Structure of a Cell

The endomembrane system is composed of the different membranes that are suspended
in the cytoplasm within a eukaryotic cell. These membranes divide the cell into functional
and structural compartments, or organelles.

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) plays a key role in the modification of proteins and the
synthesis of lipids. It consists of a network of membranous tubules and flattened sacs. The
discs and tubules of the ER are hollow, and the space inside is called the lumen.

The rough endoplasmic reticulum (rough ER) gets its name from the bumpy ribosomes
attached to its cytoplasmic surface. As these ribosomes make proteins, they feed the newly
forming protein chains into the lumen. Some are transferred fully into the ER and float inside,
while others are anchored in the membrane.

The smooth endoplasmic reticulum (smooth ER) is continuous with the rough ER but has
few or no ribosomes on its cytoplasmic surface. Functions of the smooth ER include:
 Synthesis of carbohydrates, lipids, and steroid hormones
 Detoxification of medications and poisons
 Storage of calcium ions

There are some key ingredients that a cell needs in order to be a cell, regardless of whether
it is prokaryotic or eukaryotic. All cells share four key components:

1. The plasma membrane is an outer covering that separates the cell’s interior from its
surrounding environment.
2. Cytoplasm consists of the jelly-like cytosol inside the cell, plus the cellular structures
suspended in it. In eukaryotes, cytoplasm specifically means the region outside the
nucleus but inside the plasma membrane.
3. DNA is the genetic material of the cell.

Ribosomes are molecular machines that synthesize proteins. Typical prokaryotic cells
range from 0.1 to 5.0 micrometers (μm) in diameter and are significantly smaller than
eukaryotic cells, which usually have diameters ranging from 10 to 100 μm.