Chapter 2 - Cellular activity The Cell Chapter 2 - Cellular activity

Nucleus The nucleus contains most of the cell’s DNA. DNA molecules in a cell contain a code that is the inherited information, or genes. The role of the genes is to determine the proteins that a cell can make.

Nucleolus The nucleolus is mainly made up of RNA. RNA is involved in protein synthesis. mRNA reads DNA and carries the message to the ribosomes where the proteins are synthesised. tRNA brings the amino acids to the ribosomes to be joined into protein chains.

Endoplasmic reticulum The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a series of membranous channels that store and transport materials. They also provide a surface on which chemical reactions occur.

Cytoplasm The cytoplasm is the jelly-like fluid in which the organelles of the cell are suspended. This is also where many chemical reactions occur.

Golgi apparatus The golgi body or golgi apparatus modifies and packages proteins for secretion from the cell.

Review protein synthesis Ribosomes The ribosomes are the site of protein synthesis. They can be free in the cytoplasm or attached to the surface of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), making it rough ER.

Review protein synthesis from Human Biology 2A-2B. Return to the cell. Review protein synthesis from Human Biology 2A-2B.

Cell membrane The cell membrane separates the cell contents from the environment. The membrane is semi-permeable and regulates the movement of substances in and out of the cell.

glucose + oxygen  carbon dioxide + water + energy Mitochondria The mitochondria are the site of aerobic respiration. glucose + oxygen  carbon dioxide + water + energy

Cytoskeleton The cytoskeleton consists of micro-filaments and tubules, which support the cell.

Nuclear pore The nuclear membrane contains pores, which allow large molecules to pass out of the nucleus. mRNA passes out of the nuclear pores during protein synthesis.

The nuclear membrane separates the nucleus from the cell.