Cell Structure and Processes

Unit Membrane
Typical Structure - composed of protein and lipid (fat) molecules.

Cell Membrane
Structure - same as unit membrane.
Function - acts as a boundary layer to contain the cytoplasm (fluid in
cell)
- interlocking surfaces bind cells together
- selectively permeable to select chemicals that pass in and
out of cells

Cell Wall
Structure
- a non-living secretion of the cell membrane, composed of
cellulose
- cellulose fibrils deposited in alternating layers for strength
- contains pits (openings) that make it totally permeable
Function
- provides protection from physical injury
- together with vacuole, provides skeletal support

Vacuole
Structure
- a single layer of unit membrane enclosing fluid in
a sack
Function
- produces turgor pressure against cell wall for support
- stores water and various chemicals
- may store insoluble wastes

Nucleus
The nucleus consists of the nuclear envelope, nucleolus, chromatin, and
nucleoplasm.

Nuclear Envelope
Structure -two unit membranes with a fluid-filled space
-nuclear pores present
-outer membrane may be continuous with endoplasmic
reticulum
Function -selectively permeable to control movement in or out
-contains nuclear contents

Chromatin
Structure -composed of long thin strands of DNA
Function -contains instructions that control cell metabolism and
heredity

Nucleolus
Structure -non-membraneous matrix of RNA (ribonucleic acid)
and protein
Function - instructions in DNA are copied here
- works with ribosomes in the synthesis of protein

Nucleus
The nucleus consists of the nuclear envelope, nucleolus, chromatin, and
nucleoplasm.

Nuclear Envelope
Structure -two unit membranes with a fluid-filled space
-nuclear pores present
-outer membrane may be continuous with endoplasmic
reticulum
Function -selectively permeable to control movement in or out
-contains nuclear contents

Chromatin
Structure -composed of long thin strands of DNA
Function -contains instructions that control cell metabolism and
heredity

Nucleolus
Structure -non-membraneous matrix of RNA (ribonucleic acid)
and protein
Function - instructions in DNA are copied here
- works with ribosomes in the synthesis of protein

Chloroplast
Structure
- composed of a double layer of modified membrane (protein,
chlorophyll, lipid)
- inner membrane invaginates to form layers called "grana"
(sing., granum) where chlorophyll is concentrated
Function - site of photosynthesis
chlorophyll
Carbon Dioxide + Water ---------------> Glucose + Oxygen
radiant energy (food)

Centriole
Structure - nine triplets of microtubules form one centriole
- two centrioles form one centrosome
Function - forms spindle fibres to separate chromosomes during cell
division

Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)

Structure - sheets of unit membrane with ribosomes on the
outside
- forms a tubular network throughout the cell

Function - transports chemicals between cells and within cells

- provides a large surface area for the organization
of chemical reactions and synthesis

Ribosome
Structure - non-membraneous, spherical bodies composed of
RNA (ribonucleic acid) and protein enzymes
Function - site of protein synthesis

Golgi Apparatus
Structure - stacks of flattened sacs of unit membrane (cisternae)
- vesicles pinch off the edges
Function - modifies chemicals to make them functional
- secretes chemicals in tiny vesicles
- stores chemicals
- may produce endoplasmic reticulum

Lysosome
Structure - membrane bound bag containing hydrolytic enzymes
- hydrolytic enzyme = (water split biological catalyst)
i.e. using water to split chemical bonds
Function - break large molecules into small molecules by
inserting a molecule of water into the chemical bond
Mitochondrion
Structure - composed of modified double unit membrane (protein, lipid)

- inner membrane infolded to form cristae

Function - site of cellular respiration ie. the release of chemical
energy from food
Glucose + Oxygen ------> Carbon Dioxide + Water + Energy (ATP)