Cell Structure

& Function

HEENA FARHEEN
15451T0006
PHARM-D III YEAR

Source: http://koning.ecsu.ctstateu.edu/cell/cell.html
 Cell
A cell is the smallest unit that is capable of performing
life functions. Cells are structural and functional units enclosed by
a membrane.

PARTS OF A CELL:
Cell is divided into three main parts:
1) Plasma membrane
2) Cytoplasm
3) Nucleus
Animal cell

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The Plasma membrane

The boundary of the cell.

Composed of three distinct
layers . Two layers of fat and
one layer of protein.
The fluid-mosaic lipid bilayer
or phospholipid bilayer are
embedded with proteins
The outer plasma membrane
isolates cell contents, controls
what gets in and out of the cell
and receives signals
 CYTOPLASM
It site all intracellular activities except those
occurring in the nucleus. It is divided into two
the cytosol and organelles .
Cytosol is composed of water , solutes suspended
particles , lipid droplets and glycogen granules.it
is a medium in which many of cells metabolic
reactions occur.
Organelles : each organelle has specific
function.
Cytoskeleton
• It is a network of three
types of protein Cell membrane

filaments :
microfilaments ,
Endoplasmic
intermediate filaments reticulum
and microtubules.
• It maintains shape and Microtubule
general organisation of Microfilament
cellular contents
responsible for cellular Ribosomes Mitochondrion
movements.
 CENTROSOME
• A pair of centrioles plus pericentriolar material.
• The pericentriolar material contains tubulins which are used
for growth of mitotic spindle and microtubule formation.

Cilia and Flagella :

• Motile cell surface projections that contain 20 microtubules
and a basal body.
• Cilia move fluids over a cells surface ; flagella move an entire
cell.
 RIBOSOMES

• Found within the cytosol of the cytoplasm and attached to

internal membranes
• Small non-membrane bound organelles.
• Contain two sub units i.e.) 30s and 50s
• Site of protein synthesis.
• Protein factory of the cell
• Either free floating or attached to the Endoplasmic Reticulum.

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 ENDOPLASMIC RETICULUM
• The ER is continuous with the
outer membrane of the nuclear
envelope
• Membranous network of
flattened sacks or tubules.
• Rough ER covered by ribosomes
and attached to the nuclear
envelope synthesizes
glycoproteins and phospholipids .
• Smooth ER lacks ribosomes and
synthesizes fatty acids and
steroids , detoxify drugs , release
http://library.thinkquest.org/12413/structures.html
calcium ions in muscle cells.
GOLGI COMPLEX

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 LYSOSOMES
• Membrane bound vesicles
formed from Golgi complex
contains digestive enzymes to
break down macromolecules
• Destroy cells or foreign matter
that the cell has engulfed by
phagocytosis.
• It digest worn out organelles
(autophagy), entire cell
(autolysis) and extra cellular
materials.

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 PROTEASOME
• Tiny barrel shaped structure that contains proteases.
• It degrades unneeded , damaged or faulty proteins by cutting
them into small peptides.

PEROXISOME:
• Vesicle containing oxidases (oxidative
enzymes) and catalase (decomposes H2O2 ) .
• Oxidises amino acids and fatty acids ;
detoxifies harmful substances.
 MITOCHONDRIA
• Surrounded by 2 membranes : Smooth outer membrane and
folded inner membrane with layers called cristae
• Matrix is within the inner membrane
• Intermembrane space is located between the two membranes
contain their own DNA
• Function – synthesis of ATP by 3 major pathways
1. Glycolysis - cytoplasm
2. Krebs Cycle – matrix
3. Electron transport system (ETS)
• Intermembrane space produces energy through chemical reactions
by breaking down fats & carbohydrates
• Controls level of water and other materials in cell
• Recycles and decomposes proteins, fats, and carbohydrates
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Mitochondria

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 NUCLEUS
-Stores the genetic material of the cell in the form of multiple,
linear chromosomes
-Surrounded by a nuclear envelope composed of 2
phospholipid bilayers
-In chromosomes – DNA is organized with proteins to form
chromatin
-Directs cell activities. Separated from cytoplasm by nuclear
membrane

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 NUCLEAR MEMBRANE
• Surrounds nucleus
• Made of two phospholipid
bilayers with protein lined
pores allowing material to
enter and leave nucleus.
• Each pore is a ring of 8
proteins with an opening in
the center of the ring

http://library.thinkquest.org/12413/structures.html
 CHROMOSOMES
• Chromosome – fiber of
DNA with proteins attached
• Chromatin – all of the cell’s
DNA and the associated
proteins
• Contain instructions for
traits & characteristics
• DNA is arranged in
chromosomes

http://library.thinkquest.org/12413/structures.html
 NUCLEOLUS

• Inside nucleus - an area of

condensed DNA
• Contains RNA to build
proteins
• Where ribosomal subunits
are made

http://library.thinkquest.org/12413/structures.html
Nuclear pore bilayer facing cytoplasm Nuclear envelope

bilayer facing
nucleoplasm

Fig. 4-17, p.61

THANK YOU