Earth and Life Science
Hand out #4 (2nd quarter)
Cell Structure and Function
Introduction
• Cell theory or cell doctrine, states that all organisms are composed of similar units of organization called cells.
• The concept was formally articulated in 1839 by Schledein and Schwann and has remained as the foundation of
model
Cell Theory/ Doctrine
• In 1665, English Scientist, Robert Hooke, discovered cells while looking at a thin slice of cork.
• His observations led him to coin the word “cell” which means little room in Latin.
• He thought that cells are found only in plants and fungi.
• In 1673, Anton Van Leeuwenhoek, devised and used a handmade microscope to observe pond scum and
discovered single- celled organisms and called them “animalcules”
• It was then known then that cells are found in animals as well as plants
• In mid 19th century; because of the traditional belief in Spontaneous generation very little advancements were
made.
• Louise Pasteur- he believed that it was almost completely impossible that from nothing, new things would arise.
• In 1838, German Botanist, Matthias Schledein concluded that all plants are made of cells.
• A year later, German physiologist, Theodor Schwann, stated that all animal tissues are composed of cells.
• Finally in 1858, Rodolf Virchow, German physician, after extensive study of cellular pathology, concluded that
all cells must arise from pre- existing cells
• Because of this, three assumptions had been made with respect to cell.
The Cell Theory
1. All organisms are composed of one or more cells.( Schledein & Schwann)(1939-1939)
2. The cell is the basic unit of life in a all living things (Schledein & Schwann)(1939-1939)
3. All cells are produced by the division of pre-existing cells ( Virchow) (1858)
Definition of Cell
A cell is the smallest unit that is capable of performing life functions.
Two Types of Cells
• Prokaryotic
• Eukaryotic
Prokaryotic
• Do not have structures surrounded by membranes
• Few internal structures
• One-celled organisms, Bacteria
Eukaryotic
• Contain organelles surrounded by membranes
• Most living organisms
Basic Structure of a Cell
• Cell membrane
• Cytoplasm
• Nucleus
Cell Membrane
• Also called plasma membrane and semi- permeable membrane
• It separates the internal and external layer of the cell
• It is a biosphate layer that made up of lipids and fatty acids
• The fatty acids that makes- up this membrane has two different parts to it- hydrophilic head- a small water
loving head
• Hydro- stands for water
• Phillic- means liking or loving
• The other part of this fatty acid is a long water- repealing or water hating tail
Cell Wall
• Rigid, stiff wall of cellulose and lignin inside the cell
• Only present in plant
• Maintains cell shape and the direction of cell growth.
• Made up of secondary and primary cell wall which made up of cellulose, glycans
CYTOPLAMIC STUCTURES
Mitochondria
• Sausage shaped bodies
• Commonly called "powerhouse of the cell
• Provide energy for the cell
• Endoplasmic Reticulum
• Network of canals
• Moves materials from one to another place inside the cell.
Rough ER- appears to have many dots on its side and it helps in the synthesis of protein
Smooth ER- made of tiny dots, where fats and lipids are made
CYTOPLASMIC STUCTURES
Ribosomes
• Are tiny dots you see on the edges of some ER
Golgi Bodies
Are the packaging and releasing structure of the cell?
Perixosomes
• Collects and safely breaks down chemicals that are toxic to cells
Cytoskeleton
Made up of filaments and tubules
Cell Parts
Organelles
Surrounding the Cell
Cell Membrane
• Outer membrane of cell that controls movement in and out of the cell
• Double layer
Cell wall
• Most commonly found in plant cells & bacteria
• Supports & protects cells
Inside the Cell
Nucleus
• Directs cell activities
• Separated from cytoplasm by nuclear membrane
• Contains genetic material - DNA
Nuclear Membrane
• Surrounds nucleus
• Made of two layers
• Openings allow material to enter and leave nucleus
Chromosomes
• In nucleus
• Made of DNA
• Contain instructions for traits & characteristics
Nucleolus
• Inside nucleus
• Contains RNA to build proteins
Cytoplasm
• Gel-like mixture
• Surrounded by cell membrane
• Contains hereditary material
Endoplasmic Reticulum
• Moves materials around in cell
• Smooth type: lacks ribosomes
• Rough type (pictured): ribosomes embedded in surface
Ribosomes
• Each cell contains thousands
• Make proteins
• Found on ribosomes & floating throughout the cell
Mitochondria
• Produces energy through chemical reactions – breaking down fats & carbohydrates
• Controls level of water and other materials in cell
• Recycles and decomposes proteins, fats, and carbohydrates
Golgi Bodies
• Protein 'packaging plant'
• Move materials within the cell
• Move materials out of the cell
