CELL
Fundamental unit of life
table of 01
Cell.
02
Types of cells: components.
contents:
03 04
Structure and basic functions. Protein synthesis.
05 06
Energy supply. Cellular digestion.
07 08
Support and movement. Storage and transportation.
Cell
Basic and fundamental unit of life,
it possesses a highly organized
structure that enables it to carry
out its vital functions.
Cell
Who discovered cells?
Robert Hooke discovered the cell in
1665. Robert Hooke observed a piece
of bottle cork under a compound
microscope and noticed minuscule
structures that reminded him of
small rooms.
Cell
Anton Van Leeuwenhoek observed
cells under another compound
microscope with higher
magnification. This time, he had
noted that the cells exhibited some
form of movement (motility). As a
result, Leeuwenhoek concluded that
these microscopic entities were
“alive.” Eventually, after a host of
other observations, these entities
were named as animalcules.
In 1883, Robert Brown, a Scottish
botanist, provided the very first
insights into the cell structure. He
was able to describe the nucleus
present in the cells of orchids.
Prokaryotic Prokaryotic
Dispersed genetic material
Lack a defined
nucleus in the cytoplasm.
Plant
Types Cellulose cell wall;
chloroplasts and vacuoles.
of Cells
Animal
Rigid cell wall;
may have flagella.
Eukaryotic
Have a defined
nucleus
Protist
They can have a cell wall,
without differentiated tissues.
Fungal
Chitin Cell Wall;
they are heterotrophs.
Composed of several fundamental components
Ribosome Rough endoplasmic
Cell membrane Nucleus Golgi Apparatus
reticulum.
Lysosome and
Mitochondria Chloroplasts peroxisome Centriole Microtubules
Structure and basic
functions
These components work together to maintain cellular
homeostasis and perform essential life activities.
Cell membrane
The cell membrane surrounds the
cell and is a selective barrier
between the interior and the
exterior.
Its primary role lies in regulating
the passage of substances,
including nutrients and waste
materials.
Within it, specialized proteins play
a crucial role in facilitating
molecular transport and cellular
communication.
Cell nucleus
An organelle that houses DNA,
located in the center of eukaryotic
cells.
Its primary function is to store and
safeguard genetic information,
controlling gene expression and
DNA replication.
It also contains the nucleolus,
which is involved in ribosome
synthesis.
Cytoplasm
The cytoplasm is a gel-like matrix
containing water, salts, proteins,
and other molecules. It occupies
the intracellular space between the
cell membrane and the nucleus.
It plays a crucial role in
biochemical reactions, energy
production, and substance
transport. Essential for cellular
metabolism, it provides structural
support to the cell.
Protein Synthesis
Building and repairing cellular structures, regulating
biological processes, and expressing specific characteristics
of each organism.
Ribosome
Ribosomes are essential
organelles for cellular functioning
and survival.
They synthesize proteins using the
genetic information from
messenger RNA (mRNA), which is
crucial for cellular structure,
function, and regulation.
Ribosomes are located in the
cytoplasm and the rough
endoplasmic reticulum.
Endoplasmic reticulum
A network of interconnected membranes
that extends from the nuclear membrane
to the cell membrane. It plays a
fundamental role in the transport,
processing, and distribution of proteins
and lipids within the cell.
There are two main types of ER:
• The Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum
(RER) is studded with ribosomes and
is involved in the synthesis and
modification of proteins.
• The Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum
(SER) specializes in lipid synthesis,
carbohydrate metabolism, and
detoxification.
Golgi apparatus
Key in the processing and packaging of
proteins and lipids produced in the
endoplasmic reticulum.
It synthesizes carbohydrates and
lipoproteins and is essential for
maintaining the cell's internal balance
and facilitating communication with the
outside.
Composed of a series of flattened sacs
called cisternae, it acts as the 'shipping
center' of the cell, sorting and packaging
proteins into vesicles for transport and
distribution.
Energy Supply
To carry out vital functions and necessary metabolic
processes essential for the proper functioning of the cell
and/or organism.
Mitochondria
Present in eukaryotic animal and
plant cells. Their primary function is
energy generation through cellular
respiration (ATP production).
The double membrane of
mitochondria allows for the
organization of various stages of the
respiratory chain, making it crucial
for cellular function and survival.
Chloroplasts
Exclusive to plant cells and
photosynthetic organisms,
chloroplasts carry out
photosynthesis, converting solar
energy into chemical energy.
During photosynthesis, they
synthesize glucose and other
organic compounds using carbon
dioxide and water, releasing oxygen
as a byproduct.
They are responsible for the crucial
production of oxygen that sustains
the planet.
Cellular Digestion
It involves breaking down molecules and unwanted
materials, enabling the recycling of nutrients and cellular
maintenance.
Lysosomes Peroxisomes
They contain enzymes that
They contain digestive enzymes
degrade hydrogen peroxide and
that break down molecules and
toxic compounds, thereby
unwanted cellular materials.
protecting the cell from oxidative
damage.
They facilitate cellular digestion, Additionally, they play a role in
by disposing of waste, recycling the synthesis and degradation of
nutrients, and defending against lipids and bile acids, regulating
pathogenic invasions. lipid metabolism and overall
homeostasis.
Support and
Movement
Maintaining cellular shape, enabling cellular movement
and division, are essential for its functioning and survival.
Cytoskeleton
It is composed of protein filaments
(microtubules, microfilaments, and
intermediate filaments) and provides
support and enables movement in
eukaryotic cells.
Its specific functions encompass
stability, intracellular transport, and
contraction. Furthermore, it
regulates cellular shape and plays a
role in division, migration, and
communication.
Flagella and cilia
Specialized structures for
movement. They are elongated
and enable locomotion in liquid
environments, whereas cilia are
shorter and create coordinated
flow on the cell surface.
Composed of microtubules in a
'9+2' pattern, they are essential
for sperm motility.
Storage and
Transportation
They manage nutrients, eliminate waste,
and regulate metabolic processes.
Vacuoles
Membrane-bound organelles found in
plant cells and some animal cells.
They store nutrients, water, ions, and
waste materials, regulating turgor
pressure
and osmotic balance.
Vacuoles can also be involved in the
digestion of substances and serve as
a defense mechanism against
predators
by containing toxins.
Vesicles and
endosomes
Membranous vesicles that transport
specific materials between
organelles and the cell membrane.
Vesicles: They transport materials
from the endoplasmic reticulum
and the Golgi apparatus to other
destinations.
Endosomes: They capture and
distribute materials for
degradation, recycling, or their
incorporation into metabolic
pathways.
Thank you!
Any questions?
