Anatomy and Physiology with

Dr Ram
Structure and Functions of a cell
Three principal
constituents of cell

1. Cell membrane

2. Nucleus and its chromosomes

3. Cytoplasm and its organelles

I) Cell membrane or plasma membrane or unit
membrane

STRUCTURE

 7 to 10 nm thick
 Structure – FLUID MOSAIC MODEL
 Lipid bilayer embedded with proteins
 Lipids - Head end – hydrophilic; Tail end - Hydrophobic
 Intrinsic protein, Extrinsic protein and transmembrane protein
Functions of cell membrane

 Protective: forms the boundary of the cell

 Digestive – Nutritive uptake and excrete waste
 Selective permeability:
 Mechanical link between adjacent cells
2) Nucleus and its chromosome

Structure

 Nucleus is a spherical structure surrounded by relatively

permeable membrane called nuclear membrane
 It is made up of chromosomes – which has DNA on which the
genes are present.
 It also has Nucleolus – densest of all nuclear materials.
Synthesize RNA
Functions of Nucleus

 DNA nuclear template for RNA which is involved in protein

synthesis
 Genes carry blue print for all the characters of the individual
 Involved in cellular multiplication and reproduction
3) Cytoplasm and its organelles

 Cytoplasm is a semifluid substance that is external to

the nucleus and internal to the cell membrane

 Composed of water, salts and various inorganic

molecules

 The intracellular organelles are suspend in the

cytoplasm
Endoplasmic Reticulum

Structure

 Made up of complex series of tubules.

 Through this tubules substances may be delivered from
outer membrane of cell to membrane of nucleus or other
organelles
 Types – agranular or smooth ER and Granular or rough ER
Functions of ER

 Agranular/ smooth – 1) site of steroid synthesis 2) as a sarcoplasmic

reticulum in skeletal and cardiac muscle

 Granular/ Rough ER – site of protein sythesis

Golgi Complex

Structure

 Collection of membranous tubules and vesicles found near the

nucleus

Function

 Produces secretion granules for packaging of proteins

 Mitochondria

Structure
 Filamentous or globular in shape
 Has outer and inner membrane. Inner membrane folded to
form cristae.
 Interior of mitochondria has large number of enzymes to
burn glucose
Function
 Synthesize ATP – Powerhouse of the cell
 Also contains DNA – Synthesize proteins
Lysosomes

Structure
 Large irregular structures
 Contains granules filled with enzymes – lysozymes

Functions

 Enzymes present in it can digest – proteins, fats and carbohydrates

 Engulf worn out components of cell
 Engulf exogenous substance like bacteria
 When cell dies – autolysis – suicidal bags
Peroxisome

 Similar to lysosome – destroys hydrogen peroxide – hence the name

Centrioles or centrosomes

Structure

 Centrioles are two short cylindrical structures visible during cell division

Function

 Helps in movement of chromosomes during cell division

Cytoskeleton

Structure
 Made up of microtubules and microfilaments
 Microtubule – long hollow structure
 Microfilament – solid fibers and contain actin

Function

 Movement of chromosome
 Cell movement
 Movement of proteins and secretion granules
Thank you