The Cell

BIOLOGY
- originated from two words: “Bio”
meaning life and “logy” meaning
study.
- Therefore, Biology is the science
which deals with the study of life
( living organism).
 What is a CELL?
Cell is the unit of physical life. It is
enclosed in a plasma membrane containing
the “nucleus” and “organelles,” and
suspended in “cytosol”, a clear jellylike
substance. Between the nucleus and the
plasma membrane is the “cytoplasm”.
Within the nucleus is the “chromatin”
which carries the “genes”.
 Types of Cell
1. Prokaryotic cell or Prokaryote –
class of cell with no definite nucleus
and lacks certain organelles.
Examples: bacteria and
cyanobacteria
 Prokaryotic cell
• Appeared ~3.5
billion years ago
• Kingdoms Monera
(Eubacteria) and
Archaea
 Characteristics of
Prokaryotic Cells
• Molecules surrounded by a membrane
and cell wall
• Lack characteristic eukaryotic
subcellular membrane enclosed
"organelles“
• May contain membrane systems
 Characteristics of
Prokaryotic Cells
• May have photosynthetic pigments like in
cyanobacteria ("blue-green bacteria")
• Some have external whip-like flagella for
locomotion or hair like pili for adhesion
• Come in multiple shapes: cocci (round),
baccilli (rods), and spirilla or spirochetes
(helical cells).
 Types of Cell
2. Eukaryotic cell or Eukaryote –
has clearly defined nucleus bounded
by a membrane within which DNA is
formed into distinct chromosomes.
Examples: all organisms are
eukaryote except bacteria
 Eukaryotic Cell
The basic eukaryotic cell contains the
following:
• plasma membrane
• glycocalyx (components external to
the plasma membrane)
• cytoplasm (semifluid)
 Eukaryotic Cell
• cytoskeleton - microfilaments and
microtubules that suspend organelles,
give shape, and allow motion
• presence of characteristic membrane
enclosed subcellular organelles
Structure and functions of the
different cell parts:
Plasma Membrane
• Outercovering of
the cell
• Lipid/protein/carb
ohydrate complex,
providing a barrier
and containing
• transport and
signalling systems
Structure and functions of the
different cell parts:
Nucleus
• Double membrane
surrounding the
chromosomes and the
nucleolus
• Pores allow specific
communication with
the cytoplasm
• The nucleolus is a site
for synthesis of RNA
making up the
ribosome
 Structure and functions of
the different cell parts:
Nucleolus
• Dense spherical object which is largest in the
phase and disappear in mitosis.
• Consists of specialized areas of certain
chromosomes called nuclear organizer, ribosomal
RNA and protein.
• Functions in the construction of ribosomes
(control protein synthesis) which ultimately leave
the nucleus and become organized in the ER.
Structure and functions of the
different cell parts:
Mitochondria
• Surrounded by a
double membrane with
a series of folds
called cristae
• Functions in energy
(ATP) production
through metabolism
(Powerhouse), that
supports mechanical
and chemical work
performed by cells.
Structure and functions of the
different cell parts:
Rough endoplasmic reticulum
(RER)

• A network of interconnected
membranes forming channels
within the cell
• Covered with ribosomes
(causing the "rough"
appearance) which are in the
process of synthesizing
proteins for secretion or
localization in membranes

Ribosomes
• Protein and RNA complex
responsible for protein
synthesis
Structure and functions of the
different cell parts:
Smooth endoplasmic
reticulum (SER)

• A network of
interconnected membranes
forming channels within
the cell
• A site for synthesis and
metabolism of lipids
• Also contains enzymes for
detoxifying chemicals
including drugs and
pesticides
Structure and functions of the
different cell parts:
Golgi apparatus
• A series of stacked
membranes
• Vesicles (small membrane
surrounded bags) carry
materials from the RER to
the Golgi apparatus
• Vesicles move between the
stacks while the proteins
are "processed" to a
mature form
• Vesicles then carry newly
formed membrane and
secreted proteins to their
final destinations including
secretion or membrane
localization
Structure and functions of the
different cell parts:
Lysosymes

• A membrane bound
organelle that is
responsible for
degrading proteins
and membranes in the
cell
• Also helps degrade
materials ingested by
the cell
Structure and functions of the
different cell parts:
Vacuoles

• Membrane
surrounded "bags"
that contain water
and storage
materials in plants
Structure and functions of the
different cell parts:
Peroxisomes or
Microbodies

• Produce and
degrade hydrogen
peroxide, a toxic
compound that can
be produced during
metabolism
Structure and functions of the
different cell parts:
Chloroplasts
(plastids)

• Surrounded by a
double membrane,
containing stacked
thylacoid membranes.
• Responsible for
photosynthesis, the
trapping of light
energy for the
synthesis of sugars
Structure and functions of
the different cell parts:
Cell wall

• Plants have a rigid cell wall in addition

to their cell membranes
Structure and functions of
the different cell parts:
Lysosomes (suicide bags)
• pre-formed, membrane-bound, dense appearing
structures or packages of hydrolytic enzyme
collectively known as acid hydrolases.
• Function as intracellular digestion (breakdown
intracellular molecules and digest foreign
organisms like bacteria which may enter the cell.
• Related to aging and degenerative processes
Structure and functions of
the different cell parts:
Centrosomes
• Granular structure located just
outside the nucleus and found in all
animal cells and primitive plants; a
self duplicting organelles.
• Active n the process of cell division
(mitosis), in the formation of cilia.
 Animal Cell vs Plant Cell
Characteristics Animal Cell Plant Cell
Size of cell prokaryotic Eukaryotic
nucleus
Plasma membrane 0.2 – 2 micro meter 16-100 micrometer
in diameter in diameter
Ribosomes Smaller size Larger size

Arrangement histones Histones

Cell wall absent present

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