CELLULAR STRUC-

TURE
 CELLULAR STRUCTURE

This module widens your understanding of cellular struc-

tures and functions used in the livelihood, promotion of food pro-
duction and health.
In this module you will learn to
• Discuss the main parts and organelles of the cell.
• Identify the parts of the cell

In doing this module, please

follow these reminders#

1. Take the pretest before

working or answering the
module.
2. Perform the activities as
suggested.
3. Answer all the exercises.
4. Check your answers against
the Key to Correction.
5. Take the Post Test.

13
A. Multiple Choice: Choose the letter that corresponds to the
correct answer.
1. Which cell feature is responsible for making proteins?
A. lysosome C. mitochondria
B. ribosome D. endoplasmic reticulum
2. What is the name of the jelly– like substance that is inside the
cell?
A. cytoplasm C. cytokinesis
B. ectoplasm D. cell membrane
3. What cell feature is responsible for powering the cell?
A. mitochondria C. endoplasmic reticulum
B. golgi apparatus D. cell membrane
4. Where in the cell does DNA replication take place?
A. cytoplasm C. ribosome
B. nucleus D. nucleolus
5. What is one major feature that plants cells have that animals
cells do not?
A. lysosome C. ribosome
B. cell wall D. cell membrane
6. What is cell feature contains digestive enzymes which breaks
things down?
A. vacuoles C. lysosome
B. ribosome D. vesicle

2
7. Which cell feature processes proteins?
A. chloroplast C. mitochondria
B. golgi apparatus D. endoplasmic reticulum
8. Which cell feature transport ribosome?
A. lysosome C. mitochondria
B. golgi apparatus D. endoplasmic reticulum
9. The plant cell structure where photosynthesis takes place is
called __________?
A. chloroplast C. vacuole
B. chlorophyll D. mitochondria
10. What cell features is responsible for storing water?
A. chloroplast C. vacuole
B. chlorophyll D. mitochondria

35
 CELLULAR STRUCTURE

Although cells are diverse, all cells have certain parts in

common. A cell is the smallest structural and functional unit of an
organism. Some organisms, like bacteria, consist of only one cell.
Big organisms, like humans, consist of trillions of cells. Inside the
cells are the organelles also called “small organs” that have spe-
cific functions.

Cells fall into one of two broad categories: prokaryotic and eu-
karyotic.
Prokaryotic Cells
A prokaryotic cell is a simple,
single-celled (unicellular) organ-
ism that lacks a nucleus, or any
other membrane-bound organ-

Figure 1. This figure shows the gen-

eralized structure of a prokaryotic

Image Source :https://www.khanacademy.org/science/high-school-biology/hs-cells/hs-prokaryotes-and-

eukaryotes/a/prokaryotic-cells

elle. Prokaryotic DNA is found in the central part of the cell: a

darkened region called the nucleoid.
Eukaryotic Cells
A eukaryotic cell is a cell that has a membrane-bound nucleus
and other membrane-bound compartments or sacs,
called organelles, which have specialized functions. The word
eukaryotic means “true kernel” or “true nucleus,” alluding to the
presence of the membrane-bound nucleus in these cells. The
word “organelle” means “little organ,” and, as we learned ear-
lier, organelles have specialized cellular functions, just as the or-
gans of your body have specialized functions.
4
 Figure 2. This figure shows the generalized structure of a eukaryotic cell

Image Source: https://www.britannica.com/science/eukaryote

Four Common Parts of a Cell

The parts include a plasma membrane, cytoplasm, ribosomes,
and DNA.
1. The Barrier: plasma membrane (also called the cell mem-
brane) is a thin coat of lipids that surrounds a cell. It forms the
physical boundary between the cell and its environment, so you
can think of it as the “skin” of the cell.

2. The Jelly– like structure: Cytoplasm refers to all of the cellular

material inside the plasma membrane, other than the nucleus. Cy-
toplasm is made up of a watery substance called cytosol, and
contains other cell structures such as ribosomes.

3. Ribosomes are structures in the cytoplasm where proteins are

made.

4. DNA is a nucleic acid found in cells. It contains the genetic in-

structions that cells need to make proteins.

57
 The Genetic Material: The Nucleus
• The nucleus is a membrane-enclosed
organelle, found in most eukaryotic cells,
which stores the genetic material (DNA).
• The nucleus is surrounded by a dou-
ble lipid bilayer, the nuclear envelope,
which is embedded with nuclear pores.
• The nucleolus is inside the nucleus, Figure 3. The structure
and is where ribosomes are made.
Image Source: https://microbenotes.com/
nucleus-structure-and-functions/

Other Cell Organelles

In addition to the nucleus, eukaryotic cells have many
other organelles, including the endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi ap-
paratus, vesicles, vacuoles, centrioles and mitochondria

Figure 4. Image of nucleus, endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus.

Image Source: https://biologydictionary.net/endoplasmic-reticulum/

(singular: mitochondrion) .
Endoplasmic Reticulum
The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) (plural, reticuli) is a network
of phospholipid membranes that form hollow tubes, flattened
sheets, and round sacs. These flattened, hollow folds and sacs
are called cisternae. The ER has two major func-
6
• Transport: Molecules, such as proteins, can move from place
to place inside the ER, much like on an intracellular highway.
• Synthesis: Ribosomes that are attached to ER, similar to un-
attached ribosomes, make proteins. Lipids are also produced in
the ER.
There are two types of endoplasmic reticulum, rough endoplas-
mic reticulum (RER) and smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER).

Rough endoplasmic reticulum is studded with ri-

bosomes, which gives it a “rough” appearance. These ribosomes
make proteins that are then transported from the ER in small
sacs called transport vesicles. The transport vesicles pinch off
the ends of the ER. The rough endoplasmic reticulum works with
the Golgi apparatus to move new proteins to their proper destina-
tions in the cell. The membrane of the RER is continuous with
the outer layer of the nuclear envelope.
Smooth endoplasmic reticulum does not have any ri-
bosomes attached to it, and so it has a smooth appearance. SER
has many different functions, some of which include lipid synthe-
sis, calcium ion storage, and drug detoxification. Smooth endo-
plasmic reticulum is found in both animal and plant cells and it
serves different functions in each. The SER is made up of tu-
bules and vesicles that branch out to form a network.

Ribosomes
Ribosomes are a cell structure that makes protein. Pro-
tein is needed for many cell functions such as repairing damage
or directing chemical processes. Ribosomes can be found float-
ing within the cytoplasm or attached to the endoplasmic reticu-
lum.

79
Golgi Apparatus
The Golgi apparatus serves to sequester proteins. How
did the name come about? Well, it was discovered by Dr. Camille
Golgi in 1898. It is a large organelle that is usually made up of
five to eight cup-shaped, membrane-covered discs called cister-
nae. The Golgi apparatus modifies, sorts, and packages different
substances for secretion out of the cell, or for use within the cell.
The Golgi apparatus is found close to the nucleus of the cell,
where it modifies proteins that have been delivered in transport
vesicles from the RER. It is also involved in the transport of lipids
around the cell.
The Golgi apparatus can be thought of as similar to a
post office; it packages and labels “items” and then sends them
to different parts of the cell. Both plant and animal cells have a
Golgi apparatus. Plant cells can have up to several hundred
Golgi stacks scattered throughout the cytoplasm. In plants, the
Golgi apparatus contains enzymes that synthesize some of the
cell wall polysaccharides.

Vesicles
A vesicle is a small, spherical compartment that is sepa-
rated from the cytosol by at least one lipid bilayer. Many vesicles
are made in the Golgi apparatus and the endoplasmic reticulum,
or are made from parts of the cell membrane. Vesicles from the
Golgi apparatus can be seen in figure 4. Because it is separated
from the cytosol, the space inside the vesicle can be made to be
chemically different from the cytosol. Vesicles are basic tools of
the cell for organizing metabolism, transport, and storage of
molecules. Vesicles are also used as chemical reaction cham-
bers. They can be classified by their contents and function.

7
 Figure 5. This figure show the different organelles present in plant cells.
Image Source: https://www.britannica.com/science/plant-cell

• Transport vesicles are able to move molecules between

locations inside the cell. For example, transport vesicles
move proteins from the rough endoplasmic reticulum to the
Golgi apparatus.
• Lysosomes are vesicles that are formed by the Golgi appa-
ratus. They contain powerful enzymes that could break down
(digest) the cell. Lysosomes break down harmful cell prod-
ucts, waste materials, and cellular debris and then force them
out of the cell. They also digest invading organisms such as
bacteria. Lysosomes also break down cells that are ready to
die, a process called autolysis.
• Peroxisomes are vesicles that use oxygen to break down
toxic substances in the cell. Unlike lysosomes, which are
formed by the Golgi apparatus, peroxisomes self-replicate by
growing bigger and then dividing. They are common in liver
and kidney cells that break down harmful substances.

7
11
Vacuoles
Vacuoles are membrane-bound organelles that can
have secretory, excretory, and storage functions. Many organ-
isms will use vacuoles as storage areas and some plant cells
have very large vacuoles. Vesicles are much smaller than vacu-
oles and function in transporting materials both within and to the
outside of the cell. In plant cells in contains a large size of vacu-
oles of water storage.

Centrioles
Centrioles are rod-like structures made of short micro-
tubules. Nine groups of three microtubules make up each centri-
ole. Two perpendicular centrioles make up the centrosome.
Centrioles are very important in cellular division, where they ar-
range the mitotic spindles that pull the chromosome apart during
mitosis.

The Energy System: Mitochondria

Mitochondria are rod-
shaped organelles that can be con-
sidered the “Power House” of the
cell, converting oxygen and nutrients
into adenosine triphosphate (ATP).
ATP is the chemical energy
"currency" of the cell that powers the
cell's metabolic activities. This proc-
ess is called aerobic respira-
tion and is the reason animals Figure 5. The mitochondria.
breathe oxygen. need large amounts Image Source: https://
micro.magnet.fsu.edu/cells/mitochondria/
of energy in order to survive. Mito- mitochondria.html
chondria, which are found in nearly
all eukaryotes, including plants, animals, fungi, and protists, are
large enough to be observed with a light microscope and were
first discovered in the 1800s.
8
Without mitochondria (singular, mitochondrion), higher animals
would likely not exist because their cells would only be able to ob-
tain energy from anaerobic respiration (in the absence of oxygen), a
process much less efficient than aerobic respiration. In fact, mito-
chondria enable cells to produce 15 times more ATP than they
could otherwise, and complex animals, like humans, need large
amounts of energy in order to survive.
DIFFERENCES IN ANIMAL CELLS, PLANT CELLS, AND BACTERIA

ANIMAL CELL PLANT CELL BACTERIA

Eukaryotes Eukaryotes Prokaryotes

Cell membrane Cell membrane Cell membrane

Nuclear membrane Nuclear membrane NO nuclear mem-

brane

NO cell wall Cell wall made of Cell wall made of

CELLULOSE PEPTIDOGLYCAN

Has ribosomes Has ribosomes Has ribosomes

DNA in multiple DNA in multiple DNA is a single cir-

chromosomes chromosomes cular ring

CYTOSKELETON CYTOSKELETON CYTOSKELETON

Small vacuoles Really big vacuole NO vacuoles

Has lysosomes Has lysosomes NO lysosomes

Has centrioles NO centrioles NO centrioles

NO chloroplasts Chloroplasts NO chloroplasts

SMALLER SMALL SMALLEST

I am pretty sure that the concepts

discussed will be of help as you
answer some practice activities
found in the next pages.

9
13
 ACTIVITY 1
“Match Tayo!”
A. Identification: Identify what is being described. Write the letter of
the correct answer in the space provided before the number.

A. Cell E. Golgi body I. Endoplasmic Reticulum

B. Nucleus F. Organelles J. Vacuoles
C. Lysosome G. Mitochondria
D. Cytoplasm H. Cell Membrane

___1. It is the control center of the cell and it contains the genetic
material which determines the characteristics of the cell.
___2. It is the jelly like material that encloses and protect the organ-
elles.
___3. It is fluid-filled cavities that function in storage of substances.
___4. It is the powerhouse of the cell, where the needed energy of
the cell is produced.
___5. It is the site of protein and lipid synthesis.
___6. These are small sac-like organelles that contain strong diges-
tive enzymes.
___7. It is the organelle that packs proteins to be delivered to the
other parts of the cell.
___8. These are tiny cellular structures that serve specific functions
within a cell.
___9. It is the fundamental unit of life.
___10.It is a coat of lipids that serves as the boundary between the

13
 ACTIVITY 2.a
“ YOU Complete ME”
Direction: The figure below shows an animal cell . Name the
unknown parts of the animal cell.

6 2

10

3
1

Image Source: https://www.britannica.com/science/eukaryote

15
15
 ACTIVITY 2.b
“ YOU Complete ME”
Direction: The figure below shows an plant cell. Name the
unknown parts of the plant cell.

6 7

10

3 8

Image Source: https://www.britannica.com/science/plant-cell

16
 ACTIVITY 3

“Which is which.. Cell-berate”

Direction: Pick which organelles are present to animal cell,
plant cell and bacteria by putting an (X) on the appropriate
box.
Organelles Plant Animal Bacteria

Cell Wall

Cell membrane

Nucleus

Cytoplasm

Lysosome

Chloroplast

Endoplasmic Reticulum

Nuclear Envelope

Vacuole

Centrosome

17
17
• Cell The basic unit of structure and function of all living things.
• Prokaryotic Cell Cells that do not have a well-defined nucleus.
• Eukaryotic Cell Cells that have a well-defined nucleus.
• Cell Membrane It serves as the boundary between the inside of
the cell and the outside environment.
• Cytoplasm It is the jelly like material that encloses and protect
the organelles.
• Nucleus It is the control center of the cell and it contains the ge-
netic material which determines the characteristics of the cell.
• Organelles These are tiny cellular structures that serve specific
functions within a cell.
• Mitochondria It is an organelle that function primarily in produc-
ing energy for the cell. They are called the “powerhouse of the
cell.”
• Golgi Apparatus/ Golgi Body It is an organelle that is made-up
of vesicles responsible for the packaging and transport of materi-
als.
• Vacuole It is a fluid-filled cavity that function in storage of sub-
stances.
• Lysosomes These are small sac-like organelles that contain
strong digestive enzymes.
• Centrioles These are microtubules that assist animal cells dur-
ing cell division.
• Cell Wall It is a rigid lining outside the cell membrane. For
plants, it is composed mainly of cellulose. This makes the plant
cells appear to be more rectangular while animal cells appear to
be round.
• Chloroplasts A colored plastids that contains the green coloring
pigment in plants called the chlorophyll.

18
A. Multiple Choice: Choose the letter that corresponds to the
correct answer.
1. This special sac stores digestive enzymes and may fuse with
vesicles containing food to digest the food.
A. lysosome C. mitochondria
B. ribosome D. endoplasmic reticulum
2. These structures transport molecules from the Golgi body out to
the plasma membrane where the molecules can leave the cell.
A. vacuoles C. lysosome
B. ribosome D. vesicle
3. A loose arrangement of cellulose fibers and other components
gives this structure the ability to allow most molecules access to the
rest of the cell?
A. lysosome C. ribosome
B. cell wall D. cell membrane
4. Ribosomes on the surface of this organelle allow newly formed
proteins to enter and be initally processed.
A. mitochondria C. endoplasmic reticulum
B. golgi apparatus D. cell membrane
5. Which organelle can allow the movement of molecules because it
contains protein channels?
A. mitochondria C. endoplasmic reticulum
B. golgi apparatus D. plasma membrane

19
19
6. What is the structure that directs and coordinates all cellular ac-
tivity?
A. cytoplasm C. ribosome
B. nucleus D. nucleolus
7. What structure is involved in the initial routing and modification of
newly formed proteins and in the formation of lipids (fats)?
A. lysosome C. mitochondria
B. ribosome D. endoplasmic reticulum
8. The organelle associated with energy release in the cell is the
__________.
A. lysosome C. mitochondria
B. ribosome D. endoplasmic reticulum
9. What is the large, fluid-filled, central structure found in the middle
of plant cells that stores a variety of materials?
A. vacuoles C. lysosome
B. ribosome D. vesicle
10. What is the small membrane sac which can form from the en-
doplasmic reticulum or from the Golgi body?
A. vacuoles C. lysosome
B. ribosome D. vesicle

20
Book:
Sharon Walker, Ph. D.Biotechnology DeMYSTiFieD, The McGraw
– Hill Companies, International Edition 2011
Websites:
https://courses.lumenlearning.com/suny-wmopen-biology1/chapter/prokaryotes-
and-eukaryotes/

https://www.ck12.org/book/cbse_biology_book_class_9/section/1.4/

https://www.softschools.com/science/biology/function_of_ribosomes/

https://micro.magnet.fsu.edu/cells/mitochondria/mitochondria.html

https://www.quia.com/jg/77532list.html

Prepared by:
Liric O. Escosio
BBNHS

25
21
23