1. Plasma Membrane (Cell Membrane)
* Properties: Thin, flexible, selectively permeable (controls what enters and leaves the cell). Made of a phospholipid bilayer with embedded proteins.
* Functions:
* Protection: Encloses the cell and protects its internal components.
* Regulation: Controls the movement of substances in and out of the cell.
* Communication: Allows cells to communicate with each other.
2. Cytoplasm
* Properties: Gel-like substance that fills the space between the cell membrane and the nucleus. Contains various organelles and cytosol (fluid).
* Functions:
* Support: Provides a medium for organelles and chemical reactions.
* Movement: Facilitates the movement of organelles and molecules within the cell.
3. Nucleus
* Properties: Large, spherical organelle with a double membrane (nuclear envelope) containing DNA. Contains nucleolus.
* Functions:
* Genetic Control: Stores and replicates the cell's genetic information (DNA).
* Protein Synthesis: Produces ribosomes which are essential for protein synthesis.
* Cell Division: Controls cell division and differentiation.
4. Ribosomes
* Properties: Small, round organelles composed of RNA and proteins. Can be found free in the cytoplasm or attached to the endoplasmic reticulum.
* Functions:
* Protein Synthesis: Site of protein synthesis, translating genetic information from mRNA into proteins.
5. Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)
* Properties: Network of interconnected membranes that form flattened sacs (cisternae) and tubules. Two types: rough ER (with ribosomes) and smooth ER (without ribosomes).
* Functions:
* Rough ER: Protein synthesis, folding, and modification.
* Smooth ER: Lipid and steroid synthesis, detoxification, and calcium storage.
6. Golgi Apparatus (Golgi Body)
* Properties: Stack of flattened, membrane-bound sacs (cisternae) with associated vesicles.
* Functions:
* Packaging and Sorting: Modifies, packages, and sorts proteins and lipids synthesized by the ER.
* Secretion: Secretes substances outside the cell in vesicles.
7. Lysosomes
* Properties: Small, spherical organelles containing digestive enzymes enclosed by a membrane.
* Functions:
* Digestion: Breakdown of cellular waste products, damaged organelles, and foreign substances.
* Defense: Participate in cell defense by destroying invading bacteria and viruses.
8. Mitochondria
* Properties: Double-membrane-bound organelles with their own DNA and ribosomes. Contain cristae (folds) in the inner membrane.
* Functions:
* Cellular Respiration: Site of ATP (energy) production through the breakdown of glucose.
* Metabolic Processes: Involved in various metabolic processes, including amino acid metabolism and heme synthesis.
9. Centrioles
* Properties: Small, cylindrical structures found in pairs near the nucleus. Composed of microtubules.
* Functions:
* Cell Division: Organize microtubules and form spindle fibers during cell division.
10. Cytoskeleton
* Properties: Network of protein filaments (microtubules, microfilaments, and intermediate filaments) extending throughout the cytoplasm.
* Functions:
* Support: Provides structural support and shape to the cell.
* Movement: Facilitates cell movement and organelle transport.
11. Vacuoles
* Properties: Large, fluid-filled sacs enclosed by a membrane. More prominent in plant cells.
* Functions:
* Storage: Store water, nutrients, and waste products.
* Turgor Pressure: Maintain cell shape and turgor pressure in plant cells.
Please note: Animal cells may have other organelles depending on their specific function. These are the primary components found in most animal cells.
