Our bodies are made up of a huge number of cells, so what is the structure and functions of the cell? And what are its types? Let''s get to know them in this article. Cell structure and functions The cell is defined as the basic building unit of the body, as it is the smallest component responsible for life and growth. The human body consists of a huge number of animal cells that reproduce
To appear in the form of a single unit, it is worth noting that the cells of the human body are very small microscopic cells.
Eukaryotic cells are composed of many vital components, each with a specific function. Let us know them as follows:
1. Nucleus
The nucleus is the center of the cell, and it is the largest organ within the cell.
Deoxyribonucleic acid is stored inside the nucleus, which makes the nucleus primarily responsible for controlling the activities of the cell. The nucleus also contains a small organelle called the nucleolus, which stores RNA inside it, which plays its primary role in protein synthesis.
2. Ribosomes
The ribosomal protein-forming factory consists of two subunits, which may be freely present within the cytoplasm or attached to the endoplasmic reticulum.
And through the RNA particle, different types of RNA are made, which has a major role in maintaining cell survival.
3. Endoplasmic reticulum
It is a membranous organ that shares with the nucleus the same plasma membrane that surrounds them.
There are two types of endoplasmic reticulum: the rough endoplasmic reticulum, which assists ribosomes in protein synthesis, and the smooth endoplasmic reticulum, which helps in the manufacture of vital lipids.
4. Golgi apparatus
If the protein inside the rough endoplasmic reticulum needs to be modified, then it is sent to the Golgi apparatus, where it modifies it as required, and then either stores it or sends it to the desired location.
5. Chloroplasts
Chloroplasts are found in plants and some algae.
Chloroplasts contain the pigment chlorophyll, a pigment that absorbs energy from the sun and converts water and carbon dioxide in the air into oxygen and the sugar glucose.
6. Mitochondria
Mitochondria are found in most animal cells, and the mitochondria is the energy store in the cell, as it converts glucose into adenosine triphosphate (ATP) needed to give energy to the body''s organs, such as: muscles and liver.
7. Plasma membrane
The cell is separated from the other by the presence of a plasma membrane surrounding it, and the plasma membrane consists of phospholipids that prevent water from entering it.
8. Cytoplasm
The cellular fluid is known as the cytoplasm, and it is the fluid that surrounds the nucleus. The cytoplasm consists of 80% water. The cytoplasm contains many organelles. Many important reactions take place within the cytosol.
9. Lysosomes
They are particles that contain enzyme preservatives, where the enzymes inside them break down foreign and toxic bodies that the cell is exposed to.
general functions of the cell
The following are the most important functions of the cell:
The function of the cell varies according to its type, and each cell differs according to the type of protein manufactured within it.
It helps cells to cross and exchange substances through them via the plasma membrane.
The cell makes protein.
Old cells divide into new cells and this helps in growth.
Cell types
Despite the different sizes and shapes of cells, scientists agreed to divide cells depending on the location of the genetic material inside the cell, as follows:
1. Prokaryotic cell
It is a simple cell that does not contain a nucleus, and the genetic material is freely present within the vital juice, examples of which are: bacteria and algae cells.
2. Eukaryotic cell
It is the most complex cell as it contains the nucleus, and the genetic material is located inside it. Examples include: animal cells and plant cells.
