Cell Structure

The cell structure comprises of certain components with specific functions essential to carry out life’s processes. These components include- cell wall, cell membrane, cytoplasm, nucleus, and cell organelles. Read on to explore more insights on cell structure and function.

Cell Membrane

• The cell membrane supports and protects the cell. It controls the movement of substances in and out of the cells. It separates the cell from the external environment. The cell membrane is present in all the cells.
• The cell membrane is the outer covering of a cell within which all other organelles including cytoplasm and nucleus are enclosed. It is also referred to as the plasma membrane.
• By structure, it is a porous membrane (with pores) which permit the movement of selective substances in and out of the cell.  Besides this, the cell membrane also protects the cellular component from damage and leakage.
• It forms the wall-like structure between two cells as well as between the cell and its surroundings.
• Plants are special, so are their cell structures. Since plants are immobile and cannot hide or run away as animals do during the atmospheric changes. Plants have an advanced cell structure that protects them and makes them rigid and is called a cell wall.

Cell Wall

• The cell wall is a thick outer layer and is present only in plants cell which protects the plasma membrane and other cellular components. The cell wall is the outermost layer of plant cells.
• It is a rigid and stiff structure surrounding the cell membrane.
• It provides shape and support to the cell and protects it from mechanical shocks and injuries.
• The cell wall of the plant cell is made up of cellulose which provides shape to the cells.

Cytoplasm

• The cytoplasm is a thick, clear, jelly-like substance present inside the cell membrane.
• Most of the chemical reactions within a cell take place in this cytoplasm.
• The cell organelles such as endoplasmic reticulum, vacuoles, mitochondria, ribosomes, are suspended in this cytoplasm.

Nucleus

• The nucleus contains the hereditary material of the cell, the DNA.
• It sends signals to the cells to grow, mature, divide, and die.
• The nucleus is surrounded by the nuclear envelope that separates the DNA from the rest of the cell and protects the DNA.

Cell Organelles

Cells are composed of various cell organelles that perform certain specific functions to carry out life’s processes. The different cell organelles, along with its principal functions are as follows:

Cell Organelle and its Functions

Nucleolus

The nucleolus is the site of ribosome synthesis. Also, it is involved in controlling cellular activities and cellular reproduction

Nuclear membrane

The nuclear membrane protects the nucleus by forming a boundary between the nucleus and other cell organelles.

Chromosomes

Chromosomes play a crucial role in determining the sex of an individual. Each human cells contain 23 pairs of chromosomes

Endoplasmic reticulum

The endoplasmic reticulum is involved in the transportation of substances throughout the cell. It plays a primary role in the metabolism of carbohydrates, synthesis of lipids, steroids, and proteins.

Golgi Bodies

Golgi bodies are called the cell’s post office as it is involved in the transportation of materials within the cell

Ribosome

Ribosomes are the protein synthesizers of the cell

Mitochondria

Mitochondria is called “the powerhouse of the cell.” It is called so because it produces ATP – the cell’s energy currency

Lysosomes

Lysosomes protect the cell by engulfing the foreign bodies entering the cell and helps in cell renewal. Therefore, it is the cell’s suicidal bags

Chloroplast

Chloroplasts are the primary organelles for photosynthesis. It contains the pigment chlorophyll

Vacuoles

Vacuoles stores food, water, and other waste materials in the cell