Cell structure and function

Cell structure
“Typical” Animal Cell
 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.
• All cells in human body have some common
features.
• All cells contain the same basic components
• Basic cellular components are nucleus,
cytoplasm and cell membrane
 Definition of Cell

A cell is the smallest unit that is

capable of performing life functions.
 Nucleus
• Essential organelle of a living cell
• Directs cell activities
• Separated from cytoplasm by nuclear
membrane
• It contains genetic material in form of nucleic
acids (DNA and RNA) and nuclear proteins
• In resting cells the nuclear contents (Nucleic
acids and nuclear proteins) are arranged into
aggregated known as chromatin, RNA is
organized in specialized structure called
nucleolus.
 Nuclear Membrane
• Surrounds nucleus
• Made of two layers
• Openings allow material
to enter and leave
nucleus
 Plasma membrane
• Cells are bounded by a distinct plasma
membrane.
• It is composed of lipids (mainly phospholipids,
cholesterol and glycolipids) and proteins.
• Plasma membrane lipids form a layer of two
molecules thick (the lipid bilayer)
• Most proteins are embedded within, or float
in, the lipid bilayer as a fluid mosaic.
– Some proteins span the entire width of the
membrane (transmembrane proteins),
– Whereas others are only superficially attached to
the bilayer by lipid groups.
• Both are integral (intrinsic) membrane
proteins
Structure of plasma membrane
 Functions of plasma membrane
• Cell boundary and selectively limiting diffusion
and creating physiologically distinct
compartments.
• Impermeable to hydrophilic solutes and ions and
so membranes actively control the passage of
ions and small organic molecules such as
nutrients, through the activity of membrane
transport proteins.
• Receptor proteins are either cytosolic or nuclear.
 Functions of plasma membrane
• They also provide surfaces for the attachment
of enzymes, sites for the receptors of external
signals, including hormones and other ligands,
and sites for the recognition and attachment
of other cells.
• Internally, plasma membranes can act as
points of attachment for intracellular
structures, in particular those concerned with
motility and other cytoskeletal functions.
• CELL SURFACE CONTACTS
– The plasma membrane is the surface which
establishes contact with other cells and with
structural components of extracellular matrices.
– adhesive role
– initiate instructive signals within and between
cells, or both
NB: they modify cell behaviour of
 Origin of cell membranes
• Cell membranes are synthesized by the rough
endoplasmic reticulum in conjunction with the
Golgi apparatus.
 Cytoplasma
• The space between cell membrane and
nuclear membrane.
• It is filled with cytosol and membrane bound
cell organelles
 Endoplasmic reticulum
• system of interconnecting membrane-lined
channels within the cytoplasm
• It takes various forms, including cisternae
(flattened sacs), tubules and vesicles.
• The membranes divide the cytoplasm into two
major compartments
• space where secretory products are stored or
transported to the Golgi complex and cell
exterior
Endoplasmic Reticulum
• Moves materials around in
cell
• Smooth type: lacks
ribosomes
• Rough type (pictured):
ribosomes embedded in
surface
 Ribosomes
• Each cell contains
thousands
• Organelles which
synthesize proteins
• Found on ribosomes &
floating throughout the
cell
 Mitochondria
• Produces energy through
chemical reactions (power
house) of living cell.
• Energy obtained is used in
metabolism activities.
 Lysosome
• Digestive 'plant' for
proteins, fats, and
carbohydrates
• Transports undigested
material to cell membrane
for removal
• Cell breaks down if
lysosome explodes