Cell Biology Overview

Cell Function Overview

Cell function refers to the various activities and processes that take place within a cell to maintain its survival, growth, and response to its environment.

Cellular Processes

• Metabolism: the process of converting energy and nutrients into the components that make up a cell
• Protein Synthesis: the process of creating proteins, which are essential for cellular structure and function
• Cell Division: the process of a cell dividing into two daughter cells, including mitosis and meiosis
• Cell Signaling: the process of cells communicating with each other through signaling pathways
• Transportation: the movement of molecules and ions into and out of the cell

Cell Functions by Organelle

• Nucleus: contains genetic material, regulates gene expression
• Mitochondria: generates energy for the cell through cellular respiration
• Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER): involved in protein synthesis, transport, and modification
• Ribosomes: site of protein synthesis
• Lysosomes: responsible for cellular digestion and recycling
• Golgi Apparatus: involved in protein modification and transport
• Plasma Membrane: regulates the movement of molecules into and out of the cell

Cellular Responses

• Homeostasis: the ability of a cell to maintain a stable internal environment despite changes in the external environment
• Adaptation: the ability of a cell to change its structure or function in response to changes in the environment
• Cellular Defense: the cell's ability to defend itself against pathogens, toxins, and other harmful substances

Cell Function Overview

• Cell function refers to the various activities and processes that take place within a cell to maintain its survival, growth, and response to its environment.

Cellular Processes

• Metabolism involves converting energy and nutrients into cellular components.
• Protein synthesis is the process of creating proteins essential for cellular structure and function.
• Cell division involves a cell dividing into two daughter cells through mitosis and meiosis.
• Cell signaling enables cells to communicate with each other through signaling pathways.
• Transportation involves the movement of molecules and ions into and out of the cell.

Cell Functions by Organelle

Nucleus

• Contains genetic material and regulates gene expression.

Mitochondria

• Generates energy for the cell through cellular respiration.

Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)

• Involved in protein synthesis, transport, and modification.

Ribosomes

• Site of protein synthesis.

Lysosomes

• Responsible for cellular digestion and recycling.

Golgi Apparatus

• Involved in protein modification and transport.

Plasma Membrane

• Regulates the movement of molecules into and out of the cell.

Cellular Responses

• Homeostasis is the ability of a cell to maintain a stable internal environment despite external changes.
• Adaptation is the ability of a cell to change its structure or function in response to environmental changes.
• Cellular defense is the cell's ability to defend itself against pathogens, toxins, and other harmful substances.