Exercise No.

1
The Cell
Name: Date Submitted: _______________________
Year and Sec: Date Performed: _______________________
Group No. ________________________ Score: _______________________________

Objectives:

1. Describe what a cell is.

2. Define and understand the structures and functions of each cell part.
3. Understand the structure and purposes of basic components of cells.

Theory:

The basic unit of structure and function in the human body is the cell. Each of a cell’s part,
or organelles, as well as the entire cell, is organized to perform a specific function. Cells
have the ability to metabolize, grow and reproduce, move and response to stimuli. The cells
of the body differ in shape, size and in specific role in the body. Cells that are similar in
structure and function form tissues, which in turn, construct the various body organs.

I. Using the following list of terms, correctly label all the cell parts indicated by leader lines.

A. Animal Cell
1 Nucleus
___ 10 Golgi Bodies
___
___
2 Nucleolus ___
4 Smooth Endoplasmic reticulum
3 Nuclear membrane
___ 5 Rough Endoplasmic reticulum
___
___
11 Plasma Membrane 6 Lysosome
___
8 Cytoplasm
___ ___
9 Filamentous Cytoskeleton
___
7 Mitochondrion (microtubules)
II. Anatomy of an Animal Cell

Complete the following table to fully describe the various cell parts.

Cell Structure Function

It is an organelle that acts as the brain of the cell. It has two
major functions: it controls gene expression and stores the
Nucleus cell's hereditary material, or DNA, and it coordinates the cell's
activities, which include growth, intermediary metabolism,
protein synthesis, and reproduction (cell division).

It is a dense dark, granular structure which synthesize

Nucleolus ribosomal RNA (rRNA), produce ribosomes, and serves as site
for ribosome biogenesis.

It is the delicate outermost covering layer of the nucleus which

Nuclear Membrane separate the contents of the nucleus from the cytoplasm and is
responsible for regulating the flow of materials in and out of the
nucleus through the help of tiny holes (nuclear pores).

It is also known as “Cell Membrane” - a very thin skin covering

the cell which separates the internal environment of the cell
Plasma Membrane from its surrounding. It also actively regulates and influences
what materials can enter and leave a cell, and provide
structural support for it.

It is the gel-like fluid inside the cell which serves as a home to

many activities of the cell as it contains molecules and
Cytoplasm enzymes that are crucial in the breakdown of the waste. It also
assists in metabolic activities, provides shape to the cell, and
fills up the cells thus enabling the organelles to remain in their
position.

It is called the “powerhouse of the cell or seat of cellular

respiration” because it generate the energy that the cell needs.
Mitochondrion This energy is stored in the form of an energy rich compound
ATP (adenosine triphosphate) and is used in various metabolic
functions of the cell, and in turn, of the body. It also contain the
chromosomes and regulates cell function.
Golgi Bodies It acts as the delivery system of the cell. Golgi Bodies are
concerned with the synthesis and secretions of enzymes and
 hormones in the cell. It also carries materials synthesized by
the endoplasmic reticulum to different parts of the cell. The
material is stored and packaged in vesicles.

It is involved in the synthesis and storage of lipids,

including cholesterol and phospholipids, which are used in the
Smooth Endoplasmic production of new cellular membrane. In some cells, such as
reticulum those of the adrenal gland, it plays a key role in
the synthesis of steroid hormones from cholesterol and in
detoxification of drugs in the liver.

It produces proteins that will become part of the

endomembrane system, the plasma membrane or to be
secreted. The rough ER can be identified by the presence of
Rough Endoplasmic ribosomes on the surface. When docked on it, these ribosomes
reticulum synthesize proteins that will either be put into the membrane, or
into the lumen of the rough ER. And if it is not functioning
properly, the cell would lack important proteins and other
organelles would not be able to carry out their function.

It has three main functions: the breakdown/digestion of

macromolecules (carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic
acids), cell membrane repairs, and responses against foreign
Lysosome substances such as bacteria, viruses and other antigens. When
food is absorbed by the cell, the lysosome releases its
enzymes to break down complex molecules including sugars
and proteins into usable energy needed by the cell to survive.

It act as a scaffold to determine cell shape, and provide a set of

Filamentous "tracks" for cell organelles and vesicles to move on.
Cytoskeleton Microtubules also form the spindle fibers for separating
(microtubules)
chromosomes during mitosis. When arranged in geometric
patterns inside flagella and cilia, they are used for locomotion.

B. Plant Cell

___
1 Nucleus 10 Golgi Bodies
___
___
2 Nucleolus 4 Smooth Endoplasmic reticulum
___
___
3 Nuclear membrane ___
5 Rough Endoplasmic reticulum
___Cell
11 Wall 6
___ Lysosome
9 8
___ Chloroplast ___ Vacuole
7 Mitochondrion
___

III. Anatomy of a Plant Cell

Complete the following table to fully describe the various cell parts.

Cell Structure Function

It is the control center of the cell. This is where the genes and
genetic information of the cell reside. The expression of these
Nucleus genes gives rise to the proteins, lipids, vitamins, compounds, and
everything else that is needed and made by the cell. It also
regulates metabolism and growth.

Nucleolus It is a round structure which manufactures cells’ protein-producing

structures and ribosomes.

It acts as barriers that prevent the free passage of molecules

Nuclear membrane between the nucleus and the cytoplasm, maintain the nucleus the
DNA of the cell, as a distinct biochemical compartment. 

It is a rigid layer that is found outside the cell membrane and

surrounds the cell. The primary function of the cell wall is to
Cell Wall protect the cell against mechanical stress, provide structural
support, and filter the molecules passing in and out of it. It also
allow for the circulation of water and minerals and prevent bursting
of plant cell when water enters it.

It contains a green colored pigment called “chlorophyll” required

Chloroplast for the process of photosynthesis. The chlorophyll capture and
absorbs light energy from the sun and uses it to transform carbon
dioxide and water into glucose for food.
 In plant cells, they break down carbohydrate and sugar molecules
to provide energy, particularly when light isn't available for the
Mitochondrion
chloroplasts to produce energy. Hence they are also referred to as
the “Powerhouse of the cell”.

It is the distribution and shipping department for the cell's chemical

Golgi Bodies products. Golgi Bodies modifies proteins and fats built in the
endoplasmic reticulum and prepares them for export as outside of
the cell.
It is exclusively involved in the manufacture of lipids and
Smooth Endoplasmic sometimes also helps in the metabolism of lipids and associated
products. Smooth ER also plays a key role in detoxifying a
reticulum
number of organic chemicals, converting them to safer water-
soluble products.
It is a site of protein synthesis; its cytosolic surface is studded with
ribosomes. This organelle is primarily concerned with the
Rough Endoplasmic synthesis, folding and modification of proteins, especially those
reticulum
that need to be delivered to different organelles within the cell, or
secreted from the cell.
It is also called as “suicidal bags” as they hold digestive enzymes
Lysosome in an enclosed membrane. They perform the function of cellular
waste disposal by digesting worn-out organelles, food particles
and foreign bodies in the cell. 

It helps in the storage and disposal of various substances. They

Vacuole can store food or other nutrients required by a cell to survive. They
also store waste products and prevent the entire cell from
contamination.

References:

 Michael W. Davidson and The Florida State University. “Animal Cell Structure” Cell
Biology and Microscopy Structure and Function of Cells and Viruses, National High
Magnetic Field Laboratory, 2015.
 Michael W. Davidson and The Florida State University. “Plant Cell Structure” Cell
Biology and Microscopy Structure and Function of Cells and Viruses, National High
Magnetic Field Laboratory, 2015.