CYTOLOGY

Robert Hooke
first to use the term “cell”, observed
the small empty chambers in the
structure of cork.
cells are not empty but rather
contain a sticky viscous fluid, “ that
this viscous fluid within
the cell enables it to live and
reproduce.
Cytology –is a science that deals
with the study of the structures and
functions of the Cells.
•Cell- “ fundamental living unit of
any living organism”, “basic unit of
life”.
• Like the organism, cell exhibits
the basic characteristics of Life.
Parts of the Cell
• 1. Protoplasm- “the Substance of Life”- made up
of various chemicals within the cell, which
enable the cell to live and reproduce. “ living
materials of the cells”.
• 2. Organelles-“ tiny particles” found inside the
cell, they have specific functions for the
metabolism of the Cells.
• 3. Cytoplasm- living substances or base
materials outside the nucleus, area outside the
nucleus of the cell.
• 4. Nucleoplasm- gelatinous matrix or base
materials of the nucleus.
Eucaryotic Cell
•Eucaryotes- “Eu”- true “caryo”- refers to
nut or nucleus. True nucleus.

•Cell membrane-
•enclose the cell, “plasma membrane”,
made of proteins and phospholipids (fats)
Protects the cell, regulates the passage of
nutrients, waste products, secretions
across the cellular membrane. Like a skin
around the cell, separating the contents of
the cell from the outside world.
•Selective permeability-
property of the
membrane to choice or
select the materials or
substances that can
enter and leave the cell.
Nucleus-
•unifies, controls, and integrates the
functions of the entire cell and is
thought of as the “command center”
of the cell.
•3 Components:
•1. Nucleoplasm- contains nutrients,
gelatinous matrix or base material of
nucleus.
• 2. Chromosomes- embedded or suspended in
the nucleoplasm, made up of thousands of
“genes”.
• Genes- is the unit that codes for or determines a
particular traits or characteristics of an individual
organism. Different species have different
numbers and sizes of chromosomes.
• Ex. Humans- 46 chromosomes (23 pairs) each
consisting a thousands of genes. Human genome
30,000 genes

• 3. Nuclear membrane- skin around the nucleus.

Cytoplasm
•(a type of protoplasm) is a semi
fluid, gelatinous,
nutrient matrix. Inside the
cytoplasm is found insoluble
storage granules and variety of
cytoplasmic organelles.
Organelles found in the
Cytoplasm
1. Endoplasmic Reticulum-
membranes interconnected and
arranged to form a transport
network of tubules and flattened
sacs within the cytoplasm,
connecting the outside of the cell to
the nucleus.
Transport nutrients to the nucleus
and provides some structural support
to the cell.
A. Rough ER (RER) – endoplasmic
system where secretory proteins and
membranes are manufactured
because of the Ribosomes attached
to it.
Ribosomes- organelle for the “
synthesis or the production of proteins”,
the most numerous organelles in the cell.

B. Smooth ER ( SER) – membranous tubules

and sacs important in lipids synthesis,
detoxification and calcium storage.
Golgi Complex/ Golgi Apparatus/
Golgi Body
•Connects and communicate with the ER.

•Flattened membranous sacs completes

the synthesis of secretory proteins,
packages them into small sacs called
vesicles for storage or export outside the
cell.
•Modifies, stores, repackage and transport
product of the ER.
Lysosomes-
•Small vesicles originate from the Golgi
complex, contain lysozymes and other
digestive enzymes that break down
foreign material taken into the celI
( phagocytosis), these enzymes aid in
breaking down worn out parts of the
cell and may destroy the entire cell.
( autolysis)
• Digestive body of the cell.
Peroxisomes
contains enzyme catalase,
which catalyzes the
breakdown of hydrogen
peroxide into water and
oxygen. Mostly found in
eucaryotic cells.
Mitrochondria-
“powerhouse” “power plants”
or “energy factories” of the cell.
•synthesis of ATP (Adenosine
triphosphate), necessary for the
cellular function
•converting sugars (glucose) to
chemical energy in the form of
ATP
Plastids
membranous-bound structures
containing various photosynthetic
pigments: which are sites of
photosynthesis
Chloroplasts – one type of plastids
contain green pigment called
chlorophyll these are present in plants
and algae. Plants both contain
mitochondria and plastids.
Centrioles
two cylindrical organelles near the nucleus
responsible for the formation of spindle fibers
for eucaryotic cell division.

Cytoskeleton
systems of fibers that serve to strengthen,
support, and stiffen the cell as well as give the
cell its shape.
The three types are Microtubules,
Microfilaments (actin filaments) and
Intermediate filaments.
Cytoskeleton
Cell wall
•External structures that provide
rigidity, shape and protection for
plants cells, algae and fungi.
•Eucaryotic cell wall contains –
cellulose, pectin, lignin and chitin.
•Plants and Algae- cellulose
•Fungi- chitin (also found in the
exoskeletons of beetles and crabs).
Flagella and Cilia-
Flagella
flagellum (singular)- organelles of
locomotion ( cell movement)
relatively long, thin structures,
enable the cell to swim through
liquids environments.

Ex. Spermatozoa/sperm cells,

protozoa and bacteria.
Cilia
cilium (singular)- organelles for
locomotion, shorter (hair like
structures), more numerous than
flagella. They tend to be in
coordinated, rhythmic movements.

Ex. Human body (respiratory

tract, which is called ciliated
epithelial cells), bacteria and
protozoans.