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In this new topic we are discussing about the Components of Cell Biology namely cell wall, nucleus, cytoplasm etc.. Welcome back; I hope you have enjoyed the single-celled omelet of My Biologia Park. Previously, we studied the cell’s overview, size, shape, history of its naming, etc. Now we will take a look in the cell. Today we will discuss the Components of the Cell
Cell Biology: Major Components of the Cell
- Cell membrane/Plasma membrane
- Cytoplasm
- Nucleus
Cell membrane or Plasma membrane
The outer covering present on the cellular material is a cell membrane or plasma membrane. It is made up of various components; you can consider it as a compound wall of your home. Proteins are embedded in two layers of phospholipids. This membrane is a selectively porous membrane that allows entry and exit of specific compounds like water, salt, and oxygen gets entry while carbon dioxide gets exhaled out. It does not alter the internal environment of the cell according to the external environment. This cell membrane or plasma membrane gives a specific shape to the cell. The outermost covering of the cell, known as the cell wall, helps maintain the strength and rigidity of the plasma membrane. It separates the cell from the other cells.
Cell Biology: Cell Wall
The cell wall is a strong, elastic coat around the cell membrane. It is a composition of carbohydrates like cellulose and pectin. It regulates the entry and exit of water and other material from the cell. This cell wall is not present in all types of cells. It is present only in plant cells as plant cells cannot move from one place to another. They need special protection because of continuous exposure to the environment. It is absent in animal cells as they can move from one place to another. The various substances travel into the cell via multiple processes, viz.
Processes for travelling substances in to the Cell
Endocytosis – in this process, the food material is directly engulfed by the cell.
Exocytosis – is the process which use to throw out the unwanted and excess substances from the cell.
Diffusion – entry, and exit of the small molecules like water, salt, and carbon dioxide from the cell.
Osmosis – is the process that regulates the transport of water from its higher concentration to its lower concentration.
Cytoplasm
The cytoplasm is a watery fluid present in between the plasm membrane and nucleus. This fluid is a sticky and moving substance; you can assume it like your home in which all the other family members are living, here all the other organelles of the cell are suspended in the cytoplasm. This is the platform where all the cellular chemical reactions are taking place. The part without organelles is recognized as cytosol. All the nutritious and essential substances required for cell growth and other chemical reactions inside the cell, like amino acids, glucose, vitamins, etc., are stored in it. This cytoplasm in the animal cell is more granular and denser. In contrast, in the plat cells, it’s thin and towards the peripheral area due to the presence of large size vacuoles. These organelles we can consider as the organs of the cell.
Components of The Cell Biology | Organelles present in the cytoplasm of the cell |
Mitochondria – it produces energy molecules ATP, which supplies energy to all organelles present in the cell. It is called the powerhouse of the cell.
Ribosomes – helps in the synthesis of proteins. These are tiny particles containing RNA. Ribosomes are composed of two different subunits, large subunit, and small subunit, which are floating in the cytoplasm initially.
Golgi apparatus – it works as a packing department; it is composed of 7-8 hollow sacs that contain various enzymes. The vesicles containing protein are modified and distributed through the Golgi apparatus.
Lysosomes – these are called suicide bags. These sacs contain digestive material to digest the waste or damaged material produced through the various metabolic reactions in the cell.
Plastid – is a specialized organ present only in plant cells for the special effect of green coloration and photosynthesis.
Nucleus
It is the heart of the cell, which is present in doubled layer with tiny pores on it. Inside the nucleus, there is a dense matter which is known as Nucleolus. This Nucleolus contains the chromatin fiber, a thread-like structure that further condenses and forms short, thick chromosomes. The functional unit present on each chromosome is a gene that is responsible for the inheritance of the genetic characters from parents to their offspring. The nucleus controls all the metabolic activities of the cell. It also regulates cell division during the growth and developmental phase of the body. Nuclear pores are used to transport the various components synthesized in the Nucleolus, for example, RNA, which synthesis in Nucleolus but found in ribosomes present in the cytoplasm.
The presence of a nucleus is not compulsory in all cells. The cells lack of nucleus are called prokaryotic cells, and the cells with a nucleus are called eukaryotic cells.
Pro – Primitive/before karyon – Nucleus for example – bacteria
Eu – True/well karyon – Nucleus for example – animal cell, fungi, etc.
The prokaryotic organisms are unicellular, while eukaryotic organisms can be both unicellular and multicellular. The processes and products of prokaryotic cells are carried out in the cytoplasm. In the case of eukaryotic cells, it is carried out in a nuclear envelope.
I hope you have enjoyed the get-together with family members of the cell. Stay connected for more such get-togethers.
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