Cell
Cell
Cell
Plasma membrane
A microscopic membrane of lipids and proteins that forms the
external boundary of the cytoplasm of a cell and that regulates
the passage of molecules in and out of the cytoplasm.
Nucleus
Nucleus is the largest cellular organelle, surrounded by a
double membrane nuclear envelope. The outer membrane is
continuous with the membranes of endoplasmic reticulum.
Nucleus contains DNA, the repository of genetic information.
Nuclear pores: At certain intervals, the two nuclear
membranes have nuclear pores with a diameter of about 90
nm. These pores permit the free passage of the products
synthesized in the nucleus into the surrounding cytoplasm.
Nucleolus: The nucleus of the eukaryotic cell contains a dense
body known as nucleolus. lt is rich in RNA, particularly the
ribosomal RNA which enters the cytosol through nuclear pores.
Nucleoplasm: The ground material of the nucleus is often
referred to as nucleoplasm. It is rich in enzymes such as DNA
polymerases and RNA polymerases. To the surprise of
biochemists, the enzymes of glycolysis, citric acid cycle and
hexose monophosphate shunt have also been detected in the
nucleoplasm.
Cytoplasm
It is a jelly-like substance that is sometimes described as "the
cell-matrix". It holds the organelles in place within the cell. Site
for Glycolysis and most of gluconeogenesis; Pentose Phosphate
shunt; Fatty acid biosynthesis.
Centrosomes
The centrosomes contain the centrioles, which are responsible
for cell-division.
Mitochondria
The mitochondria (Greek- mitos - thread; chondros - granule) are
the centres for the cellular respiration and energy metabolism.
They are regarded as the power houses of the cell with variable size
and shape. Mitochondria are rod-like or filamentous bodies,
usually with dimensions of 1.0 x 3 µm. About 2,000 mitochondria,
occupying about 1/5th of the total cell volume, are present in a
typical cell.
The mitochondria are composed of a double membrane system.
The outer membrane is smooth and completely envelops the
organelle. The inner membrane is folded to form cristae (Latin -
crests) which occupy a larger surface area. The internal chamber of
mitochondria is referred to as matrix or mitosol.
The components of electron transport chain and oxidative
phosphorylation are buried in the inner mitochondrial membrane.
The matrix contains several enzymes concerned with the energy
metabolism of carbohydrates lipids and amino acids (e.g. citric
acid cycle, β-oxidation).
Endoplasmic reticulum
A large portion of the ER is studded with ribosomes to give a
granular appearance which is referred ro as rough endoplasmic
reticulum. Ribosomes are the factories of protein biosynthesis. The
smooth endoplasmic reticulum does not contain ribosomes. lt is
involved in the synthesis of lipids (triacylglycerols, phospholipids,
sterols).
Golgi apparatus
Eukaryotic cells contain a unique cluster of membrane vesicles
known as dictyosomes which, in turn, constitute golgi apparatus (or
golgi complex).
Certain proteins and enzymes are enclosed in membrane vesicles of
golgi apparatus and secreted from the cell after the appropriate
signals. The digestive enzymes of pancreas are produced in this
fashion.
Lysosomes
Lysosomes are spherical vesicles enveloped by a single membrane.
Lysosomes are regarded as the digestive tract of the cell, since they
are actively involved in digestion of cellular substances-namely
proteins, lipids, carbohydrates and nucleic acids. Lysosomal
enzymes are categorized as hydrolases. These include the α-
glucosidase( glycogen),Lipases( lipids).
Peroxisomes
Peroxisomes, also known as microbodies, are single membrane
cellular organelles. They are spherical or oval in shape and contain
the enzyme catalase. Catalase protects the cell from the toxic effects
of H2O2, by converting it to H2O.
Capsule: Found in some bacterial cells, this additional outer
covering protects the cell when it is engulfed by other organisms,
assists in retaining moisture, and helps the cell adhere to
surfaces and nutrients.