What is the cell made of; what each part does?

The cell membrane is a semi-permeable structure that allows nutritional elements to come in and allows unusable waste to leave.  The cell membrane keeps out harmful substances.  The cell membrane acts as an outer protective cover.  It also maintains the cell shape and keeps contents in.  Cytoplasm is a semi-fluid in the cell.  Cytoplasm is where all chemical reactions take place inside the cell.  Organelles are structures located within the cytoplasm.  The organelles are responsible for the functions that take place within the cell.  

The nucleus is the brain of the cell.  It controls many functions of the cell and cell division.  The nucleolus is located within the nucleus.  The nucleolus is important in cell reproduction.  The ribosomes composed of RNA and protein are manufactured in the nucleolus.  Ribosomes move from the nucleus to the cytoplasm, serving as sites for protein synthesis.  Chromatin is also located in the nucleus.  Chromatin is a loose thread-like arrangement of DNA and protein.  When the cell is ready to divide, chromatin will form into rod-shaped structures called chromosomes.  There are 46 chromosomes per cell (23 pairs).  Chromosomes contain genes that have a specific DNA sequence which allows for duplication.  Mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell.  It breaks down carbs, fat, and proteins to form ATP (adenosine triphosphate) or the energy of the cell.  The Golgi apparatus is a stack of membrane layers within the cytoplasm.  It produces, stores, and packages secretions for discharge from the cell.  

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) transports materials into and out of the nucleus.  It aids in synthesis and storage of proteins.  Smooth ER which is not in all cells; aids in fat metabolism, cholesterol synthesis, and drug detoxification.  Rough ER are the regions where ribosomes are attached for protein production.  Lysosomes digest proteins and fats.  Lysosomes break down old cells, bacteria, and foreign materials.  They are very important to the immune system.  Pinocytic vesicles are pocket-like folds in the cell membrane,  which allow proteins and fat molecules to enter the cell.  Once the vesicles are inside the cells, the folds close to form vacuoles.  


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  • Last Updated Aug 15, 2024
  • Views 2
  • Answered By Tamiko Kemp

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