Cell Structure and Function
Cells have many structures inside of them called organelles. These organelles are like the organs in a human and they help the cell stay alive. Each organelle has it’s own specific function to help the cell survive. The nucleus of a eukaryotic cell directs the cell’s activities and stores DNA. Eukaryotes also have a golgi apparatus that packages and distributes proteins. Mitochondria are the power house of the cell and provide the cell with energy. Both plant and animal cells have mitochondria. Lysosomes are like the stomach of the cell. They contain enzymes that digest the cell’s used parts. All of the cell’s organelles must work together to keep the cell healthy. The cell membrane is the protective barrier that surrounds the cell and prevents unwanted material from getting into it. The cell membrane has many functions, but one main function that it has is to transport materials (salts, electrolytes, glucose and other necessary molecules) into the cell to support necessary life functions. Not only does the membrane let molecules into the cell, but it also lets wastes such as carbon dioxide out of the cell. The cell membrane is made up of a phosholipid bilayer. Each phopholipid contains a hydrophilic, or water loving head and ahydrophobic, or water fearing tail. These properties that the phospholipids have and the specific orientation they are arranged in provide the cell with an selectively permeable barrier. | ||||||
EPE
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