Lecture

4
Cell structure

ORGANELLES

•  Nucleus

• Endoplasmic reticulum

•  Golgi apparatus

•  Mitochondria

•  Vacuole and peroxisomes

•  Chloroplasts

•  Membrane function
Cell structure

Mader: Biology 8th Ed.

Cell structure

Mader: Biology 8th Ed.

Mader: Biology 8th Ed.
Continuous with the nuclear envelope
Membrane-bound tubules and sacs
Both smooth and rough ER

Mader: Biology 8th Ed.

Stacks of flattened
membranous sacs,
involved in protein
modification

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Double membrane-
bound

Inner membrane has

cristae

Contains DNA

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Found in plant cells
Captures light energy for photosynthesis
Contains DNA

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 Organelle Function
Nucleus Houses chromosomes (genetic material); pores allow
entry and exit of materials

Ribosome Protein synthesis

Endoplasmic reticulum Smooth: Lipid synthesis; carbohydrate metabolism;

detoxification

Rough: Helps in secretory and other protein synthesis

from bound ribosomes; produces new membrane

Golgi Protein modification; synthesis of many polysaccharides

Lysosome Breakdown of ingested substances, damaged organelles

for recycling

Vacuole Storage; water; cell growth; protection

Mitochondria Cellular respiration

Chloroplast Photosynthesis
Mader: Biology 8th Ed.
Membrane proper3es

Membrane function

•  Cell membrane performs a crucial role in the functioning of a cell

•  “Fluid Mosaic Model” describes the structure of the cell membrane

•  Phospholipid bilayer with proteins either wholly or partially embedded

Membrane proper3es

Mader: Biology 8th Ed.

Membrane proper3es

Membrane proteins

Types of proteins associated with the membrane:

•  Channel proteins: Provides passage for molecules

•  Carrier proteins: Combine with substance and aids in passage of molecules

•  Recognition proteins: Assists in recognising foreign particles

•  Receptor proteins: Allow molecules to bind with the membrane

•  Enzymatic proteins: Performs metabolic reactions directly

Membrane proper3es

Membrane permeability
•  Membrane structure makes it selectively permeable

•  Molecules, solutes, ions need to pass through this membrane in both

directions

•  Non-polar molecules (hydrocarbons) are hydrophobic and can dissolve into

the membrane and cross it without the aid of transport proteins

•  Hydrophilic molecules cannot pass through the core (which is hydrophobic)

•  Hydrophilic molecules are able to pass with the help of transport proteins

•  Selective permeability of the membrane is dictated by the properties of the

membrane, as well as the specific transport proteins that are embedded
within it
Membrane proper3es

Mader: Biology 8th Ed.

Membrane proper3es

Membrane permeability

Two types of transport: Passive and active transport

Passive transport: ATP is not a requirement. Molecules follow

concentration gradients

Active transport: Requires a carrier protein and ATP

Diffusion Osmosis
Movement of molecules Movement of water
from a higher to a lower across a selectively
concentration, until permeable membrane
equilibrium is reached
Membrane proper3es

Movement DOWN a concentration gradient

No work needs to be done

Diffusion occurs across the solutes OWN concentration gradient

This is an example of PASSIVE TRANSPORT

Mader: Biology 8th Ed.

 Membrane proper3es

Water can pass through cell membranes. This is crucial for a cell’s water balance

Isotonic solution: solute and water concentrations are equal (normal)

Hypotonic solution: more solutes concentrated IN the cell. The cell will swell.

Hypertonic solution: more solutes concentrated OUTSIDE of the cell. The cell will
shrivel. The cell is said to be “plasmolysed”

Mader: Biology 8th Ed.

Membrane proper3es

Membrane permeability

Transport by carrier proteins:

Mader: Biology 8th Ed.

CELL CYCLE
 MITOSIS

•  One part of the cell cycle

•  Typically broken down into 5 stages:

1. Prophase

2. Prometaphase

3. Metaphase

4. Anaphase

5. Telophase
Mitosis
Mitosis
Stage Characteristic
G2 of interphase •  Centrosomes form
•  Chromosomes not yet condensed
Prophase •  Chromatin fibres condense
•  Nucleoli appear
•  Mitotic spindle begins to form
•  Centrosomes move apart
Prometaphase •  Nuclear envelope fragments
•  Microtubules enter the nucleus
•  Some microtubules attach to kinetochores
Metaphase •  Lasts 20 minutes (longest phase)
•  Centrosomes are at opposite poles
•  Chromosomes arrange on the metaphase plate
Anaphase •  Sister chromatids part
•  Microtubules shorten, pulling sister chromatids apart
Telophase •  Two daughter nuclei form in the cell
•  Nuclear envelopes start to form
•  Chromosomes become less condensed
Cytokinesis •  Cytoplasm would have divided
•  Cell cleaves in two
Mitosis

At the end of mitosis there are:

•  Two daughter cells that are genetically identical to the parent cell

•  The DNA is passed on from cell to cell

•  The integrity of the genome is preserved

•  Organisms grow in this manner

Next concept: MEIOSIS!