The Structures and Functions of Cells by Georgia Russell

Cell Structure and its Functions

georgia11223 — 2024-09-23 23:36:14 UTC

Cells are the basic structural and functional units of all living organisms. They contain essential components such as the nucleus (which holds genetic material), cytoplasm, and organelles that perform specific functions. They are responsible for carrying out life processes, including growth, energy production, and reproduction.

Golgi Apparatus

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Nucleus

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Plasma Membrane

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Secretory Vesicle

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Cytosol

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Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum

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Ribosomes

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Mitochondria

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Function of the Golgi Apparatus

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The Golgi Apparatus processes, modifies and packages proteins and lipids for secretion or delivery to other cells.

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the golgi apparatus would assist in directing proteins synthesised by the rough ER for export of the cell

Function of the Endoplasmic Reticulum

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The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a network of membranous tubules and sacs that plays a crucial role in protein and lipid synthesis, intracellular transport, and cellular detoxification.

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum

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Synthesis proteins, particularly those destined for secretion or membrane insertion.

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum

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Synthesises and produces lipids such as phospholipids, cholesterol, and steroid hormones (important in liver and reproductive cells).

Function of the Nucleus

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The nucleus is the control center of the cell, responsible for storing and regulating genetic information (DNA) and coordinating cellular activities such as growth, metabolism, protein synthesis, and cell division.

Function of Cytosol

georgia11223 — 2025-02-07 05:58:40 UTC

The cytosol is the fluid portion of the cytoplasm, where various cellular activities occur. It is a gel-like substance composed mainly of water, dissolved ions, proteins, and small molecules.

Function of the Plasma Membrane

georgia11223 — 2025-02-07 06:06:27 UTC

The plasma membrane (also known as the cell membrane) is a semi-permeable barrier that separates the internal contents of the cell from the external environment.

Function of Ribosomes

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Ribosomes are essential for protein synthesis in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. They are small, non-membranous organelles composed of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and proteins. Ribosomes exist either freely in the cytosol or attached to the rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) in eukaryotic cells.

Function of the mitochondria

georgia11223 — 2025-02-07 06:17:58 UTC

Mitochondria are the powerhouses of the cell, responsible for producing energy (ATP) through cellular respiration. They are double-membraned organelles found in most eukaryotic cells, playing a crucial role in energy metabolism, cell signalling, and apoptosis (programmed cell death).

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It plays a vital role in protecting the cell, regulating transport, and enabling communication.

Different methods of transport within the cell

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Methods of Transport

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Function of the secretory vesicle

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Secretory vesicles store and transport molecules (such as proteins, hormones, or neurotransmitters) out of the cell through exocytosis. They are crucial for cell communication, secretion, and waste removal.

Permeable

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Allows the passage of substance to enter in and out of the cell

Impermeable

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refers to the inability of certain substances to pass through the membrane without the assistance of transport proteins or specific mechanisms.

Selective permeability

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Selective permeability in the plasma membrane refers to its ability to regulate the passage of substances, allowing certain molecules to enter or exit the cell while restricting others, maintaining homeostasis.

Passive Transport

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No ATP is needed for this transport, directs substances within the cell down the concentration gradient

Active Transport

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Requires ATP, moves substances within the cell against the concentration gradient

Simple diffusion

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Substances have little restricted movement through the phospholipid bilayer

Facilitate diffusion

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the passive movement of molecules across a cell membrane through transport proteins, without requiring energy, following the concentration gradient (from high to low concentration).

Osmosis

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The process of diffusion involving water

Endocytosis

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The process by which a cell engulfs external substances by enclosing them in a vesicle formed from the plasma membrane.

Na +/ K Pump

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An active transport mechanism that uses ATP to move sodium (Na⁺) out of the cell and potassium (K⁺) in, maintaining cellular ion balance and membrane potential.

Exocytosis

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The process by which a cell transports large molecules or waste out of the cell by vesicles fusing with the plasma membrane and releasing their contents.

Cytoplasm

georgia11223 — 2025-02-10 00:55:36 UTC

The cytoplasm is the gel-like substance inside a cell, excluding the nucleus, that contains organelles and is the site of various cellular processes.