Cell organelles

11AS
Animal cell
Plant cell
Cell Surface Membrane (Plasma Membrane)
1. Structure:
Extremely thin (7nm) have three layers – two dark layers surrounding a pale interior layer
Composed of a phospholipid bilayer with embedded proteins, cholesterol, and carbohydrates.
Phospholipids have hydrophilic heads and hydrophobic tails, creating a semi-permeable barrier.
Functions:
Regulates the movement of substances in and out of the cell.
Provides protection and support.
Facilitates communication and signalling through receptor proteins.
Maintains cell integrity and homeostasis.
Are known as semi permeable membrane or partially permeable membrane because it allows only
selected materials to pass through it
 Nucleus, Nuclear Envelope, and
Nucleolus
Structure:
Nucleus: A largest organelle, membrane-bound
organelle containing the cell's genetic material (DNA).
Nuclear Envelope: A double membrane that surrounds
the nucleus, with nuclear pores for transport. Outer
membrane is continuous with endoplasmic reticulum.
Nuclear pore: nuclear envelope has many pores
allowing the exchange od materials between nucleus
and cytoplasm
Chromosomes : nucleus contain chromosomes which
contain DNA which is organized to form genes which
form unit of inheritance.
Functions:
Nucleus: Stores genetic information and coordinates cell
activities like growth, metabolism, and reproduction.
Nuclear Envelope: Protects the DNA and regulates the
exchange of materials between the nucleus and cytoplasm.
Nucleolus: A dense, spherical structure within the nucleus
responsible for ribosome synthesis. One or more found
inside nucleus manufacture and assembles ribosomal
subunits using the information in its own DNA.
Chromatin : It is a mass of coiled threads, which condenses
to form chromosomes which are carriers of genetic
information . It is a combination of DNA and proteins .
During cell division these chromatin threads condense to
form Chromosomes.
Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (RER)
Structure:
A network of membranous tubules and flattened sacs
studded with ribosomes on its cytoplasmic surface.
The membranes of ER forms flattened compartments
called sacs or cisternae.
As the ER is completely embedded with ribosomes which
are visible as dark spots which form the site for protein
synthesis , they are called rough endoplasmic reticulum
.
Functions:
Synthesizes and processes proteins destined for secretion or membrane insertion.
Provides a site for protein folding and modification
Proteins and other molecules can be transported through the cells inside sacs separate from the
rest of cytoplasm
ER is continuous with the outer membrane of nuclear envelope.
 Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum
(SER)
Structure:
Similar to RER but lacks ribosomes, giving it a
smooth appearance.
Functional difference is that it synthesizes lipids
and steroids such as cholesterol and oestrogen
and testosterone. Major storage site for calcium
ions which is involved in muscle contraction – so
mostly seen abundant in muscular tissues and
liver drug metabolism.
Functions:
Synthesizes lipids, including phospholipids and steroids.
Metabolizes carbohydrates.
Detoxifies drugs and poisons.
Stores and releases calcium ions.
Golgi Body (Golgi Apparatus or Golgi
Complex)
Structure:
Composed of flattened, membrane-bound sacs called
cisternae.
More than one golgi apparatus is present in a cell.
Golgi vesicles carry contents to other parts of cells for
secretion , chemically modifies the molecules it
transport
Eg: sugars may be added to proteins to make
glycoproteins .
Functions:
Modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids for secretion or delivery to other organelles.
Forms lysosomes and transport vesicles.
Collects proteins synthesized by RER , carried to different cell parts and get it released
(secretion) through definite channels called secretory pathways.
Used to make lysosomes
Helps in synthesise of new cell walls in plants during cell division
Mucin is released in gut and gas exchange system which is a major component of mucus , is
released from golgi bodies .
 Mitochondria (including the presence of small circular DNA)
Structure:
Double-membrane organelle with an outer membrane
and a highly folded inner membrane (cristae).
Contains its own circular DNA and ribosomes.
Surrounded by double layered membrane – inner
membrane is folded to form fingerlike cristae which is
projected into the inner matrix.
The space between the two membranes are called inter
membrane space.
Functions:
Produces ATP through cellular respiration .as it is the energy carrying molecule in the cell , it is
known as universal energy carrier or the power house of the cell.
The reactions of respiration take place in solution in the matrix and inner membrane (cristae).
The matrix contains enzymes in solution for krebs cycle, cristae contain electron carriers.
ATP once made – it leaves mitochondrion and spreads rapidly to the places where ever energy is
required. It is broken down into ADP molecule by hydrolysis reaction and gets recycled back to
mitochondria.
Regulates metabolic activity and apoptosis.
Involved in heat production and calcium storage.
Synthesis of lipid.
Ribosomes (80S in the cytoplasm and
70S in chloroplasts and mitochondria)
Structure:
Very small organelles with two subunits – large and small.
Composed of rRNA and proteins, forming two subunits (large and small).
80S Ribosomes: Found in the cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells.
70S Ribosomes: Found in mitochondria and chloroplasts.
Functions:
Sites of protein synthesis, translating mRNA into polypeptide chains.
Lysosomes
Structure:
Membrane-bound vesicles containing hydrolytic
enzymes.
Contain digestive enzymes called hydrolases –
carryout hydrolysis reactions which is faster in acidic
pH.
About 60+ enzymes are found in lysosomes –
nucleases digest nucleic acid , proteases digest
proteins , lipases digest lipids. These enzymes are
synthesized by ER and delivered to lysosomes via
golgi apparatus .
Functions:
Engulf and destroy unwanted cell components
Digests and recycles cellular waste and foreign material.
Involved in autophagy - Autophagy (or autophagocytosis; from the Ancient Greek αὐτόφαγος,
autóphagos, meaning "self-devouring" and κύτος, kýtos, meaning "hollow") is the natural,
conserved degradation of the cell that removes unnecessary or dysfunctional components
through a lysosome-dependent regulated mechanism.
and apoptosis - A type of cell death in which a series of molecular steps in a cell lead to its
death. This is one method the body uses to get rid of unneeded or abnormal cells. The process
of apoptosis may be blocked in cancer cells. Also called programmed cell death.
Centrioles and Microtubules
Structure:
Centrioles: Cylindrical structures composed of microtubules arranged in a 9+0 pattern.
Microtubules: Hollow tubes made of tubulin proteins. There are two types of tubulin proteins alpha and beta.
Long and rigid. Together with actin filaments tey form the cytoskeletal framework which determines the shape of
the cell.
Functions:
Centrioles: Involved in cell division, forming the spindle apparatus.
Microtubules: Provide structural support, facilitate intracellular transport, and are components
of cilia and flagella.
Forms intracellular transport system- transporting secretory vesicles and other organelles and
cell components .
During nuclear division , spindle made of microtubules are used in separation of chromatids
Cilia
Structure:
Hair-like structures projecting from the cell surface, composed of microtubules in a 9+2
arrangement.
Functions:
Move fluid, mucus, or cells over their surface.
Play a role in cell signalling and sensory perception.
Microvilli
Structure:
Finger-like projections of the cell membrane containing actin filaments.
Functions:
Increase the surface area for absorption and secretion.
Eg : reabsorption – kidney
◦ Absrorption of nutrients by small intestine
Chloroplasts (including the presence
of small circular DNA)
Structure:
Double-membrane organelles with internal thylakoid membranes arranged in stacks (grana).
Contain their own circular DNA and ribosomes.
Functions:
Conduct photosynthesis, converting light energy into chemical energy (glucose).
Synthesize organic compounds from carbon dioxide and water.
Cell Wall
Structure:
Rigid layer composed of cellulose (in plants), hemicellulose, and pectin.
Functions:
Provides structural support and protection.
Maintains cell shape and prevents excessive water uptake.
Plasmodesmata
Structure:
Channels that traverse the cell walls of plant cells, connecting their cytoplasm.
Functions:
Facilitate communication and transport of substances between adjacent plant cells.
Large Permanent Vacuole and
Tonoplast of Plant Cells
Structure:
Large Permanent Vacuole: A large, central vacuole filled with cell sap (water, enzymes, ions, and
other substances).
Tonoplast: The membrane surrounding the vacuole.
Functions:
Maintains turgor pressure for structural support.
Stores nutrients, waste products, and pigments.
Involved in intracellular digestion and recycling of cellular components.
To be continued in detail