CHAPTER 2 | Cells make up the human body 27

Cytoplasm – thick fluid within

the cell membrane and all the WS
Vesicle – a membrane-bound sac structures suspended in it. Cytosol
that transports materials into, out of is the liquid part of the cytoplasm: 2.1 Cell colouring
or within the cell. 75–90% water. Organelles are
specialised structures suspended
in the cytoplasm (described in blue
boxes).
Centrioles – a pair of cylindrical
Cell membrane – the outer
structures usually located near
boundary of the cell that separates
the nucleus; involved in the
it from neighbouring cells and
reproduction of the cell.
from the external environment.
Made up of a double layer of lipid
molecules and associated proteins.
Determines which substances get Endoplasmic reticulum (ER)
into or out of a cell. – pairs of parallel membranes
extending through the cytoplasm
and connecting the cell membrane
with the nuclear membrane.
Provides a surface on which
Golgi body – flattened,
chemical reactions can occur.
membranous bags stacked on top
The channels between the paired
of each other. They modify proteins
membranes are used for storage
and package them in vesicles for
or transport of materials. Most ER
secretion from the cell. Vesicles are
has ribosomes attached – rough
pinched off from the edges of the
or granular ER; some have no
membranes.
ribosomes – smooth or agranular
ER.

Mitochondria – spherical or
elongated structures spread
through the cytoplasm. Have a
double membrane – the outer
one smooth, the inner one folded
in towards the centre of the
mitochondrion. Mitochondria Ribosomes – very small and
release energy for the cell through spherical; may be free in the
the process of respiration. cytoplasm but most are attached to
membranes. Amino acids are joined
together at the ribosomes to make
proteins.

Nucleus – usually ovoid or

spherical; contains the genetic Cytoskeleton – consists of
material, mostly DNA; separated microfilaments and microtubules
from the cytoplasm by a nuclear that give the cell its shape and
membrane. The membrane is assist the movement of materials,
double and has gaps, nuclear organelles or the whole cell.
pores, through which large
Lysosomes – small spheres that
molecules can pass.
contain enzymes able to break
down proteins, lipids, nucleic
acids and some carbohydrates.
Nucleolus is composed mainly of Inclusions – substances that are
Lysosomes break down materials
RNA. The DNA and nucleolus are not part of the cell structure but
that are taken into the cell or break
suspended in a jelly-like are found in the cytoplasm, e.g.
down worn-out organelles.
nucleoplasm. haemoglobin in red blood cells;
pigment in cells of the skin, hair
and eyes.

FIGURE 2.2 Model of cell structure and functions

Cell membrane
The cell membrane, or plasma membrane, separates the cell contents from the environment outside
the cell and from neighbouring cells. It encloses the contents of the cell and controls what is able to
enter and leave. The cell membrane is very thin – too thin to be seen clearly with a light microscope.
The structure of the membrane will be discussed in detail later in the chapter.
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