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Cell Structure and Function

Notes on cells

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Oratile Malope
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2 views7 pages

Cell Structure and Function

Notes on cells

Uploaded by

Oratile Malope
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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CELLS STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION

All living things are made up of small structures called cells. These basic building blocks of
living things can carry out functions alone or as a group. A cell is a basic unit of life. Living
things are either unicellular (made up of one cell) or multi cellular (made up of many cells).

There are basically two types of cells; the animal and plant cell. The basic structure of these two
cells is remarkably similar however there are strikingly significant differences. A cell consists of
a mass of protoplasm which cytoplasm is containing nucleus surrounded by a membra

ne cell membrane.

General diagram of an animal cell

Feature Brief description Function


Cell membrane Outer envelope for an animal cell Control movement of substances in
Thin and flexible and out of a cell
Selectively permeable
Cytoplasm Fluid containing dissolved substances, Site for chemical reactions
suspended particles and inclusions such
as cell organelles Source of nutrients for nourishment
of cell structure
Nucleus Largest cell organelle consists of a Control all chemical reactions taking
nuclear membrane enclosing genetic place in a cell.
material. Genetic material is mainly
thread like chromosomes which
contains DNA.
Mitochondrion Relatively large cell organelles, made Site for respiration
up of a smooth outer membrane and
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inner one folded into projections.


Ribosome Appear on electron micrographs as Site for protein synthesis
dark small spots/cell organelles

General diagram of a plant cell

In addition structures found in the basic animal structure plant cells have cell wall, chloroplast
and vacuole.

Feature Brief description function


Cell wall Outermost membrane in plant Forms a strong supportive
cells which maintains the shape of a
Tough and rigid membrane plant cells and a protective
made up of cellulose structure enclosing the entire
Freely permeable plant cell structure.

Chloroplast Green pigment, chlorophyll, Site for photosynthesis


containing cell organelles
Chlorophyll traps light
necessary for photosynthesis
Vacuole Usually central to the cell, Maintain the shape of a plant
bounded by a selectively cell
permeable membrane, filled
with a fluid called cell sap.
Cell sap contains water, ions
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and stored substances.


Cell specialization

Specialized cells are modified in structure and through chemical composition to efficiently
perform specific functions. Examples

Example Function Features


Root hair cell Absorb water and mineral Presence of long thin,
ions from the soil curling root hair
extensions which increase
surface area for absorption
and penetrate deep into
the soil

Very thin cell wall

Large, extending vacuole

Its cell sap stronger than


soil solution

Numerous root hair cells

Red blood cell Transport oxygen around Biconcave discs


the body
Presence of haemoglobin

Absence of nucleus

Flexible cell membrane


and spongy cytoplasm

Very tiny cells and


numerous in number in
the bloodstream
Palisade cells Most photosynthetic cells Compact arrangement

Presence of a lot of
chloroplast

Elongated shape

Positioned next to the


upper epidermal layer
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Xylem cells Transport water and Elongated cells arranged


dissolved mineral ions end to end
from the roots to the
leaves
Lignified and rigid
Support / anchor the plant
Narrow and hollow

Guard cells Control the opening and Curved shaped


closure of the stomata
Rigid and strong internal
cell wall

Respond to light as a
stimulus

Nerve cell
Ciliated cells Form epithelium (lining) Presence of cilia which
of the oviduct and air continuously flickering
passages
Presence of mucus
producing cells

Compact arrangement
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Sperm cell Carry male gamete Presence of a tail for


nucleus to fertilize the swimming along the
ovum female reproductive
system

Release an enzymatic
fluid at the tip of head

Presence of a lot of
mitochondria

Less cytoplasm, nucleus


occupying nearly all the
space at the head
Muscle cell Contract and relax to Flexible, elongated with a
facilitate movement lot of mitochondria

Nerve cells Conduct electrical Presence of the myelin


impulses (fatty) sheath for
insulation

Long , thin fibres; axon


and dendron

Cytoplasm highly
concentrated with ions

Presence of dendrites;
contact points.
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Phagocyte Carry out phagocytosis Large irregular shaped


nucleus

Flexible cell membrane

Flowing cytoplasm

Cell Organisation

In multi cellular organisms cells are usually grouped in large numbers bringing about a collective
and coordinated effect on their functions. An increase in number of cells occurs by cell division
and that indicate growth.

Tissue – A group of structurally similar cells grouped together to perform a specific function.

examples bone, blood, nerve, bone, muscle, cartilage, epidermis, phloem, xylem, cortex

Organ – Several tissues grouped together making a functional unit. Examples; kidney, liver,
lung, stomach, leaf, root, heart
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System – A group of organs whose functions are coordinated to produce an effective action in
the organism. Examples; digestive, nervous, circulatory, root, breathing, excretory

Organism- formed from a number of organs and systems.

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