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Cell Structures and Functions

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Somaia Kalawena
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17 views

Cell Structures and Functions

Uploaded by

Somaia Kalawena
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Cell Structures and Functions

1) Cell Wall
• Present around the outside of plant cells.

• It is a tough, non-living layer made of cellulose, surrounding the cell membrane.

Function:

• Freely and fully permeable, allowing water and dissolved substances to pass through.

• Prevents plant cells from bursting when they take up more water by osmosis.

2) Cell Membrane
• Outermost limiting membrane in animal cells, surrounding the cytoplasm.

• Present next to the cell wall in plant cells.

• Made mostly of phospholipids and is partially permeable.

Function:

• Selectively permeable, controlling what substances enter and leave the cell.

• Prevents cell contents from escaping.

• Allows oxygen, food, and water to enter while wastes leave.

3) Cytoplasm
• A jelly-like fluid containing organelles and particles.

• Enclosed by the cell membrane, it contains water, salts, and dissolved nutrients.

Function:

• Site of chemical reactions.

• Contains cell organelles, e.g., mitochondria, nucleus, ribosomes, and rough endoplasmic
reticulum.

4) Nucleus (Nuclei - Plural)


• Spherical in shape, made of a double membrane with nuclear pores for the exchange of
substances.
• Inside the nucleus are thread-like structures called chromosomes, made of DNA and
proteins.

Function:

• Controls the type and quantity of proteins to be synthesized.

• Regulates cell division, cell activities, and chemical changes (development).

5) Chloroplasts
• Disc-like cell organelles present in the cytoplasm of plant cells.

• Contain green pigments called chlorophyll and are made of double membranes.

Function:

• Absorb light energy to convert CO₂ and water into glucose through photosynthesis.

• Convert light energy into chemical energy.

6) Mitochondria (Singular: Mitochondrion)


• Rod-like organelles seen as circular or oval in section.

• Observed under high-power electron microscope.

• Made of a double membrane. the inner membrane has many finger-like foldings, increasing
the surface area for enzyme reactions.

Function:

• Site of aerobic respiration, releasing energy.

• Known as the 'Powerhouse of the Cell'.

• Metabolically active cells (e.g., liver, muscle) contain more mitochondria.

7) Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (RER) and Ribosomes


• RER is a network of flattened sacs surrounded by membrane, linked with the outer nuclear
membrane.

• The membrane holds ribosomes on the surface, giving it a rough appearance.

• Ribosomes can also be found freely in the cytoplasm and are visible under an electron
microscope at higher magnification.

Function:
• Produces, transports, and stores proteins.

• Ribosomes are the site of protein synthesis.

8) Vacuole
• Most plant cells have a large, central, permanent, fluid-filled space called the vacuole.

• It contains cell sap, a watery solution of sugars, salts, and sometimes pigments, and is
surrounded by a membrane.

• Animal cells may have small, temporary vacuoles.

Function:

• Provides outward pressure on the cytoplasm and cell wall, helping maintain plant cell
firmness.

• Helps to provide shape to plant cells.

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