UNIT 1.2.

THE CELL

Mrs MWEEMBA MUTALIFE .F

Learning objectives
At the end of this lecture the
students should be able to;
1.Define a cell
2. Outline components of the cell
3. Describe the structure of the
cell membrane
4. Describe the cell organelles
5. State the functions of the cell
 Introduction
Cells are basic structural and
functional units of all living
organisms.
the smallest living parts of the
body.
2 fundamental different types of
cells
◦Prokaryotic cells (bacteria)
◦Eukaryotic (animal cell)
Cont...
All the cells originate from a
single fertilized cell.
During development, cells
divide and specialize giving rise
to a wide variety of cell types
◦ such as nerve, muscle, bone, fat,
and blood cells.
Cell components
Nucleus located centrally with a nucleolus
◦ functions to direct cell activities
Cytoplasm, a fluid component cytosol ,
◦ bathing metabolically active structures, the
organelles
◦ where most cell activities take place
Organelles specialized structures within
the cytoplasm
◦ perform specific functions.
Plasma, or cell membrane forms the
outer boundary of the cell,
◦ through which the cell interacts with its external
environment.
 Nucleus

round/oval in shape often near the centre

consists of nuclear envelope
Has a nucleolus
Control centre of the cell
Contains code for all enzymes and other
proteins
Contains molecular machinery for DNA
replication
synthesis and process all types of protein
RNA
Nucleus
 Plasma /Cell membrane
composed of a bilayer of
phospholipids and cholesterol
with proteins “floating” in the
membrane.
nonpolar hydrophobic (tail)
directed toward the center of the
membrane
polar hydrophilic (head) directed
toward the water environment either
outside or inside the cell
Cont....
Membrane proteins
1. Integral, or intrinsic proteins
◦ embedded deeply into the lipid bilayer,
Transmembrane protein
◦ extend from one surface to the other
2. Peripheral, or extrinsic proteins
◦ attached to either the inner or outer
surfaces of the lipid bilayer.
Membrane proteins are markers,
attachment sites, channels,
receptors, enzymes, or carriers.
 Movement through
Membrane
separates the extracellular material
from the intracellular material
selectively permeable allows only
certain substances to pass through
it.
1. Passive transport
Diffusion
◦ Simple diffusion
Osmosis
 Cont...
2. Active transport
Transport pumps; integral proteins
form ion channels/pumps (K+, Na+)
3. Transport by vesicles
◦ Endocytosis
 Phagocytosis
 Pinocytosis
 Receptor-mediated endocytosis
◦ Exocytosis
Cell organelles
Aremetabolically active structures
may be membranous or non
membranous protein complexes
Membrane-bound structures;
◦ rough and smooth endoplasmic reticulum,
◦ Golgi apparatus, lysosomes, peroxisomes,
◦ mitochondria

• vesicles for transport,

• secretion and storage of cellular
components
Cont...
Non-membranous include
◦ribosomes and proteasomes

Cytoskeleton network of protein

filaments
determines the shape and motility of
eukaryotic cells.
3 major components:
◦actin filaments (microfilament),
◦intermediate filaments, and
◦microtubules.
Cytoskeleton
Cont...
Inclusions are nonliving
components of the cell
do not possess metabolic
activity and
are not bounded by
membranes.
most common inclusions are;
◦ glycogen, lipid droplets, pigments,
and crystals
Functions of organelles
Mitochondria- power house of the cell,
provide energy for cell activities
Ribosomes – synthesis of protein
RER – synthesis of proteins
SER – synthesis of lipids, steroid hormones
and detoxification of harmful substances
Golgi apparatus – packaging and transport
Lysosomes – break and digest foreign
materilas
Proteasomes – destroy and degrade
substances
Peroxisomes – detoxify harmful substances
 Functions of cells
1. Basic unit of life. is the smallest
part to which an organism can be
reduced that still retains the
characteristics of life.
2. Protection and support. Cells
produce and secrete various
molecules that provide protection
and support of the body.
3. Movement. All the movements of
the body occur because of
molecules located within specific
 Cont...
4. Communication. Cells produce and
receive chemical and electrical
signals that allow them to
communicate with one another.
5. Cell metabolism and energy
release. The chemical reactions
that occur within cells are referred
to collectively as cell metabolism
6. Inheritance. Each cell contains a
copy of the genetic information of
the individual.
 Cell communication
Cellsin an organism communicate with
one another to regulate;
◦ tissue and organ development,
◦ control their growth and division
◦ coordinate their functions.
Many cells form communicating
junctions that couple adjacent cells and
allow the exchange of ions and small
molecules
these channels, called gap junctions
Summary
Cell;structural and functional
unity of the human organism has;
Plasma membrane
Cytoplasm
Nucleus
Consider the following and read
up;
Apoptosis, autolysis.
Cell functions
1. Cells are the basic unit of life.
2. Cells provide protection and
support.
3. Cells allow for movement.
4. Cells provide a means of
communication.
5. Cells metabolize and release
energy.
6. Cells provide for inheritance.
Cont..

Organelles are small structures within

cells that are specialized for particular
functions,
Examples of organneles
◦ centrioles, spindle fibers, cilia, flagella, and
microvilli =maintain shape and movement.
◦ ribosomes, rough endoplasmic reticulum,
smooth endoplasmic reticulum = synthesis and
production of proteins, Lipids
◦ Golgi apparatus, and secretory vesicles =
packages and transport.
◦ lysosomes, peroxisomes, and proteasomes =
enzymes digest and break down.
 Activity
1. Define the cell
2. Describe are the components of
the cell
3. Discuss the cell organelles
4. Outline the functions of the cell
5. What are some of the disorders
that can occur due to cell
dsyfunction