Cells structure and their

functions
Dr. Aijratul
Cell
• A basic living unit of all
organism.
Functions of the cell
• The cell is the smallest part to which an organism can be reduced that still retains the
Basic unit of life characteristics of life.

• Cells produce and secrete various molecules that provide protection and support of the body.
Protection and support • For example, bone cells are surrounded by a mineralized material, making bone a hard tissue that
protects the brain and other organs and that supports the weight of the body.

• All the movements of the body occur because of molecules located within specific cells such as
Movement muscle cells.

• Cells produce and receive chemical and electrical signals that allow them to communicate with
one another.
Communication • For example, nerve cells communicate with one another and with muscle cells, causing them to
contract.

• The chemical reactions that occur within cells are referred to collectively as cell metabolism.
Cell metabolism and energy • Energy released during metabolism is used for cell activities, such as the synthesis of new
release molecules, muscle contraction, and heat production, which helps maintain body temperature.

• Each cell contains a copy of the genetic information of the individual.

Inheritance • Specialized cells are responsible for transmitting that genetic information to the next generation.
Inside a nucleus
1) Nuclear pore
Control the movement of molecules between
the nucleus and cytoplasm.
2) Nuclear envelope
Acts as a wall to protect the DNA within the
nucleus and regulates cytoplasm access.
3) Nucleolus
Made up of protein and RNA, this is the heart
of the nucleus which manufactures ribosomes.
4) Nucleoplasm
This semi-liquid, semi-jelly material surrounds
the nucleolus and keeps the organelle’s
structure.
5) Chromatin
Produces chromosomes and aids cell division
by condensing DNA molecules.
The cytoskeleton consists of proteins that
support the cell, hold organelles in place, and
enable the cell to change shape.

• Microtubules = hollow structures formed

from protein subunits that perform a
variety of roles, such as helping to provide
support to the cytoplasm of cells, assisting
in the process of cell division, and forming
essential components of certain organelles
such as cilia and flagella.
• Microfilaments = small fibrils formed
from protein subunits that structurally
support the cytoplasm. Some
microfilaments are involved with cell
movements. For example, microfilaments
in muscle cells enable the cells to shorten
or contract.
• Intermediate filaments = fibrils formed
from protein subunits that are smaller in
diameter than microtubules but larger in
diameter than microfilaments. They
provide mechanical support to the cell.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJfTDc3WzQ8
Osmosis
• Osmosis is the diffusion of
water (a solvent) across a
selectively permeable
membrane, from a region of
higher water concentration to
one of lower water
concentration.
• Follow concentration
gradient.
Type of solution

• Cells will either swell, remain

unchanged, or shrink when
placed into a solution.
Diffusion
• Diffusion can be viewed as the
tendency for solutes, such as
ions or molecules, to move
from an area of higher
concentration to an area of
lower concentration in solution
(follow concentration
gradient).
• Diffusion is a product of the
constant random motion of all
solutes in a solution.
• If against concentration
gradient, the molecules will
cross membrane through
active transport (require
energy).
Facilitated Diffusion

• Many nutrient molecules, such as

amino acids and glucose, cannot
enter the cell by the process of
diffusion, and many substances,
such as proteins, produced in cells
cannot leave the cell by diffusion.
• Facilitated diffusion is a mediated
transport process that moves
substances into or out of cells
from a higher to a lower
concentration.
Active transport

• Active transport is a carrier-

mediated process that
moves substances from
regions of lower
concentration to ones of
higher concentration against
a concentration gradient .
Cell division
• Cell division is the formation of two daughter cells from a single parent cell.
• The new cells (somatic cells) necessary for growth and tissue repair are formed through mitosis,
and the sex cells necessary for reproduction are formed through meiosis.
• During mitosis and meiosis the DNA within the parent cell is distributed to the daughter cells.
• The DNA is found within chromosomes.
• Each cell of the human body, except for sex cells, contains 46 chromosomes.
• Sex cells have half the number of chromosomes as other cells (23 chromosomes: haploid).
• all the cells in an individual’s body contain the same complement of DNA that encodes all of the
genetic information for that individual.
• Not all cells look and function alike, even though the genetic information contained in them is
identical.
• Bone cells, for example, do not look like or function as fat cells or red blood cells.