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1.3 Components of The Cell II Subcellular Organelles 0
1.3 Components of The Cell II Subcellular Organelles 0
Unit 1: Cells
Lesson 1.3
Components of the Cell II: Subcellular Organelles
Contents
Introduction 1
Learning Objectives 2
Warm Up 2
Bibliography 19
Unit 1: Cells
Lesson 1.3
Introduction
The cell has a plasma membrane that protects and separates the cellular content from its
external environment. Just like a factory building, it creates a barrier that can collect all its
machinery and employees in its proper places. Because of this, they will be able to do their
own function and can do their work properly and efficiently. In a cell, the organelles
represent the machinery and employees that work in a factory house. These organelles
have their own specific function which works for different cellular processes.
1.3. Components of the Cell II: Subcellular Organelles 1
Unit 1: Cells
The cell as a system needs to protect and house its organelles. These organelles which
perform specific functions are important to keep an organism living, whether unicellular or
multicellular. The functions of these organelles are very important especially if an organism
eats or creates its own food when the organism digest and distributes the nutrients
throughout the body when the organism reproduces its own species and even when the
organism adapts to the changing environment. These natural processes in an organism are
possible because of the different cellular processes.
Warm Up
1.3. Components of the Cell II: Subcellular Organelles 2
Unit 1: Cells
Materials
● device with an internet connection
● manila paper
● marker
Procedure
1. Access the link below to see the game about the different organelles of an animal
cell.
2. You need to choose a mission from the list presented in the online game. Each
mission consists of an organelle that you need to explore. Questions will be
presented after exploring each organelle.
3. You need to accomplish the current mission to proceed with the next mission.
4. After playing the game find a pair to discuss your answers with.
5. After answering the guide questions through a discussion, each pair should
synthesize everything by writing their thoughts, experiences, things they love about
the game, and the things that they learned in the game in a sheet of manila paper.
6. Selected pairs will present their output in class.
7. Answer the following guide questions that follow.
Guide Questions
1. How were you able to answer the questions in the game correctly?
2. How were you able to learn from each mission that played in the game?
3. What were the strategies you used to accomplish each mission?
4. Why is it important to know the composition and function of these organelles?
1.3. Components of the Cell II: Subcellular Organelles 3
Unit 1: Cells
Fig. 1.3.1 The summary of endosymbiotic theory
1.3. Components of the Cell II: Subcellular Organelles 4
Unit 1: Cells
to its environment? Just like a factory building, the cell needs a “command center” that
would direct and give instructions on what processes or activities will take place.
Nucleus
The nucleus is a prominent structure
in a eukaryotic cell. It measures
around 5 micrometers and generally
appears as an oval structure located
at almost the center of the cell.
Some cells, such as skeletal muscle
cells, can have more than one
nucleus. The importance of the
nucleus in the cell is that it is the one
that specifies the code for protein
synthesis.
The nucleus and its parts are shown in
Fig. 1.3.2. It contains chromatin and a
semifluid matrix called the nucleoplasm. Chromatin is a network of strands that condenses
and undergoes coiling into rod-like structures called chromosomes. The chromosomes are
carriers of genetic information and that the nucleus is the command center of the cell. The
number of chromosomes in a cell depends on the species; for example, each cell of the
human body contains 46 chromosomes, rice cells have 24 and dog cells have 78.
The nuclear envelope is a double membrane that is similar to the plasma membrane of the
cell. It physically separates the nucleus from the cytoplasm but is still able to communicate
with the cytoplasm through the nuclear pores. The nuclear pores permit the passage of
ribosomal subunits and mRNA out of the nucleus into the cytoplasm. It also facilitates the
passage of proteins from the cytoplasm into the nucleus. The nuclear pore complexes act
like gatekeepers to regulate what comes in and out of the nucleus. For more information
about the current research in nucleus, you may access the link below:
1.3. Components of the Cell II: Subcellular Organelles 5
Unit 1: Cells
Fig. 1.3.4. The three types of RNA
1.3. Components of the Cell II: Subcellular Organelles 6
Unit 1: Cells
Ribosome
Ribosomes are the organelles that
use instructions from the nucleus,
written in mRNA, to build
proteins. Ribosomes are
composed of small and large
subunits. These can be found in
the cytosol, which is called free
ribosomes. They can also be
attached to the outside of the
endoplasmic reticulum or nuclear
envelope, as bound ribosomes. Refer to Fig. 1.3.5 for the location of free and bound
ribosomes. These two types of ribosomes are structurally identical which can also move
about and function in their own location. Most of the proteins made by the free ribosomes
function in the cytoplasm while the proteins made by the bound ribosomes will be inserted
into the membrane, packaged in certain organelles or exported from the cell.
The DNA programs protein production
in the cytoplasm by transferring its
coded information to a molecule called
messenger RNA. The mRNA molecule
then carries the order to build a certain
type of protein from the nucleus to the
cytoplasm. The mRNA exits through
pores in the nuclear envelope and travels
to the cytoplasm, where it then binds to
ribosomes. The ribosome moves along
the mRNA, translating the genetic
message into a protein with a specific
amino acid sequence. Fig. 1.3.6 illustrates
the overview of protein synthesis.
1.3. Components of the Cell II: Subcellular Organelles 7
Unit 1: Cells
1.3. Components of the Cell II: Subcellular Organelles 8
Unit 1: Cells
endoplasmic reticulum, it also forms vesicles that transport molecules to other parts of the
cell. Enzymes of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum are important in the synthesis of lipids,
including oils, phospholipids, and steroids. Another function of smooth endoplasmic
reticulum is the storage of ions. It also houses enzymes that detoxify drugs and poisons.
Golgi Bodies
An organelle named for its
discoverer, an Italian scientist
named Camillo Golgi, the Golgi
apparatus or Golgi bodies
works in close partnership with
the endoplasmic reticulum. Fig.
1.3.8 shows that this organelle
has a folded membrane that
often looks like a stack of
pancakes that functions as a
processing center. It serves as a
warehouse and processing
station for products
manufactured by the
endoplasmic reticulum. Products
made in the endoplasmic reticulum reach the Golgi bodies in transport vesicles. Enzymes in
the Golgi body put finishing touches on proteins and lipids that have been delivered from
the endoplasmic reticulum. The finished products of Golgi bodies are sorted and packaged
into new vesicles that carry them to the plasma membrane or to lysosomes.
Lysosomes
A lysosome is a membrane-enclosed sac of digestive enzymes that is absent in plant cells. It
is developed from vesicles that bud off from the Golgi bodies. It has a very low pH and
stores powerful hydrolytic-enzymes in an inactive state. As shown in Fig. 1.3.9, lysosomes
destroy nonfunctional organelles and portions of cytoplasm, breakdown wastes, ingests
cells, and cellular debris delivered by other vesicles. It provides an acidic environment for its
enzymes without affecting other organelles of the cell. This organelle also serves as
1.3. Components of the Cell II: Subcellular Organelles 9
Unit 1: Cells
recycling centers. Cells enclosed damaged organelles or small amounts of cytosol in
membrane sacs. A lysosome fuses with such a vesicle and dismantles its contents, making
organic molecules available for reuse. The cell continually renews itself.
Fig. 1.3.9 Lysosomal activity
The importance of lysosomes to cell function and human health is clearly described by the
hereditary disorder called lysosomal storage disease. A person with such a disease is
missing one or more of the digestive enzymes normally found within the lysosomes. Most
cases of this disease are fatal in early childhood. In Tay-Sachs disease, lysosomes lack a
lipid-digesting enzyme which results in the death of nerve cells as they accumulate excess
lipids.
Peroxisomes
Similar to lysosomes, peroxisomes are membrane-bounded vesicles that enclose enzymes.
These enzymes are synthesized by free ribosomes. Although resembling lysosome in size
and function, peroxisomes originate from the endoplasmic reticulum and contain different
enzymes. As referred in Fig. 1.3.10, all peroxisomes contain enzymes that result in the
1.3. Components of the Cell II: Subcellular Organelles 10
Unit 1: Cells
creation of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) which is a
toxic molecule that is immediately broken down
to water (H2O) and oxygen (O2) by another
peroxisomal enzyme called catalase.
Peroxisomes perform metabolic assistance to
organelles. They have varied functions but they
specialize in synthesizing and breaking down
lipids. They also break down fatty acids, amino
acids, and toxins such as alcohol.
Vacuoles
The large sacs of membrane or vesicles that bud
from the endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi bodies,
or plasma membrane are called vacuoles (refer
to Fig. 1.3.11). These have a variety of functions. The central vacuole of a plant cell is a
versatile compartment that stores organic nutrients, such as proteins and poisons, that
protect against plant-eating animals. It takes up to 90% of the cell’s volume which is filled
with fluid called cell sap that gives added support to the cell. It also contributes to plant
growth by absorbing water and causing
cells to expand. Besides water and
enzymes, the vacuole also contains a
variety of salts, sugars and some weak
acids which makes the pH of vacuoles
somewhat acidic. The vacuoles of some
protists are quite specialized, including
contractile vacuole for ridding the cell of
excess water and digestive vacuoles for
breaking down nutrients.
1.3. Components of the Cell II: Subcellular Organelles 11
Unit 1: Cells
1.3. Components of the Cell II: Subcellular Organelles 12
Unit 1: Cells
For more information about the importance of mitochondria in aging of organisms, you
may access the link below:
Ana Bratic & Nils-Goran Larsson. “The role of mitochondria.”
Accessed January 18, 2020.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3582127/
Chloroplast
Chloroplasts are unique to
plant and algal cells which
perform photosynthesis.
This is the process in which
the light energy from the
sun is converted to
chemical energy and other
organic molecules.
Fig. 1.3.13 shows a
chloroplast which is an
oval-shaped or disk-shaped
photosynthetic organelle. It
is enclosed by an inner and
outer membrane separated
by a thin intermembrane space. The compartment inside the inner membrane holds a thick
fluid called stroma, which contains enzymes and the chloroplast’s own DNA, and the
interior of a network of membrane-enclosed disks and tubes. A network of interconnected
sacs called thylakoids is suspended in the stroma. Disks that occur in the interconnected
stack are called grana are the chloroplast’s solar power packs which trap light energy and
convert it to chemical energy. The thylakoids are the chloroplast’s solar power packs which
are the site where the green chlorophyll molecules embedded in thylakoid membranes trap
the solar energy.
1.3. Components of the Cell II: Subcellular Organelles 13
Unit 1: Cells
Besides their ability to provide cellular energy, mitochondria and chloroplasts share another
feature: they both contain their own DNA that encodes some of their own proteins.
Mitochondria vs. Chloroplast
Mitochondria is present in all eukaryotic cells including plant and algal cells. Even though
mitochondria are smaller than chloroplasts, they can usually be seen using a light
microscope. The number of mitochondria can vary depending on the metabolic
activities and energy needed within a cell. For example, the skeletal muscles of humans
have multiple mitochondria. Mitochondria can form long, moving chains or they can be in a
fixed location. Mitochondria is a two-membrane organelle that produces most of the ATP
utilized by the cell.
On the other hand, chloroplasts are only present in plant cells and some algal cells
have one chloroplast only. It can be quite large, twice as wide and as much as five times
the length of the mitochondria. Chloroplasts have a three-membrane system. The grana are
the solar power packs of the chloroplasts which trap light energy and convert it into
chemical energy.
1.3. Components of the Cell II: Subcellular Organelles 14
Unit 1: Cells
Difference in the structure of mitochondria and chloroplast
Key Points
___________________________________________________________________________________________
● A eukaryotic cell houses DNA in a nucleus. Nuclear pores allow the exchange of
materials through the nuclear envelope.
● The smooth endoplasmic reticulum synthesizes lipids while the rough
endoplasmic reticulum synthesizes proteins.
● Golgi bodies work together with the endoplasmic reticulum to synthesize, store,
transport, and release molecules.
● Lysosomes, vacuoles, and peroxisomes are the digestion centers of the cell.
● The mitochondria house the cellular respiration of the cell.
● Photosynthesis occurs in the chloroplasts which are only present in plant and
algal cells.
1.3. Components of the Cell II: Subcellular Organelles 15
Unit 1: Cells
Graphical representation of the subcellular organelles
___________________________________________________________________________________________
A. Identify the subcellular organelle being described by the given
functions below.
1. Products of endoplasmic reticulum reach this organelle through the transport
vesicles where sorting and packaging of the products is done.
2. This organelle destroys nonfunctional organelles and portions of cytoplasm,
breakdown wastes, ingests cells, and cellular debris delivered by other vesicles.
1.3. Components of the Cell II: Subcellular Organelles 16
Unit 1: Cells
3. This organelle contains chromosomes that are carriers of genetic information.
4. This organelle is very prominent in a plant cell. This is a versatile compartment that
stores organic nutrients, such as proteins and poisons that protect against
plant-eating animals.
5. It is an organelle known to perform photosynthesis in which the light energy from
the sun is converted to chemical energy and other organic molecules.
6. A cellular organelle is composed of small and large subunits that use instructions
from the nucleus to build proteins.
7. It forms vesicles that transport its synthesized lipids to other parts of the cell.
8. This organelle specializes in synthesizing and breaking down lipids.
9. This organelle converts the chemical energy of foods that produce most of the cell’s
ATP in the process of cellular respiration.
10. This organelle is known for having many ribosomes attached to it which makes it
produce and transport proteins.
Organelle Description
2. Peroxisome
3. Ribosome
4. Mitochondria
5. Lysosome
1.3. Components of the Cell II: Subcellular Organelles 17
Unit 1: Cells
Challenge Yourself
1. An animal cell is being examined under the microscope. The scientist wants to see
the effect on the cell if he removes the Golgi bodies. Upon removing it
microscopically, what do you think is its impact on the overall function of the cell?
2. Gaucher disease is a type of lysosomal storage disorder. It is the result of a buildup
of certain fatty substances in certain organs, particularly in spleen and in the liver.
This causes these organs to enlarge and can affect their function. Why do you think
this happens in the cells of the spleen or liver?
Photo Credit
Golgi Apparatus by Kelvinsong is licensed under CC-BY SA 3.0 via Wikipedia.
Bibliography
Hoefnagels, Marielle. Biology: The Essentials. 2nd ed. McGraw-Hill Education, 2016.
Mader, Sylvia S., and Michael Windelspecht. Biology. 11th ed. McGraw-Hill Education, 2014.
Reece, Jane B, Martha R. Taylor, Eric J. Simon, Jean L. Dickey, and Kelly Hogan. Biology
Concepts and Connections. 8th ed. Pearson Education South Asia Pte Ltd, 2016.
Simon, Eric J., and Jane B. Reece. Campbell Essential Biology. 5th ed. Pearson Education Inc.,
2013.
Starr, Cecie, Christine A. Evers, and Lisa Starr. Biology Today and Tomorrow. 4th ed. Cengage
Learning Asia Pte Ltd, 2014.
1.3. Components of the Cell II: Subcellular Organelles 19