Smallest living unit in the body, ~0.1 mm in diameter, could not be examined until invention of microscope in 17th century
Cell components
Plasma membrane (cell membrane)
Cytoplasm
Cytoplasm
Material between cell membrane and nuclear membrane, colloid containing many proteins, two subdivisions: cytosol (intracellular fluid) and organelles (intracellular structures with specific functions)
Microvilli
Membrane extensions containing microfilaments, increase surface area for absorption
Cytoskeleton
Fine protein filaments or tubes, provide strength, support, and intracellular movement
Centrosome
Organizing center containing pair of centrioles, control movement of DNA strands during cell division
Ribosomes
RNA and proteins, fixed (attached to endoplasmic reticulum) and free (scattered in cytoplasm), site of protein synthesis
Peroxisome
Vesicles containing degradativeenzymes, involved in catabolism of fats/other organic compounds and neutralizationof toxic compounds
Lysosome
Vesicles containing digestive enzymes, involved in removal of damaged organelles or pathogens
Golgi apparatus
Stacks of flattened membranes (cisternae) containing chambers, involved in storage, alteration, and packaging of synthesized products
Mitochondria
Double membrane, inner membrane contains metabolic enzymes, production of 95% of cellular ATP
Nucleus
Fluid nucleoplasm containing enzymes, proteins, DNA, and nucleotides, surrounded by double membrane, controls metabolism, stores/processes genetic information, controls protein synthesis
Endoplasmic reticulum (ER)
Membranous sheets and channels, involved in synthesis of secretory products, storage, and transport, two types: smooth ER (synthesizes lipids and carbohydrates) and rough ER (modifies/packages newly synthesized proteins)
Plasma membrane
Selectively permeable membrane that controls entry of ions and nutrients, elimination of wastes, and release of secretions
Plasma membrane components
Glycocalyx (extracellular carbohydrates)
Integral proteins
Peripheral proteins
Glycocalyx
Superficial membrane carbohydrates, components of complex molecules (proteoglycans, glycoproteins, glycolipids), functions in cell recognition, binding to extracellular structures, and lubrication of cell surface
Integral proteins
Part of cell membrane, cannot be removed without damaging cell, often span entire cell membrane (transmembrane proteins), can transport water or solutes
Peripheral proteins
Attached to cell membrane surface, removable, fewer than integral proteins, have regulatory or enzymatic functions
Plasma membrane structure
Thin (6–10 nm) and delicate, phospholipid bilayer with hydrophilic heads at membrane surface and hydrophobic tails on the inside, isolates cytoplasm from extracellular fluid
Plasma membrane functions
Physical isolation, regulation of exchange with external environment, sensitivity to environment, structural support
Cytoskeleton
Internal protein framework that gives the cytoplasm strength and flexibility
Cytoskeleton components
Microfilaments
Intermediate filaments
Microtubules
Microfilaments
<6 nm in diameter, typically composed of actin, commonly at periphery of cell, core of microvilli to stiffen and anchor, part of terminal web
Intermediate filaments
7–11 nm in diameter, strongest and most durable cytoskeletal elements
Microtubules
~25 nm in diameter, largest components of cytoskeleton, built from the globular protein tubulin, extend outward from centrosome
Centrioles
Cylindrical structures composed of microtubules, two in each centrosome, control movement of DNA strands during cell division
Cilia
Long, slender plasma membrane extensions, common in respiratory and reproductive tracts, composed of microtubules, beat rhythmically to move fluids or secretions across cell
Ribosomes
Protein synthesis, two subunits (1 large, 1 small) containing special proteins and ribosomal RNA, must join together before synthesis begins, free ribosomes throughout cytoplasm
Endoplasmic reticulum (ER)
Network of intracellular membranes attached to nucleus, forms hollow tubes, sheets, and chambers (cisternae), two types: smooth ER (lacks ribosomes, tubular cisternae) and rough ER (has attached ribosomes, modifies/packages newly synthesized proteins)
Golgi apparatus
Typically consist of 5–6 flattened discs (cisternae), situated near nucleus, functions in renewing or modifying plasma membrane, modifying or packaging secretions for release from cell (exocytosis), and packaging special enzymes within vesicles for use in cytosol
Lysosomes
Isolated intracellular location for toxic chemicals involved in breakdown and recycling of large organic molecules, three basic functions: fuse with another organelle to activate digestive enzymes, fuse with a vesicle containing fluid or solid extracellular materials, or break down with cell injury or death causing autolysis (enzymes destroy cytoplasm)
Extracellular
Solid or fluid containing materials that form at the surface of the cell
Lysosomal enzyme activation
Fusion with another vesicle or organelle
Digestion and nutrient reabsorption
Lysosomal enzymes break down materials, released nutrients are absorbed
Lysosomes
Initially contain inactive enzymes
Lysosome functions
Fusion with membrane of another organelle to activate enzymes and begin digestion
Fusion with vesicle containing fluid or solid materials from outside the cell
Breakdown of lysosomal membrane following injury or cell death, releasing digestive enzymes that attack the cytoplasm (autolysis)
Membrane flow
Continuous movement and exchange of materials between organelles using vesicles
Can replace parts of cell membrane to allow cell to grow, mature, or respond to changing environment
Mitochondria
Produce energy (ATP) for cells through the breakdown of carbohydrates (glucose)