cell and its organelles
cell and its organelles
cell and its organelles
Let us learn more in detail about the different cell organelles in brief.
List of Cell Organelles and their Functions
Plasma Membrane
The plasma membrane is also termed as a Cell Membrane or
Cytoplasmic Membrane. It is a selectively permeable membrane of the
cells, which is composed of a lipid bilayer and proteins.
Cytoplasm
The cytoplasm is present both in plant and animal cells. They are jelly-
like substances, found between the cell membrane and nucleus. They
are mainly composed of water, organic and inorganic compounds. The
cytoplasm is one of the essential components of the cell, where all the
cell organelles are embedded. These cell organelles contain enzymes,
mainly responsible for controlling all metabolic activity taking place
within the cell and are the site for most of the chemical reactions
within a cell.
Nucleus
Mitochondria
The double membranes divide its lumen into two distinct aqueous
compartments. The inner compartment is called a ‘matrix’ which is
folded into cristae whereas the outer membrane forms a continuous
boundary with the cytoplasm. They usually vary in their size and are
found either round or oval in shape. Mitochondria are the sites
of aerobic respiration in the cell, produces energy in the form of ATP
and helps in the transformation of the molecules.
Plastids
Plastids are large, membrane-bound organelles which contain
pigments. Based on the type of pigments, plastids are of three types:
Ribosomes
Ribosomes are non membrane-bound and important cytoplasmic
organelles found in close association with the endoplasmic reticulum.
Ribosomes are found in the form of tiny particles in a large number of
cells and are mainly composed of 2/3rd of RNA and 1/3rd of protein.
They are named as the 70s (found in prokaryotes) or 80s (found in
eukaryotes) The letter S refers to the density and the size, known as
Svedberg’s Unit. Both 70S and 80S ribosomes are composed of two
subunits. Ribosomes are either encompassed within the endoplasmic
reticulum or are freely traced in the cell’s cytoplasm. Ribosomal RNA
and Ribosomal proteins are the two components that together
constitute ribosomes. The primary function of the ribosomes includes
protein synthesis in all living cells that ensure the survival of the cell.
Golgi Apparatus
Golgi Apparatus is also termed as Golgi Complex. It is a membrane-
bound organelle, which is mainly composed of a series of flattened,
stacked pouches called cisternae. This cell organelle is primarily
responsible for transporting, modifying, and packaging proteins and
lipids to targeted destinations. Golgi Apparatus is found within the
cytoplasm of a cell and is present in both plant and animal cells.
Also read about the Golgi Apparatus
Microbodies
Cytoskeleton
It is a continuous network of filamentous proteinaceous structures that
run throughout the cytoplasm, from the nucleus to the plasma
membrane. It is found in all living cells, notably in the eukaryotes. The
cytoskeleton matrix is composed of different types of proteins that can
divide rapidly or disassemble depending on the requirement of the
cells. The primary functions include providing the shape and
mechanical resistance to the cell against deformation, the contractile
nature of the filaments helps in motility during cytokinesis.
Cilia are hair-like projections, small structures, present outside the cell
wall and work like oars to either move the cell or the extracellular fluid.
Flagella are slightly bigger and are responsible for the cell movements.
The eukaryotic flagellum structurally differs from its prokaryotic
counterpart. The core of the cilium and flagellum is called an axoneme,
which contains nine pairs of gradually arranged
peripheral microtubules and a set of central microtubules running
parallel to the axis. The central tubules are interconnected by a bridge
and are embedded by a central sheath. One of the peripheral
microtubular pairs is also interconnected to the central sheath by a
radial spoke. Hence there are a total of 9 radial spokes. The cilia and
flagella emerge from centriole-like structures called basal bodies.
Vacuoles
Vacuoles are mostly defined as storage bubbles of irregular shapes
which are found in cells. They are fluid-filled organelles enclosed by a
membrane. The vacuole stores the food or a variety of nutrients that a
cell might need to survive. In addition to this, it also stores waste
products. The waste products are eventually thrown out by vacuoles.
Thus, the rest of the cell is protected from contamination. The animal
and plant cells have different size and number of vacuoles. Compared
to the animals, plant cells have larger vacuoles.
Cell Structure
Functions
Organelles
Cell A double membrane composed of lipids Provides shape, protects the
membrane and proteins. Present both in plant and inner organelles of the cell
animal cells. and acts as a selectively
permeable membrane.
Lysosomes are called the suicidal bags because they are capable of
breaking down or digesting all the wastes, dead and damaged cells.
What is Nucleoid?