P1: Outline the functions of the
main cell components.
What is a cell?
-
A cell is the smallest structural and functional unit
of an organism, which is typically microscopic and consist of cytoplasm and a
nucleus enclosed in a membrane. Cells can be divided into two main categories –
prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Prokaryotes lack a nucleus. Bacteria have a good
example and most studied. Eukaryotes possess a nucleus. These include: fungus,
plants, animal cells, and some unicellular organisms. It contains organelles
where life sustaining activities take place. Organelles are made up of
endoplasmic reticulum – nucleus, vacuoles, mitochondria and Golgi apparatus.
The human cell has many different functions: the cell
membrane, nucleus, cytoplasm, mitochondria endoplasmic reticulum – smooth and
rough, Golgi apparatus and the lysosomes.
The function of the cell membrane is to surround the cytoplasm of any living cell from
the outside environment. The cell membrane also has the role of providing shape
to a cell and to support the cell. Its function is to protect the inside of the
cell by only allowing certain substances into the cell, while keeping unwanted
substances away. It is also a base for the cytoskeleton in some organisms.
The function of the nucleus is to control the flow of all substances inside and outside
of the cell. It is responsible for protein synthesis, cell division, growth and
the differentiation of each person. The nucleus controls the characteristics of
a person. DNA is included in the nucleus. It is genetic instructions that
you’ll need to make protein.
The function of the cytoplasm is to give the cell its shape. It helps to structure the
cell and keep all the organelles in place. Without the cytoplasm, the cell
would be deflated and materials inside the cell wouldn’t be able to pass from
one organelle to the other. The cytoplasm is made up of 80% of water and is
mostly clear. The cytoplasm is the place where the cell expands and growth of
the cell takes place, also it is a way of transportation of genetic material.
The function of the mitochondria is to perform cellular respiration. It takes in
nutrients, breaks them down and turns them into energy for the cell to work. The
mitochondria also help in building certain parts of blood and hormones like
testosterone and oestrogen. The mitochondria can grow into a larger one or
combine with other mitochondria to help produce more energy; it all depends on
the need of the cell.
The function of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum is to regulate and release calcium
ions and process toxins. It synthesizes lipids,
phospholipids, and steroids. The smooth endoplasmic reticulum is mostly for making and distributing the
molecules that a particular type of cell needs.
The function of the rough endoplasmic reticulum is to regulate protein within the cell
and act as a temporary storage area.
The function of the Golgi apparatus is to package protein for the delivery of other
organelles. The Golgi apparatus is also responsible for producing lysosomes
The function of the lysosomes is to digest all major chemical components of living
cells. The travel all around the cell and release their contents which destroys
old or damage organelles. Another function they have is to destroy bacteria and
other foreign bodies, such as carbon. After destroying the unwanted bodies with
enzymes, the lysosomes release the damage materials.
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