Cell Structure and Function: A Comprehensive Overview
Classified in Biology
Written at on 
English with a size of 2.91 KB.
Cell Structure and Function
Cytoplasm
The cytoplasm is the internal "soup" of the bacterial cell, bounded on the outside by the cell envelope. It is mostly water, but contains bacterial inclusions.
Cell Membrane
The cell membrane protects the cell from its surroundings. It controls the movement of substances in and out of cells and consists of the phospholipid bilayer with embedded proteins.
Nucleus
The nucleus is located in the very center of the cell and serves as the control center. It is made up of the nucleolus, chromosomes, and is surrounded by the nuclear envelope.
Nuclear Envelope
The nuclear envelope surrounds the nucleus with a double membrane and multiple pores. The pores regulate the passage of macromolecules but permit free passage of small molecules, like water.
Nucleolus
The nucleolus is located in the very center of the nucleus and produces ribosomes.
Ribosomes
Ribosomes are responsible for the translation of RNA into proteins.
Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum
The rough endoplasmic reticulum is responsible for the assembly of many proteins.
Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum
The smooth endoplasmic reticulum is involved in the expression of lipids.
Golgi Apparatus
The Golgi apparatus is responsible for the sorting and packaging of proteins.
Lysosomes
Lysosomes function like a stomach, breaking down large molecules such as proteins.
Vacuoles
Vacuoles store food being digested by the cell and waste material on its way out of the cell.
Peroxisomes
Peroxisomes function like a stomach, breaking down substances such as fats and toxins.
Centriole
Centrioles are only found in animal cells. They anchor the cytoskeleton and help with cell division in animal cells.
Mitochondria
Mitochondria are found throughout the cytoplasm. They take in nutrients and break them down to create energy for the cell.
Chloroplast
Chloroplasts are only found in plant cells. They trap energy from sunlight to produce food for the plant.
Cell Wall
The cell wall is located only in plant cells and surrounds the cell membrane. It is the main structural component of the plant cell.
Cilia
Cilia are thin, tail-like projections extending approximately 0.1 mm outwards from the cells. Cilia are involved in movement. As they constantly beat in a single direction, they can help a cell move around.
[Picture of Cilia]
Cytoskeleton
The cytoskeleton is a three-dimensional network of protein fibers that extends throughout the cell. It provides shape and gives mechanical support to the cell.
[Picture of Cytoskeleton]