CELLULAR STRUCTURES AND FUNCTIONS

GIO: To learn the different parts of the cell and its functions
SIO
1. Draw and label the important parts of a hypothetical cell.

2. Enumerate the 2 major classes of cells

a. Prokaryotic cells, which lack a membrane covered nucleus, have their DNA located in a
part of the cell called the nucleoid. Prokaryotic cells are simpler and much smaller than
eukaryotic cells. Prokaryotic cells live in a wide variety of environments and can be found in
water, soil, and the air. Bacteria are a type of a prokaryotic cell.
b. Eukaryotic cells have a membrane-covered nucleus which stores the cell's DNA.
Eukaryotic cells are characterised by a true nucleus. This broad category involves plants,
fungi, protozoans, and animals.

3. Discuss the structure of the cell membrane and enumerate its functions.

a. Cell membrane - The cell membrane supports and protects the cell. It controls the movement of
substances in and out of the cells. It separates the cell from the external environment. The cell
membrane is present in all the cells. The cell membrane is the outer covering of a cell within which
all other organelles, such as the cytoplasm and nucleus, are enclosed. It is also referred to as the
plasma membrane.

b. Cell wall - The cell wall is the most prominent part of the plant’s cell structure. It is made up of
cellulose, hemicellulose and pectin. It provides shape and support to the cells and protects them
from mechanical shocks and injuries.

c. Cytoplasm - The cytoplasm is a thick, clear, jelly-like substance present inside the cell
membrane. The cell organelles such as endoplasmic reticulum, vacuoles, mitochondria,
ribosomes, are suspended in this cytoplasm. a jelly-like substance, made up of mostly water, that
keeps the various organelles within the cell separate from each other. Many of the cell’s
biochemical reactions, like metabolic processes, occur within the cytoplasm.

d. Nucleus - The nucleus contains the hereditary material of the cell, the DNA. It sends signals to
the cells to grow, mature, divide and die. The nucleus protects the DNA and is an integral
component of a plant’s cell structure.
4. Classify the formed elements of the cytoplasm and give their functions.
 a. Cytosol - Semitransparent fluid which is largely water, containing dissolved nutrients and a variety
of other solutes. Suspends organelles and inclusions. The cytosol is the part of the cytoplasm that
is not occupied by any organelle. It is a gelatinous fluid, where other components of the cytoplasm
remain suspended. It mainly consists of cytoskeleton filaments, organic molecules, salt, and
water.

b. Organelles - the little organs within the cytosol. depends on the type; carry out specific functions
for the cell as a whole to maintain its life. Organelles mean “little organs”, that are membrane-
bound. They are present inside the cell and perform specific functions that are necessary for the
survival of the cell. Some of the constituents of the cell that are suspended in the cytosol are
cellular organelles like mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, vacuoles,
lysosomes, and chloroplasts in plant cells.

c. Cytoplasmic Inclusions - The cytoplasmic inclusions consist of different types of insoluble

particles or molecules that remain suspended in the cytosol. Cytoplasmic inclusions are not
surrounded by any membrane. They are basically granules of starch and glycogen, and they can
store energy. A vast range of inclusions are present in different cell types. The inclusions range
from calcium oxalate crystals or silicon dioxide crystals in plants to storage granules of materials
like starch, glycogen, etc.

5. Discuss the nucleus and explain its immense functions.

→ Nucleus - The key function of the nucleus is to control cell growth and multiplication. This involves
regulating gene expression, initiating cellular reproduction, and storing genetic material necessary for all
of these tasks. In order for a nucleus to carry out important reproductive roles and other cell activities, it
needs proteins and ribosomes.

Identify the parts of cell:

1. Cell membrane
2. Nucleus
3. Endoplasmic reticulum
4. Golgi apparatus
5. Ribosomes
6. Mitochondria
7. Microvilli
8. Lysosome
9. Vesicle
10. Centrioles
Identify the phases of mitosis:
 1
1. Prophase
2. Metaphase
3. Anaphase
4. Telophase