Cellular organization

Cell
Cells are typically seen by light microscope
Mainly have two parts nucleus and cytoplasm
Nucleus is separated from cytoplasm by a
nuclear membrane
Cytoplasm is separated from surroundings
fluids by cell membrane
 Protoplasm
Different substances that makes up the cell are collectively
called as protoplasm
It is composed mainly of five substances
Water ----70-85%
Proteins---- 10-20%
Ions ----- potassium, magnesium, phosphate, sulfate,
bicarbonate and small quantities of sodium, chloride &
calcium.
lipids-----phospholipids and cholesterol (2% of total cell
mass )
Carbohydrates--- nutrition of cell (glucose) stored in the
form of glycogen.
 Physical structures of cell
Includes:
Cell membrane
Endoplasmic reticulum
Golgi apparatus
Lysosomes
Peroxisomes
Secretory vesicles
Mitochondria
Microfilaments
Nucleus
 Cell membrane
Structure: phospholipid bilayer with proteins that
function as channels, markers, and receptors
-also contains cholesterol which provides rigidity
Function: selectively permeable boundary
between the cell and the external environment
Lipid barrier of cell membrane prevents water
penetration
Proteins---mostly glycoproteins.
1. Integral proteins (function as channels)
2. Peripheral proteins (receptors)
Carbohydrates ---- glycoproteins , glycolipids and
glycocalyx.
 Glycocalyx
The entire outer surface of the cell has a loose
carbohydrate coat that is called as glycocalyx.
Function :
1. Gives an overall negative surface charge to the cell
2. Provide attachment to another cell
3. Act as receptors
 Cytoplasm
Structure: gelatin-like fluid that lies inside the
cell membrane
Function: -contains salts, minerals and organic
molecules
-surrounds the organelles
 Endoplasmic Reticulum
Structure: a system of membranous tubules and sacs
Function: provide machinery for metabolic functions
of the cell
- intercellular highway (a path along which molecules
move from one part of the cell to another)
Two types:
Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum
Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum
 Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum

Frequently called as granular

endoplasmic reticulum
It is prominent in cells that
make large amounts of
proteins to be exported from
the cell or inserted into the cell
membrane
Covered with ribosomes
 Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum
Smooth Endoplasmic
Reticulum (sER): involved in
the synthesis of lipids and
breakdown of toxic substances
Not covered with ribosomes
 Golgi Apparatus

Structure: stacked flat sacs

Functions in association with
endoplasmic reticulum
Receiving, processing,
packaging, and shipping of
various substances occurs in
Golgi apparatus
 Lysosomes

Lysosomes are form by

breaking off from the Golgi
apparatus and thus dispersing
in cytoplasm of cell
Structure: spherical organelles
that contain 40 different
hydrolase (digestive) enzymes
within single membranes
Function: breaks down food
particles, invading objects, or
worn out cell parts
 Peroxisomes
Structure: physically similar to
lysosomes but differ in two
ways:
Formed by self-replication
Contains oxidases rather than
hydrolases
Function: Degrade hydrogen
peroxide, a toxic compound
that can be produced during
metabolism.
 Secretory vesicles
Structure : formed by the endoplasmic
reticulum- Golgi apparatus system. Released
from Golgi apparatus into the cytoplsam in
the form of secretory vesicle or secretory
granule
Function: store some protein pro enzymes
 Mitochondria
Powerhouse of cell
Structure: folded membrane
within an outer membrane
The folds of the inner
membrane are called
cristae
Function: oxidation of
nutrients, thereby forming
carbon dioxide and water and
at the same time releasing
the energy
 Cytoskeleton
Structure: a network of thin,
fibrous elements made up of
microtubules (hollow tubes)
and microfilaments (threads
made out of actin)
Function: -acts as a support
system for organelles
-maintains cell shape
 Nucleus

It is the control center of cell.

Contains large quantities of
DNA
Function: -storage center of
cells DNA
-manages cell functions