FUNCTION OF THE PARTS OF THE CELL

• Cell Membrane:

  • Limits the boundary of the cell
• Intercellular Bridges:

  • Fasten the cells to one another and to the surrounding tissues
  • Permit transfer of ions and other molecules from one cell to another
• Mitochondria:

  • Power-generating unit of the cell
• Lysosomes:

  • Contain enzymes that cause destruction of cellular components once released
• Microfilaments:

  • Cause contraction
• Microtubules:

  • Make up the skeletal framework of the cell
  • Provide the pathway along which secretory granules move to the cell membrane
  • Play a key role in nerve fiber outgrowth
• Centrioles:

  • Concerned with the movement of the chromosomes during cell division
• Golgi complex:

  • Packages cellular products
• Endoplasmic reticulum:

  • Contains ribosomes which are the sites of protein synthesis
• Nucleolus:

  • Contains RNA which regulates protein synthesis
• Nucleus:

  • Contains chromosomes which are the carriers of hereditary traits of the individual
• Body Weight:

  • 60% water
  • 40% protein (18%), fats (15%), minerals (7%)
  • Water distribution: 40% intracellular, 20% extracellular (25% in the vascular system, 75% outside V.S.)