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Cell structure & Functions
• As students, we have heard the term cell
numerous times.
• So, what is a cell? All the living matter in the
universe is composed of microscopic
structures that are known as cells.
• A cell is the fundamental unit of life that is
essential for an organism to develop and exist
in its surroundings.
• Every living organism is made up of cells.
• The cells provide structure and functions to their bodies
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• The study of cells and their relative functions is called cytology.
• A cell is an independent living component.
• Cells arise from pre-existing cells.
• Robert Hooke first discovered cells
• Even though cells are the fundamental unit of life, they have other components that
perform various other biological functions.
• A group of cells working together form an organ. Thus, our body has multiple types
of cells with different shapes and sizes.
• Cells also contain hereditary material
Types of cells
• A group of similar cells works together to perform the same function. However, there
are two main types of cells based on their cellular structure. They are-
• Prokaryotic cells (As bacterial cells)
• Eukaryotic cells (As animal and plant cells)
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The components that comprise a specific structure to the cell (3 types).
1. Cell membrane
• The cell membrane is a structure that gives rigidity and protection to the cell.
• It controls the movement of biomolecules in and out of the cell.
• It protects the cell and its organelles from the external environment.
• By nature, the cell membrane is semi-permeable. Meaning it only allows specific
substances to pass through it.
2. Cell wall
• The cell wall is a cell structure that is prominently associated with plant cells only.
• Biomolecules like cellulose, hemicellulose, and pectin form the cell wall.
• It is the outermost layer of plant cells that exclusively protects the plasma
membrane and other cell components.
• It provides stiffness to the cell membrane.
• It protects the plant cell from mechanical shocks and injuries.
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3. Cytoplasm
• The cytoplasm is a jellylike pool inside the cell membrane.
• All other cell organelles are suspended into the cytoplasm of the cell.
• Biochemical reactions like glycolysis take place within the cytoplasm.
Cell organelles: their structure and function
The Constituents present inside it:
1. Nucleus
• The nucleus is the main component of a cell.
• It contains DNA, which is a hereditary material.
• It transports signals to other components to further grow, mature, and carry on other life
processes.
• The nucleus is a structure that provides protection to the genetic material.
2. Nucleolus
• The nucleolus is present inside the nucleus
• It is the site for ribosome synthesis
• It also controls cellular reproduction
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3. Nuclear membrane
• The nucleus is enclosed by a nuclear membrane.
• The membrane forms a barrier between the genetic material and other cell components.
4. Chromosomes
• Condensed chromatin fibre forms chromosomes.
• These are the structures that form during cell division that contain genetic material.
• Chromosomes contain DNA and histones.
• They determine the sex of an individual.
• Humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes.
• Two sister chromatids are attached by a structure called a centromere.
5. Mitochondria
• Universally known as the- Powerhouse of the Cell, mitochondria synthesises ATP during
cellular respiration.
• It is a double membrane structure, inner membrane forms inward foldings called cristae.
• Mitochondria produce cellular energy through aerobic respiration.
• The mitochondrial matrix also contains DNA, along with RNA, ribosomes, and proteins.
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• Mitochondria are membrane-bound cell organelles (mitochondrion, singular) that
generate most of the chemical energy needed to power the cell's biochemical
reactions.
• Chemical energy produced by the mitochondria is stored in a small molecule called
adenosine triphosphate (ATP).
• Mitochondria contain their own small chromosomes.
• Generally, mitochondria, and therefore mitochondrial DNA, are inherited only from
the mother.
What do mitochondria do?
• Producing energy.
• Cell death. Cell death, also called
apoptosis, is an essential part of life.
Storing calcium
• Heat production
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6. Endoplasmic reticulum
• These are tubular structures found in the proximity of the nucleus.
• It organises and synthesises selective molecules and sorts them to appropriate
locations.
• There are two types of ER found in the cell- Rough endoplasmic reticulum and smooth
endoplasmic reticulum.
• RER structures are associated with protein synthesis.
7. Ribosomes
• Appear on the surface of the endoplasmic reticulum; ribosomes are called the protein
factory of the cell.
• Polyribosomes are formed when ribosomes get attached with mRNA.
8. Golgi bodies
• Also sometimes known as the Golgi apparatus, these structures are responsible for the
transportation of materials within the cytoplasm.
• Their other function includes assorting the proteins (glycoproteins) and lipids
(glycolipids) for secretion.
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9. Lysosomes
• Lysosomes are regarded as cell’s suicide bags.
• They engulf foreign particles and prevent them from entering the cell. Thus, providing
protection.
• Lysosomes also get rid of metabolic wastes.
• These structures help in renewing the cell.
10. Chloroplasts
• Chloroplasts are only present inside the plant cells.
• Like mitochondria, they are also double-membrane structures.
• The structure bound by the inner membrane is called the stroma.
• Stacks of thylakoids grouped together are known as grana.
• Chloroplasts contain chlorophyll and are the site for photosynthesis.
• Genetic material is also observed stranded inside the stroma.
What is cell biology?
• Cell biology is the branch of science that deals with the structure, function, and
nature of cells.
• It includes all the aspects of a cell, including its anatomy, cellular functions,
signaling, reproduction, respiration, genetics, and cell death.
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What is the main function of a living cell?
Even though cells are the fundamental unit of life, there goes a lot inside a living cell. It is
responsible for the following:
• Synthesis of genetic material
• Producing energy in the form of ATP
• To grow and divide to replace old cells
• For the development of a living organism
• Helps in the reproduction of a new living organism
What happens when a cell dies?
• Apoptosis is the phenomenon of programmed cell death. When a cell dies on the
external surface of the body, it is usually sloughed off.
• Whereas when a cell dies inside the body, it is ingested by phagocytic cells.
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