Cell Structure

& Function

http://koning.ecsu.ctstateu.edu/cell/cell.html
 Cell Theory
• All living things are made up of cells.
• Cells are the smallest working units of all
living things.
• All cells come from preexisting cells
through cell division.
 Definition of Cell

A cell is the smallest unit that is

capable of performing life
functions.
 Examples of Cells
Amoeba Proteus

Plant Stem

Bacteria

Red Blood Cell

Nerve Cell
 Two Types of Cells

•Prokaryotic
•Eukaryotic
 Prokaryotic
• Do not have
structures
surrounded by
membranes
• Few internal
structures
• One-celled
organisms,
Bacteria

http://library.thinkquest.org/C004535/prokaryotic_cells.html
 Eukaryotic
• Contain organelles surrounded by membranes
• Most living organisms
Plant Animal

http://library.thinkquest.org/C004535/eukaryotic_cells.html
 “Typical” Animal Cell

http://web.jjay.cuny.edu/~acarpi/NSC/images/cell.gif
 “Typical” Plant Cell

http://waynesword.palomar.edu/images/plant3.gif
Cell Parts
Organelles
Surrounding the Cell
Cell Membrane
• Outer membrane of cell
that controls movement
in and out of the cell
• It is made up of
phospholipid bilayer with
– hydrophilic head forming
the inner and outer wall
and
– hydrophobic tail forming
the middle layer
Cell Wall
• Most commonly found in plant
cells, fungi & bacteria
• It is made up of
– Cellulose (polysaccharide
chains of glucose) in plants
– Chitin (Nitrogen-
containing polysaccharide)
in fungi and
– Peptidoglycan (a polymer
consisting of sugars and
amino acids) in bacteria
• It Supports and protects the
cells
Inside the Cell
 Nucleus
• Directs cell
activities
• Separated from
cytoplasm by
nuclear membrane
• Contains genetic
material - DNA
 Nuclear Membrane
• Surrounds nucleus
• Made of two layers
• Openings (nuclear pores)
allow material to enter and
leave nucleus
Chromosomes
• In nucleus
• Made of chromatin
[complex of DNA and
protein (histones)]
• Contain instructions
for traits & characters
 Nucleolus
• Inside nucleus
• Contains RNA to build
proteins

http://library.thinkquest.org/12413/structures.html
 Cytoplasm
• Gel-like mixture
• Surrounded by cell membrane
• Contains hereditary material from the nucleus
• It is made up of;
– Cytosol: Fluid matrix containing enzymes, ions, and
various organic molecules for cellular metabolism.
– Cytoskeleton:
• Microfilaments (Actin): Provide structural support, help in
cell movement and division.
• Intermediate Filaments: Maintain cell shape and anchor
organelles.
• Microtubules: form spindle fibers during cell division.
Endoplasmic Reticulum
• Moves materials around
in cell
• It is of two types;
– Rough ER: Studded with
ribosomes, it's involved in
protein synthesis, folding,
and modification.
– Smooth ER: Synthesizes
lipids, detoxifies drugs and
toxins, and stores calcium
ions.
 Ribosomes
• Each cell contains
thousands
• Produced from
nucleolus
• Synthesize proteins
• Found on ER &
floating throughout
the cell

http://library.thinkquest.org/12413/structures.html
 Mitochondria
• Produces energy through chemical
reactions – power house of the cell
• Controls level of water and other
materials in cell
• Recycles and decomposes proteins,
fats, and carbohydrates
• Outer and Inner Membranes create
compartments for cellular
respiration, producing ATP.
 Golgi Bodies
• It is made up of;
– Cisternae: Modifies, sorts,
and packages proteins into
vesicles for secretion.
– Trans Face: Where finished
products are packaged into
vesicles for transport.
– Vesicles for secretion and
material transport.
• Move materials within and
between the cells
 Lysosome
• Transports undigested material
to cell membrane for removal
• It consist;
– Hydrolytic Enzymes: Break
down macromolecules (proteins,
fats, and carbohydrates) and
cellular waste.
– Autophagosomes: Fuse with
damaged organelles for
recycling.
• Cell breaks down if lysosome
explodes
 Vacuoles
• Membrane-bound
sacs for storage,
digestion, and waste
removal
• Store various
substances such as
water, nutrients, or
waste products.
• Help plants maintain
shape
 Chloroplast
• Usually found in plant
cells
• Contains
– Thylakoids: Contain
chlorophyll for
photosynthesis. -
Stroma: Enzyme-rich
fluid for carbohydrate
synthesis.
Centrioles
• Found in animal
cells
• Aid in organizing
microtubules
(spindle fibres)
during cell
division.