CELLS Structure
Cell Membrane Surrounds the cell to separate it from its external environment Composed of a phospholipid bilayer that has proteins embedded in it Cholesterol is also an important component of cell membranes since it keeps the membrane intact yet fluid The membrane acts as a selective barrier by controlling what substances enter and leave the cell
Membrane Structures Microvilli (microvillus): extensions of the cell membrane used to increase the surface area of the cell Cilia (cillium): short, hair-like extensions on the cell membrane used for movement Flagella (Flagellum): long, whip-like structures used for movement
Cell Interior Cytoplasm: A semi-fluid substance in which all of the cell’s organelles are suspended Located between the nucleus and the cell membrane Contains the cytoskeleton Cytoskeleton: a network of microtubules that support the cell and give it shape
Nucleus Nucleus: the control center of the cell and where the cell’s DNA is located Nuclear Membrane: Separates the nucleus from the cytoplasm Contains pores so that substances may enter or leave the nucleus Nucleolus: structure within the nucleus that is responsible for making rRNA Nucleoplasm: similar to the cytoplasm, it is a semifluid substance in which the DNA and nucleolus are suspended
Organelles Endoplasmic reticulum (ER): Extensive network of membranes There are 2 types: Rough ER: contains ribosomes that make proteins destined to leave the cell Smooth ER: makes lipids, steroids, and is involved in detoxification; important in cells that are responsible for ridding the body of toxic substances (i.e. liver)
Organelles (cont.) Ribosomes: Structures involved in protein synthesis Found attached to the RER or suspended in the cytoplasm Mitochondria: structures used to make ATP (energy compound) Golgi complex (apparatus): Series of flat membrane-bound sacs Packages proteins made from the RER and sends them in membrane-bound vesicles to their destination
Organelles (cont.) Vacuole: Membrane-bound compartment that serves many functions (i.e. absorbs water, stores proteins, stores wastes, etc.) Plant cells have one large central vacuole whereas animal cells contain several small vacuoles
Organelles (cont.) Lysosome: Membrane-bound organelles filled with hydrolytic enzymes These enzymes are used to break down substances (i.e. carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, old organelles, etc.)