.
Its functions are to provide structural support and protection and to
maintain the cell’s shape.
 Cytoplasm
It is a gel-like substance inside the cell membrane, containing water,
enzymes, nutrients, wastes, and gases.
Its function is to site of metabolic activities and chemical reactions

 Ribosomes
It is a small structure of ribonucleic acid (RNA) and proteins found in
cytoplasm.
Their functions are to synthesize proteins by translating messenger RNA
(mRNA).

 Flagella
It is a long-whip-like appendages attached to cell surface.
Their functions are to provide motility, allowing the cell to move in
response to environmental stimuli.
  Pili
It is a hair-like projections on the surface.
Its function is to help in attachment to surfaces and other cells.

 Capsule
It is the outer layer made of polysaccharides or proteins.
Its function is to protect the cell from desiccation; to help in adhering to
surfaces, and provide resistance phagocytosis.

SUBCELLULAR STRUCTURES OF EUKARYOTIC CELLS

Eukaryotic cells have various subcellular structures, also known as organelles,

each of these have specific functions.
 Nucleus
It acts as the control center of the cell, housing the cell’s genetic
material (DNA)
Its components are nuclear envelope, nucleolus, and chromatin.

 Mitochondria
It produces energy through cellular respiration.
Its components are outer membrane, inner membrane, cristae matrix.

 Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)

It is an organelle dedicated to protein maturation and transportation.
1. Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum
2. Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum
 Golgi Apparatus
It modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids for secretion or
delivery to other organelles.

 Lysosomes
It contains digestive enzymes to break down waste materials and cellular
debris.

 Ribosomes
It synthesizes proteins.
Its components are ribosomal RNA and proteins.

 Cytoskeleton
It provides structural support, aids in cell movement, and organizes cell
components.
Its components are microtubules, intermediate filaments and actin
filaments.
 Plasma Membrane
It regulates what enters and exits the cells, provide protection and
support.
Its component is phospholipid bilayer with embedded proteins.

 Centrioles
They are only found in animal cells and they have the ability to replicate
themselves.

 Vacuoles and Vesicles

They are membrane-bound sacs involved in transportation and storage.
Their component is membranous sacs.

 Chloroplasts
They are found in plant cells only.
They carry out photosynthesis, converting light energy to chemical
energy. They are composed of membranous gana bounded by two
membranes.
 Peroxisome
It breaks down fatty acids and detoxify harmful substances; produces
hydrogen peroxide as a byproduct.

 Cell Wall
It is only found in plant cells, fungi, and some protists.
It provides structural support and protection.
It contains cellulose fibrils.

DIVERSITY OF CELLS
In general, the functions of cells are the following:

 Provides Support and Structure:

They form the structural basis of all the organisms. The cell wall and the
cell membrane are the main components that function to provide
support and structure to the organism.
 Facilitate Growth Mitosis
In the process of mitosis, the parent cell divides into the daughter cells.
Thus, the cells multiply and facilitate the growth in an organism.
 Allows Transport of Substances
Various nutrients are imported by the cells to carry out various chemical
processes inside the cells. Small molecules diffuse across the cell
membrane along the concentration gradient by passive transport. The
larger molecules diffuse across the cell membrane through active
transport where the cells require a lot of energy to transport the
substances.
 Energy Production
Cells require energy to carry out various chemical processes. This energy
is produced by the cells through a process called photosynthesis in
plants and respiration in animals.
 Reproduction
- A cell allow reproduction through the processes called mitosis and
meiosis. Mitosis is termed as the asexual reproduction where the parent
cell divides to form daughter cells. Meiosis causes the daughter cells to
be genetically different from the parent cells.
- This is because they are responsible for providing structure to the
organisms and performs several functions necessary for carrying out
life’s processes.

REFERENCES/SOURCES:
https://www.houstonisd.org/cms/lib2/TX01001591/Centricity/Domain/
5364/NOTES%20Cell%20Structure%20and%20Function.pdf

http://www.esalq.usp.br/lepse/imgs/conteudo_thumb/Cell-structure-and-
function.pdf

https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/structure-of-cell-
238757065/238757065