Thenucleus is the storehouse for most of the genetic information in each cell. Structure: The nucleus is the largest organelle of the cell. It is bound by a double membrane called the nuclear envelope. It deprecates the contents of the nucleus from the cytoplasm. Function: The nucleolus has three major components the fibrillation centers (FC), the dense fibrillar center (DFC) and the granular components (GC). The DFC consists of newly transcribed rRNA bound ribosomal proteins. The GC contains rRNA bound ribosomal proteins that are being assembled into ribosomes.
Chromosomes are long, continuous thread of DNA that consists of numerous genes and regulatory information. Structure: Chromosomes are organized structures of DNA and proteins found in cells. They are made up of proteins and DNA. Chromosomes are elongated and cannot be observed under a microscope during most of the cells life cycle. At the beginning of mitosis they are duplicated and begin to condense which makes them able to be seen under a microscope when stained. Function: Chromosomes are used for genetic code storage. They contain the genetic material that is required to grow and develop. Chromosomes determine the sex of the organism as well. Chromosomes control cell division and the formation of proteins. Chromosomes direct the sequence of proteins and maintain the order of DNA.
Cytoskeleton is a network of proteins. They are constantly changing to meet the needs of the cell. Structure: The cytoskeleton is made of small protein subunits. These subunits form long threads that crisscross the entire cell. They are made of microtubules, intermediate filaments and microfilaments.The cytoskeleton fills the space between the nucleus and the cell membrane. Function: The cytoskeleton gives support to the cell. It also helps eith the transport of substances within the cell. The cytoskeleton gives helps give the cell its shape.
The nucleolus is a small round body within a nucleus. It contains RNA and proteins. Structure: The nucleolus has three major components the fibrillation centers(FC), the dense fibrillar center(DFC) and the granular components(GC). The DFC consists of newly transcribed rRNA bound ribosomal proteins. The GC contains rRNA bound ribosomal proteins that are being assembled into ribosomes. Function: The nucleolus creates ribosomal subunits. The subunits then make ribosomes. The main function of the nucleolus is to make ribosomes. The nucleolus has multiple other functions as well. They assemble signal recognition particles, modify transfer RNAs and they sense stress in cells.
The cell membrane is also known as the plasma membrane. It forms a boundary between a cell and the outside environment. It controls what comes into and out of the cell. Structure: The cell membrane is mostly made of a mixture of lipids and proteins. Depending on the location of the membrane in a cell tells you how much of the cell is made up of lipids. The lipids help with the flexibility of the cell while the proteins help with the chemical climate and transfer of molecules across the membrane. Function: The function of the cell membrane is to protect the inside of the cell. It only allows certain substances into or out of the cell. In some organisms the cell membrane also serves as a base of attachment for the cytoskeleton and the cell wall in others. The cell membrane serves to help support the cell and help maintain it's shape.
The cell wall is a rigid layer that gives protection, support and shape to the cell. Structure:The composition of the cell wall differs depending on what type of cell it is. The cell wall provides the cell with a definite shape and structural support. It gives the cell protection against infection and mechanical stress. It helps with osmotic regulation and prevents water loss. The cell wall prevents the cell from rupturing due to pressure. It also aids in diffusion of gasses into and out of the cell. Function: The cell wall has many important jobs to do within the cell. The main jobs are to provide support and protection to the cell. Depending on the type of cell the composition of the cell wall differs.
Cytoplasm is a jellylike substance inside cells that contain molecules. Structure: Cytoplasm is the fluid in the cell that the cellular organelles are suspended in. Cytoplasm is made of cytosol, organelles and cytoplasmic inclusions. Cytosol contains protein filaments and makes up the cytoskeleton. Organelles perform specific functions that are necessary for the survival of the cell. Function: Many vital biochemical reactions happen in the cytoplasm. The cell expands and grows in cytoplasm. Cytoplasm helps with the transport of genetic material and products of cellular desperation.
The endoplasmic reticulum is an interconnected network of thin folded membranes. Structure: The endoplasmic reticulum is a network of membranes found throughout the cell. It is connected to the nucleus. There are two types, smooth endoplasmic reticulum(SER) and rough endoplasmic reticulum(RER). The SER is important in the storage and creation of lipids and steroids. The RER is important in the packaging of proteins. Function: The function of the cell determines the size and structure of the endoplasmic reticulum. The main function of the ER is protein folding.