Cell Structure and Function

Cell Structure and Function

Cell Membrane

• Thin, semi-permeable membrane surrounding the cell
• Composed of phospholipid bilayer with embedded proteins
• Regulates what enters and leaves the cell through selective permeability
• Maintains cellular environment and separates internal components from external environment

Cytoplasm

• Jelly-like substance inside the cell membrane
• Made up of water, salts, sugars, and various organelles
• Site of many metabolic processes, including glycolysis and protein synthesis
• Provides structural support and aids in cell division

Ribosomes

• Small organelles found throughout the cytoplasm
• Site of protein synthesis, where mRNA is translated into amino acid chains
• Can be free-floating or bound to the endoplasmic reticulum
• Responsible for building proteins essential for cellular functions

Mitochondria

• Organelles found in the cytoplasm, often referred to as the "powerhouses"
• Generate energy for the cell through cellular respiration
• Convert glucose into ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the energy currency of the cell
• Have their own DNA and can replicate independently

Nucleus

• Membrane-bound organelle containing most of the cell's genetic material
• Houses the majority of the cell's DNA, organized into chromosomes
• Site of transcription, where DNA is transcribed into RNA
• Regulates cell growth, division, and reproduction through gene expression

Cell Structure and Function

Cell Membrane

• Thin, semi-permeable membrane surrounding the cell, controlling what enters and leaves the cell
• Composed of phospholipid bilayer with embedded proteins, maintaining cellular environment and separating internal components from external environment

Cytoplasm

• Jelly-like substance inside the cell membrane, comprising water, salts, sugars, and various organelles
• Site of many metabolic processes, including glycolysis and protein synthesis, providing structural support and aiding in cell division

Ribosomes

• Small organelles found throughout the cytoplasm, responsible for protein synthesis
• Translate mRNA into amino acid chains, either free-floating or bound to the endoplasmic reticulum
• Build proteins essential for cellular functions

Mitochondria

• Organelles in the cytoplasm, generating energy for the cell through cellular respiration
• Convert glucose into ATP, the energy currency of the cell, with their own DNA and independent replication capabilities

Nucleus

• Membrane-bound organelle containing most of the cell's genetic material, housing the majority of the cell's DNA in chromosomes
• Site of transcription, where DNA is transcribed into RNA, regulating cell growth, division, and reproduction through gene expression

Explore the components of a cell, including the cell membrane and cytoplasm, and their roles in maintaining cellular environment and facilitating metabolic processes.