INTRODUCTION TO BIOCHEMISTRY

CELLS
Dr Victor W. Mukonka Jr
BScHB MBChB
• A cell is the smallest unit of life that can
replicate independently. Cells are often called
the "building blocks of life". The study of cells
is called cell biology. There are two types of
cells namely; prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
 Prokaryotic cells
• These are very small, simple cells which contain a
single membrane. The membrane is usually
surrounded by a rigid cell wall. Prokaryotic cells have a
single membrane usually surrounded by a rigid cell
wall. They have no other membranes, no nucleus and
no membranous bound organelles such as
mitochondria or endoplasmic reticulum
• A very good example of prokaryotic cells are bacteria
such as spirochetes. Prokaryotes reproduce largely by
asexual division. The following diagram illustrates a
prokaryotic cell. Study it closely and know the various
organelles
 Cell wall and Membrane
• The cell membrane is porous. Because of this
it protects bacteria against swelling in
hypotonic media. The membrane is a
selectively permeable. Enzymes responsible
for conversion of nutrient energy into ATP are
located in the membrane.
 Nuclear Zone
• Contain DNA the carrier of genetic
information. During division, each strand is
replicated to yield two daughter double helical
molecules. From one strand of DNA the
genetic message is transcribed to form mRNA.
Ribosomes
• These are the sites of protein synthesis. mRNA binds
in the groove between the subunits and specifies the
sequence of amino acids the growing polypeptide
chains.
Storage granules
• When needed as fuel, these polymers are
enzymatically degraded to yield free glucose.
Cytosol
• Contain enzymes required in metabolism. Also
contains metabolic intermediates and inorganic salts
 Eukaryotic Cells
• These cells are much larger and much more complex.
They include cells of all higher organisms in both plants
and animals worlds. Human cells are a good example.
They contain a membrane surrounded nucleus. The
genetic material is divided into several or many
chromosomes, which undergo mitosis during cell
division. Also contain internal membranes surrounding
organnelles such as the mitochondria and golgi bodies,
as well as an endoplasmic reticulum. Many of their
metabolic reactions are segregated within structural
compartments. The diagram below shows an
illustration eukaryotic cells. Study it closely and know
the organelles.
 Cell membrane
• The cell membrane is selectively permeable. It
contains active-transport systems for Na+ and K+
glucose, amino acids, and other nutrients, as well
as number of important enzymes.
• It separates cells from the external environment
and divide the interior of the cell into
compartments. The fluid outside the cell
membrane is called extra-cellular fluid (ECF),
while that inside the cell, is called intracellular
fluids (ICF).
 Cytoplasm
• This is a thick solution that fills each cell and is
enclosed by the cell membrane. It is mainly
composed of water, salts, and proteins. In
eukaryotic cells, the cytoplasm includes all of the
material inside the cell and outside of the
nucleus. The cytoplasm is the internal volume
bounded by the plasma membrane. The clear
fluid portion of the cytoplasm in which the
particles are suspended is called cytosol. This
contains mainly dissolved proteins, electrolytes,
and glucose.
 Nucleus
• This is only found in Eukaryotic cells. The nucleus
contains the genetic information.
• Most of the cells have only one nucleus but cells of the
skeletal muscles have many nuclei. The matured red
blood cells contains no nuclei.
The major functions of the nucleus are:
• Replication: synthesis of new DNA
• The synthesis of three major types of RNA
 ribosomal RNA(r-RNA)
 messenger RNA(m-RNA)
 transfer RNA(t-RNA)
 Mitochondria
• This is the power plant of the cell, where carbohydrates,
Lipids and amino acids are oxidized to CO2 and H2O by
molecular oxygen, and the energy set free is converted into
energy of ATP which cells need to do their jobs. The
enzymes of electron transport and energy conversion are
located in the inner membrane. For example, brain cells
need a lot of energy to be able to communicate with each
other and also to communicate with parts of the body that
may be far away, to do this substances need to be
transported along the cells, which needs lots of energy.
Muscle fibres also need a lot of energy to help us to move,
maintain our posture and lift objects.
•
 Golgicomplex
• Function in secretion of cell products, such as
proteins, to the exterior. It also helps to form the
plasma memebrane and the membranes of the
lysosymes. A major function is the modifying,
sorting and packaging of proteins for secretion. It
is also involved in the transport of lipids around
the cell, and the creation of lysosomes. The sacs
or folds of the Golgi apparatus are called
cisternae.
•
•
 Microbody (peroxisome)
• These participate in the oxidation of certain
nutrients. Hydrogen peroxide, the reduction
product of oxygen in these organelles is
decomposed to form water and oxygen.
Endoplasmic reticulum and ribosomes
• All eucaryotic cells have an endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Its
membrane typically constitutes more than half of the total
membrane of an average animal cell. The ER is organized into a
netlike branching tubules and flattened sacs extending throughout
the cytosol. The tubules and sacs are all thought to interconnect, so
that the ER membrane forms a continuous sheet enclosing a single
internal space. This highly convoluted space is called the ER lumen
or the ER cisternal space, and it often occupies more than 10% of
the total cell volume.The ER membrane separates the ER lumen
from the cytosol, and it mediates the selective transfer of
molecules between these two compartments. Proteins
synthesized by the adhering ribosomes cross the membrane of the
endoplasmic reticulum to the periphery of the cell.
Ribosomes
• Tiny structures that synthesize proteins in cell
cytoplasm.
Lysosomes
• Inside a cell, numerous organelles function to remove
wastes. One of the key organelles involved in digestion
and waste removal is the lysosome. Lysosomes are
organelles that contain digestive enzymes. They digest
excess or worn out organelles, food particles, and
engulfed viruses or bacteria. Lysosomes are like the
stomach of the cell.
 Vacuoles
• The central vacuole is a cellular organelle
found in plant cells. It is often the largest
organelle in the cell. It is surrounded by a
membrane and functions to hold materials
and wastes. It also functions to maintain the
proper pressure within the plant cells to
provide structure and support for the growing
plant.
 Cilia And Flagella
• These whiplike appendages extend from the
surface of many types of eukaryotic cells.
• If there are many of them, they are called cilia;
• if only one, or a few, they are flagella. Flagella
also tend to be longer than cilia but are
otherwise similar in construction.
 Function of Cilia and Flagella
• Cilia and flagella move liquid past the surface
of the cell.
• For single cells, such as sperm, this enables
them to swim.
• For cells anchored in a tissue, like the
epithelial cells lining our air passages, this
moves liquid over the surface of the cell (e.g.,
driving particle-laden mucus toward the
throat).