THE CELL STRUCTURE AND FUNCTIONS

The Cell Structure and Functions

Cells vary a great deal in their size and shape depending on their function. Nevertheless,
it is possible to make a drawing to show the generalized features of a cell, though there
is no such thing as a typical plant cell or animal cell.
Generally, all cells have a cell membrane which is a thin layer of the cytoplasm. Most
cells have a nucleus. The main cell organelles and their function are shown below.
1. Nucleus:
Most cells contain one nucleus seen as a rounded structure enclosed in a membrane
(nuclear membrane) and embedded in the cytoplasm. The nucleus contains
chromosomes (made of DNA).
The nucleus is surrounded by a selectively / semi-preamble membrane that contains
pores and allows for the transport of large molecules such as RNA.
Function:-
1. It controls the type and quantity of enzymes produced by the cytoplasm
2. The nucleus controls cell division
3. It controls and coordinates many activities of the cell

2. Nucleolus:
There are tangles of chromatin and unfinished bits of ribosomes. They are prominent
inside the nucleus of non-dividing cells.
Function:- They are concerned with RNA transcription (copying of gene sequence to
make an RNA molecule).

3. Cytoplasm:
It is a jelly-like material made up of cytoplasmic organelles such as Golgi bodies,
endoplasmic reticulum, etc. Organelles are suspended in the cytoplasm
Function:
Many chemical reaction takes place here which keep the cell alive by providing energy
and making substances that the cell needs.

4. Cell Membrane:
It consists of two layers of lipids molecules plus protein. It is a partially permeable layer
that forms a boundary around the cytoplasm.
Function:
i. Selectively controls the movements of substances in and out of the cell.
ii. It prevents cell contents from escaping.
5. Endoplasmic Reticulum:
Is a system of membrane channels that transverse the cytoplasm
There are two varieties of endoplasmic reticulum; rough and smooth endoplasmic
reticulum.
i. Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum is studded with ribosomes
Function: It is the site for protein synthesis and transport of materials throughout the
cytoplasm
ii. Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum (endoplasmic reticulum without ribosomes )
Functions:
a. Synthesizes steroid hormones and other lipids
b. Detoxifies the cell
c. Carbohydrate metabolism
d. Connects the rough endoplasmic reticulum with the Golgi apparatus

6. Mitochondrion: (pl; Mitochondria)

It consists of an outer double membrane and an inner folded membrane called cristae.
Some enzymes important in cellular respiration are embedded in the cristae
membrane. They usually appear slipper shaped, circular or oval. They are most
numerous in regions of rapid chemical activity.
Functions
i. The site for aerobic respiration; responsible for producing energy from food
substances during aerobic respiration.
NB: Prokaryotes do not possess mitochondria or rough endoplasmic reticulum in their
cytoplasm

7. Ribosome:
They are suspended freely in the cytoplasm to bind to the endoplasmic reticulum. They
are tiny and spherical.
Function: site for protein synthesis

8. Golgi Apparatus:
Golgi Apparatus consists of flattened sacs of membranes stacked together and
surrounded by vesicles.
Function: They modify, store and package substances that are produced in the rough
endoplasmic reticulum.

9. Lysosomes:
A lysosome is a vesicular sac containing digestive or hydrolytic enzymes. It is enclosed
by a single membrane. Plant cells do not usually have lysosomes.
Function:
i. It is the site for intracellular digestion and respiratory enzymes
ii.. Storage compartment for powerful digestive enzymes known as lysozymes.
iii.. Help remove unwanted organelles and entire cells from the body
iv.. Ingest and destroy foreign substances
10. Cell Wall:
It is a tough, non-living layer made up of cellulose, surrounding the cell membrane. It is
present only in plant cells. It is made of cellulose in plants and chitin in fungi.
Function
i. It gives shape and mechanical support to a the cell.
ii. It prevents plant cells from bursting.
iii It is freely permeable to salts and water.

11. Vacuole:
A fluid–filled space surrounded by a membrane. Vacuoles may contain water and food
substances. Animal cells may have many small vacuoles which contain water and food
substances.
While plant cells usually have large central vacuole containing cell sap. The large
vacuole is enclosed by a membrane called tonoplast.
Function: It contains salts and sugars and helps to keep the plant cells firm.

Differences Between Plant and Animal Cells

Below are Differences Between Plant and Animal Cells;
Plant Cell Animal Cell
1. Presence of chloroplast and other plastids Lacks of chloroplasts
and other plastids
2. Centrioles and centrosomes are absent Centrioles and
centrosomes are
present
3. Presence of large central vacuole Vacuoles are
usually absent when
present are small in
size
4. Lysosomes are absent Lysosomes are present
5. Presence of rigid cellulose cell wall Cell wall is absent
6. It stores lipid as oil It stores lipids as fats
7. It has no flexible cell membrane Presence of flexible
cell membrane
8. It is usually rectangular and definite in Has no definite shape
shape
9. Usually contains starch granules in Contains glycogen
the Cytoplasm granules in the
cytoplasm