CELLS

Cells are the structural, functional, and biological units of all living
beings. A cell can replicate itself independently. Hence, they are
known as the building blocks of life. Robert Hooke was the first
Biologist who discovered cells.
 CELL
CHARACTERISTICS
• Cells provide structure and support to the body
of an organism.
• The cell interior is organised into different
individual organelles surrounded by a separate
membrane.
• The nucleus holds information necessary to
carry out cell activities.
• Every cell has membrane-bound organelles in
the cytoplasm.
• Mitochondria, a double membrane-bound
organelle is mainly responsible for the energy
transactions vital for the survival of the cell.
• Lysosomes digest unwanted materials in the
cell.
• Endoplasmic reticulum plays a significant role in
the internal organisation of the cell by
synthesising selective molecules and
processing, directing and sorting them to their
appropriate locations.
TYPES OF CELLS There are two types of cells:
Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic
Prokaryotic cells have no nucleus.
Instead, some prokaryotes such as
bacteria have a region within the
cell where the genetic material is
freely suspended. This region is
called the nucleoid.
Eukaryotic cells are characterized
by a true nucleus and membrane
bound organelles.
Prokaryotes are single-celled
microorganisms. Examples include
archaea, bacteria, and
cyanobacteria.
 CELL MEMBRANE
The cell membrane is present in all the cells. Cell membrane is the
outer covering in which all other organelles, such as the cytoplasm
and nucleus, are enclosed.
It separates the cell from the external environment. It is also referred
to as the plasma membrane.
The cell membrane supports and protects the cell. It controls the
movement of substances in and out of the cells.
The cell membrane has pores which
permit the movement of only certain
substances in and out of the cell. It
makes it selectively permeable. It
also protects the cellular components
from damage and leakage.
CYTOPLASM
• The cytoplasm is a thick,
clear, jelly-like substance
present inside the cell
membrane.
• Most of the chemical
reactions within a cell take
place in this cytoplasm.
• The cell organelles such as
endoplasmic reticulum,
vacuoles, mitochondria,
ribosomes, are suspended
in cytoplasm.
 NUCLEUS
• The nucleus is a large, spherical or oval structure in the cytoplasm.
• Most organisms have one nucleus per cell.
• Nucleus stores the information needed to control all cell activities.
• The nucleus contains the hereditary material of the cell, the DNA.
• The genetic information is passed from one generation to other.
• The nucleus is surrounded by a double nuclear membrane or the
nuclear envelope, that separates the DNA from the rest of the cell.
• Nuclear membrane has tiny pores which regulate the passage of
substances between the nucleus and cytoplasm, allowing
communication between them.
 ENDOPLASMIC
RETICULUM
• Endoplasmic Reticulum consist of a network of
membranes found throughout the cell and
connected to the nucleus.
• There are two types of Endoplasmic Reticulum-
Rough and Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum.
Rough ER is called rough because it has
ribosomes attached to its surface. Both rough
ER and smooth ER have the same types of
membranes, but they have different shapes.
Rough ER looks like sheets or disks of bumpy
membranes while smooth ER looks more like
tubes.
• The endoplasmic reticulum is involved in the
transportation of substances throughout the
cell. It plays a primary role in the metabolism of
carbohydrates, synthesis of lipids, steroids and
proteins.
GOLGI BODIES
• The Golgi apparatus or Golgi
complex is found in most cells.
• The Golgi apparatus is a series of
membranes shaped like pancakes.
The single membrane is similar to
the cell membrane in that it has
two layers. The membrane
surrounds an area of fluid where
the complex molecules (proteins,
sugars, enzymes) are stored and
changed.
• Golgi bodies are called the cell’s
post office as it is involved in the
transportation of materials within
and outside the cell.
 MITOCHONDRIA
• The mitochondrion is called “the powerhouse of the cell.” It is known as
powerhouse as it produces energy rich molecules. Mitochondria vary in
shape and size and are usually rod shaped or round.
• Each mitochondrion is surrounded by a double membrane. The outer
membrane gives the mitochondria their shape and allows the passage of
small substances into and out of mitochondria. The inner membrane is
folded into fingerlike ridges known as cristae, increasing the surface area.
• The central space in mitochondria is filled with fluid known as matrix. It
contains DNA and enzymes which enables mitochondria to make copies
of itself.
• Number of mitochondria depends on the activity of a cell. Less active cells
have few mitochondria and very active cells have more mitochondria.
 RIBOSOMES

Ribosomes are present in

the cytoplasm and are also
attached to Rough
Endoplasmic Reticulum.
Ribosomes appear as
dense, rounded granules.
They consist of RNA and
proteins. Ribosomes
synthesise proteins.
VACUOLES
Vacuoles are present in both plant and animal cells. In
plant cells,
vacuoles are large, fluid –filled sacs in the cytoplasm of
mature plant cells. Each vacuole is surrounded by a
single membrane known as tonoplast and encloses a
watery solution or cell sap. Cell sap contain substances
such as mineral salts, sugars and amino acids dissolved
in water. It may contain dissolved pigments that give
the cell their colour. Vacuoles provide support to plant
cells along with storage.
In animal cells, vacuoles are small in size and act as
storage organs.
NUCLEOLUS
The nucleolus contains DNA, RNA and proteins. It is a
ribosome factory.
Ribosomes are formed in Ribosomes.
Also, it is involved in controlling cellular activities and
cellular reproduction.
CELL WALL
The cell wall is present only in plant cells. It is a
rigid and stiff structure surrounding the cell
membrane.

The cell wall is made up of cellulose, hemicellulose

and pectin.

It provides shape and support to the cells and

protects them from mechanical shocks and
injuries. It protects the plasma membrane and
other cellular components.
 LYSOSOMES
Lysosomes protect the cell by engulfing the foreign bodies entering the cell
and helps in cell renewal. Therefore, it is known as the cell’s suicide bags