Parts of Cells and Its Function
Parts of Cells and Its Function
Cell wall-protects the cell and provides toxic nature to the cell
Plasma membrane-semi permeable membrane through which only specific compounds can pass
through
Flagella-Helps in locomotion
Vacuoles-Helps in osmoregulation
Cytoplasm-Main matrix of the cell the can also be called as ground substance or matrix
Parts of Cells And Its Function
Nucleus
- Large Oval body near the centre of the cell.
- The control centre for all activity.
- Surrounded by a nuclear membrane.
Nucleoplasm
- is the protoplasm in the nucleus.
- contains genetic material ---> CHROMOSOMES (DNA)
Nucleolus
- is found in the nucleus.
- contains more genetic information (RNA)
Cell Membrane
- the outer boundary of the cell.
- it separates the cell from other cells.
- it is porous ---> allows molecules to pass through.
Cyto Plasm
- cell material outside the nucleus but within the cell membrane.
- clear thick fluid.
- contains structures called organelles.
Vacuoles
- are clear fluid sacs that act as storage areas for food, minerals, and waste.
- in plant cell the vacuoles are large and mostly filled with water. This gives the
plant support.
- in animal cells the vacuoles are much smaller.
Mitochondria
- power house of the cell.
- centre of respiration of the cell.
- they release energy for cell functions.
Ribosomes
- tiny spherical bodies that help make proteins.
- found in the cyto plasm or attached to the endo plasmic reticulum.
Golgi Bodies
- tube like structures that have tiny sacs at their ends.
- they help package protein.
Lysosomes
- " suicide sacs "
- small structures that contain enzymes which are used in digestion.
- if a lysosome were to burst it could destroy the cell.
Plant cells are of three basic types, namely, parenchyma, collenchyma and sclerenchyma. Each
of these cells have different structure and perform varied roles in the overall functioning of the
plant. The structure and function of these three plant cells are:
Parenchyma Cells: The parenchyma cells are living and perform multiple functions including
storage, light harvesting and gas exchange. Some of them have the ability to differentiate into
different types of cells (totipotent) as per the requirements of the plant. Parenchyma cells are
present in the leaves, tubers and seeds.
Collenchyma Cells: Collenchyma cells are living only during maturity and possess two walls
(primary and secondary). Initially, they are similar to parenchyma cells, which later differentiates
into specific collenchyma cells. They are present in the vascular bundles and stems, and aid in
supporting the plant during the active growing phase.
Sclerenchyma Cells: Sclerenchyma cells are dead at maturity and have thick secondary walls
with lignin deposition. These cells function exclusively as mechanical support of the plant. A
typical example of sclerenchyma cells in plants is fiber.
While speaking on plant cell functions, the plant cell organelles play an essential role in carrying
out the regular activities of the cell, so that the plant remains alive. For example, photosynthesis
which is a characteristic of the plants is performed in the chloroplast; while synthesis of ATP
(adenosine triphosphate), a form of energy takes place in the mitochondria. Following is a list of
the plant cell functions and parts:
Cell Wall: The outermost covering of the plant cell is the protective layer, the cell wall. Its main
function includes giving support, maintaining the cell shape and controlling the growth of the
cell.
Cell Membrane: Next to the cell wall, lies the cell membrane that comprises a protein and lipid
bilayer. Its main function is selective transport of nutrients, wherein some are allowed to enter
the cell, while others are restricted.
Vacuole: Vacuoles are organelles, which shape and structure, alter with respect to the cell
requirements. They are filled with a water like solution that contains enzymes, organic and
inorganic molecules.
Nucleus: The cell nucleus is simply called the control center of the plant cell, as it contains
hereditary material along with other essential cell components. Overall, the nucleus is
responsible for protein synthesis, cell growth, division and development.
Cytoplasm: The portion of the plant cell excluding the nucleus is called cytoplasm. Filled with
jelly-like cytoplasmic fluid, maximum organelles are present in the cytoplasm. Read more on
structure and function of cytoplasm.
Plastids: These are the organelles, which perform the function of photosynthesis and storage of
starch molecules. Plastids are of different types and contain photosynthetic pigments.
Mitochondria: Mitochondria, also known as powerhouse of the cell, plays the crucial role of
generating chemical energy for proper functioning of the plant cell. They are present in many
numbers and contain hereditary material. Read more on mitochondria.
Ribosomes: Ribosomes are of two types, attached and free. The former is found attached to
the endoplasmic reticulum, while the latter is suspended freely in the cytoplasm. Both ribosomes
are responsible for protein synthesis. Read more on ribosomes function.
Golgi Bodies: Golgi bodies are made up of 4-8 stacks (called cisternae) and are useful for
packaging macromolecules that are synthesized by the cell. They are also responsible for
transportation of nutrients.
Endoplasmic Reticulum: This is the organelle that connects the nucleus and cytoplasm. It
performs the function of synthesizing and storing steroids and glycogen. Endoplasmic reticulum
with attached ribosomes are called rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER).
Peroxisomes: These are microbodies of the plant cells that contain various degradation
enzymes. Peroxisomes play the major role of digesting complex fatty acids including aiding in
photosynthesis.