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Cell and Its Biochemical Organization

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10 views

Cell and Its Biochemical Organization

Uploaded by

archaachu613
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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CELL & ITS BIOCHEMICAL ORGANIZATION

The cell is the structural and functional unit of life. It may be also regarded as the basic unit of
biological activity.

The cells of the living kingdom may be divided into two categories:

Prokaryotes: lack a well defined nucleus and possess relatively simple structure. These
include the various bacteria.

Eukaryotes: possess a well defined nucleus and are more complex in their structure and
function. The higher organisms (animals and plants) are composed of eukaryotic cells.

NUCLEUS

Structure

Nucleus is the largest cellular organelle, surrounded by a double membrane nuclear envelope.
The outer membrane is continuous with the membranes of endoplasmic reticulum.

The nucleus of the eukaryotic cell contains a dense body known as nucleolus. It is rich in RNA,
particularly the ribosomal RNA which enters the cytosol through nuclear pores.

The ground material of the nucleus is often referred to as nucleoplasm. It is rich in enzymes
such as DNA polymerases and RNA polymerases.

Nucleus contains DNA, the repository of genetic information.

Functions

1. It controls all cellular activities.


2. It contains DNA, RNA and proteins.
3. RNA helps in protein synthesis.
4. DNA helps in production of chromosomes.
5. Marker enzyme is DNA polymerase which is a site of DNA to RNA synthesis.

ENDOPLASMIC RETICULUM

Structure

The network of membrane enclosed spaces that extends throughout the cytoplasm constitutes
endoplasmic reticulum (ER).

A large portion of the ER is studded with ribosomes to give a granular appearance which is
referred to as rough endoplasmic reticulum.

During the process of cell fractionation, rough ER is disrupted to form small vesicles known as
microsomes.

The smooth endoplasmic reticulum does not contain ribosomes.


Functions

1. Ribosomes are the factories of protein biosynthesis.


2. It is involved in the synthesis of lipids and metabolism of drugs.
3. It provides surface area for number of chemical reactions.
4. It provides a pathway for transporting various chemical substances.
5. It helps to concentrate the products of synthetic activities of cell.

MITOCHONDRIA

Structure

The mitochondria are the centres for the cellular respiration and energy metabolism. They are
regarded as the power houses of the cell with variable size and shape. Mitochondria are rod-
like or filamentous bodies.

The mitochondria are composed of a double membrane system. The outer membrane is
smooth and completely envelops the organelle. The inner membrane is folded to form cristae
which occupy a larger surface area and covered with F1 particles. The internal chamber of
mitochondria is referred to as matrix or mitosol.

The mitochondrial matrix contains a circular double stranded DNA , RNA and ribosomes.

Functions

1. It is the main site for synthesis and storage of ATP.


2. It is the site of citric acid cycle, ß-oxidation, urea cycle and ETS.
3. It contains special DNA and is self-replicative.
4. Mitochondrion performs the main function of conversion and transfer of cellular
energy.
5. They are involved in release of energy from food. This is known as cellular respiration.

GOLGI BODIES/APPARATUS/ COMPLEX

Structure

Eukaryotic cells contain a unique cluster of membrane vesicles known as dictyosomes which,
in turn, constitute Golgi apparatus.

It consists of 4 to 8 flattened bag-like channels stacked upon each other. It is located near the
nucleus.

Functions

1. Helps in intracellular sorting of proteins.


2. Helps in packaging of secretory products.
3. Golgi apparatus are also involved in the membrane synthesis, particularly for the
formation of intracellular organelles.
4. Transport of proteins across the plasma membrane.

CELL MEMBRANE/PLASMA MEMBRANE

Structure

It surrounds the cell and separates it from other cells and external environment. It is
composed of proteins, phospholipids, carbohydrates, minerals, etc.

Functions:

1. It involves in transport of molecules in-and-out of the cells.


2. It gives shape to the cell.
3. It covers and protects the cell and organelles.
4. It helps in intracellular adhesion and communication.
5. It forms channels of ER.
6. It forms boundaries to the cytoplasm.

It can act as a physiological sieve.

LYSOSOMES

Structure

Lysosomes are spherical vesicles enveloped by a single membrane.

It containing powerful digestive enzymes which are capable of breakdown of many kinds of
molecules.

Lysosomes are known as suicide bags of cell because they contain lytic enzymes capable of
digesting cells and unwanted materials when lysosomes burst, the lytic enzymes within it spill
all over the cell, rupturing the cell membrane or cell wall and inducing the death of cell. This is
also known as autolysis.

Functions

1. The lysosomal enzymes are responsible for maintaining the cellular compounds in a
dynamic state.
2. It helps for intracellular digestion.
3. Autolysis.
4. Phagocytosis.

RIBOSOMES

Structure

These are tiny granules present in cytoplasm as well as on surface of endoplasmic reticulum. It
contains special type of RNA called RNA.

Functions
Ribosomes are the main sites for protein synthesis.

CYTOPLASM

The cellular matrix is collectively referred to as cytosol. Cytosol is basically a compartment


containing several enzymes, metabolites and salts in an aqueous gel like medium.

The cytoplasm actually contains a complex network of protein filaments, spread throughout,
that constitutes cytoskeleton. The cytoplasmic filaments are of three types – microtubules,
actin filaments and intermediate filaments. The filaments which are polymers of proteins are
responsible for the structure, shape and organization of the cell.

Functions

1. Maintenance of the cells shape and rigidity.


2. Site for various metabolic reactions.

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