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Cell Structures and Functions

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Cell Structures and Functions

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ya708007
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© © All Rights Reserved
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Name : ……………………………… Class : ………………. Date : …………………..

References : https://med.libretexts.org/. (n.d.). Retrieved from


A_Smallest_Level_of_Complexity_Alive Cells_Their_Structures_and_Functions

Cell structures and functions


A cell is the smallest living thing in the human organism, and all living structures in the

human body are made of cells. There are hundreds of different types of cells in the human

body, which vary in shape and size and function. However, all cells have three main parts,

the plasma membrane, the cytoplasm and the nucleus.

The plasma membrane: (often called the cell membrane) is a thin flexible barrier that

separates the inside of the cell from the environment outside the cell and regulates what can

pass in and out of the cell. Internally, the cell is divided into the cytoplasm and the nucleus.

The cytoplasm : is

where most functions

of the cell are carried

out. It looks a bit-like

mixed fruit jelly,

where the watery jelly

is called the cytosol;

and the different fruits

in it are

called organelles.

The cytosol also

contains many molecules and ions involved in cell functions. Different organelles also

perform different cell functions and many are also separated from the cytosol by membranes.
The largest organelle, the nucleus is separated from the cytoplasm by a nuclear envelope

(membrane). It contains the DNA (genes) that code for proteins necessary for the cell to

function.

Generally speaking, the inside environment of a cell is called the intracellular fluid (

referred to all fluid contained in cytosol, organelles and nucleus) while the environment

outside a cell is called the extracellular fluid ( referred to all fluid outside cells).

** State the name of fluid outside the cell

** Outline the function of the cell membrane?

** Recall the three types of biomolecules that form the cell membrane?

Almost all human cells contain a nucleus where DNA, the genetic material that ultimately

controls all cell processes, is found. The nucleus is the largest cellular organelle, and the

only one visible using a

light microscope. Much

like the cytoplasm of a cell

is enclosed by a plasma

membrane, the nucleus is

surrounded by a nuclear

envelope that separates

the contents of the

nucleus from the contents

of the cytoplasm. Nuclear

pores in the envelope are small holes that control which ions and molecules (for example,

proteins and RNA) can move in and out the nucleus. In addition to DNA, the nucleus

contains many nuclear proteins. Together DNA and these proteins are called chromatin. A

region inside the nucleus called the nucleolus is related to the production of RNA

molecules needed to transmit and express the information coded in DNA.


An organelle is any structure inside a cell that carries out a metabolic function. The

cytoplasm contains many different

organelles, each with a specialized

function. (The nucleus discussed

above is the largest cellular organelle

but is not considered part of the

cytoplasm). Many organelles are

cellular compartments separated

from the cytosol by one or more

membranes very similar in structure

to the cell membrane, while others such as centrioles and free ribosomes do not have a

membrane. See figure below to learn the structure and functions of different

organelles such as mitochondria (which are specialized to produce cellular energy in

the form of ATP) and ribosomes (which synthesize the proteins necessary for the cell to

function). Membranes of the rough and smooth endoplasmic reticulum form a network of

interconnected tubes inside of cells that are continuous with the nuclear envelope. These

organelles are also connected to the Golgi apparatus and the plasma membrane by

means of vesicles. Different cells contain different amounts of different organelles

depending on their function. For example, muscle cells contain many mitochondria while

cells in the pancreas that make digestive enzymes contain many ribosomes and secretory

vesicles.
Nucleolus

The nucleolus is the site of ribosome synthesis. Also, it is involved in controlling cellular activities
and cellular reproduction

Nuclear membrane

The nuclear membrane protects the nucleus by forming a boundary between the nucleus and
other cell organelles.

Chromosomes

Chromosomes play a crucial role in determining the sex of an individual. Each human cells
contain 23 pairs of chromosomes

Endoplasmic reticulum

The endoplasmic reticulum is involved in the transportation of substances throughout the cell. It
plays a primary role in the metabolism of carbohydrates, synthesis of lipids, steroids and
proteins.

Golgi Bodies

Golgi bodies are called the cell’s post office as it is involved in the transportation of materials
within the cell

Ribosome

Ribosomes are the protein synthesisers of the cell

Mitochondria

The mitochondrion is called “the powerhouse of the cell.” It is called so because it produces ATP
– the cell’s energy currency

Lysosomes

Lysosomes protect the cell by engulfing the foreign bodies entering the cell and helps in cell
renewal. Therefore, it is known as the cell’s suicide bags

Chloroplast

Chloroplasts are the primary organelles for photosynthesis. It contains the pigment chlorophyll

Vacuoles

Vacuoles stores food, water, and other waste materials in the cell

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