Parts of a Cell

Parts of a Cell – Cellular Structure and Function
Cells make up all living things, whether plants or animals. There are millions or even billions of cells in an organism, each performing tasks that are vital for the sustenance of life. The parts of a cell are of course complex, each structure contributes to the greater role of each cell for the entire body. Here are the major part of the cell:
1. Cell wall – this is found only in plant cells. Made out of cellulose and fibrils, the cell wall provides protection and support for plants. Cell walls contribute in the relative rigidity of plant cells compared to animal cells.
2. Plasma or cell membrane – this provides the cell with definition and boundary. This layer that comprises of two sheaths of protein-embedded phospholipids regulates the passage of materials to and from the cell.
3. Nucleus – this is considered to be the control center of the cell as it contains genetic information and is responsible for the synthesis of genetic materials such as RNA and DNA. The nucleus is composed of the neucleolus, chromatin, and nucleoplasm contained within the boundaries of the nuclear envelop.
4. Nucleolus – this is actually an area where RNA, proteins and chromatin concentrate. This is responsible for the formation of ribosomes.
5. Ribosomes – these are particles that are comprised of proteins and RNA within two sub units, a small one and a large one. Ribosomes are responsible for the synthesis of protein.
6. Endoplasmic reticulum – these are tubular canals or flattened channels of membrane that are responsible for the transformation of substances and the synthesis or modification of proteins.
7. Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum – this is the endoplasmic reticulum that is tubular and is studded with ribosomes. It is responsible for the synthesis of proteins.
8. Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum – this is the endoplasmic reticulum that is flattened and has no ribosomes. It is responsible for the synthesis of lipids. 9. Golgi apparatus – this is a stack of three to twenty saccules that are membranous and slightly curved. This is responsible for the distribution, packaging and processing of lipids and proteins. The golgi apparatus may also serve as departure sights for lysosomes.
10. Vesicles and vacuoles – these are sacs that are membranous. These act as storage of certain substances used in the cell. Vacuoles are larger than vesicles. In plants, it is here where pigments are stored to give leaves and flowers their respective colors. Some vacuoles are digestive and help break down nutrients.
11. Lysosome – these are membranous vesicles that contain some hydrolytic digestive enzymes used for intracellular digestion. White blood cells use lysosomes to fight bacteria by engulfing them and digesting them.
12. Microbody – these are membranous vesicles that contain specific types of enzymes that are used for various tasks in metabolism. An example of this would be the peroxisomes, which are responsible for the oxidation of some substances to form hydrogen peroxide.
13. Mitochondria – this known as the power house of the cell. This is composed of membranous cristae that are surrounded by an outer layer of membrane. This is responsible for the cell’s respiration.
14. Chloroplast – found only in plants, these are grain that are membranous and surrounded by two layers of membranes. This part allows plants to create their own food by catching energy from the sun light. The energy is used to synthesize carbohydrates and other products that are derived from carbohydrates.
15. Cytoskeleton – this is composed of actin filaments, intermediate filaments and microtubules. This is responsible for keeping the cell’s shape and helps in the movement of the cell’s parts.
16. Cilia and flagella – these appear like appendages and are composed of microtubles that are arranged in a 9+2 pattern. This is responsible for the movement of the cell. These are hair-like projections that propel the cell through liquids in the body.
17. Centriole – found only in animals, these are microtubules with arranged in a 9+0 pattern. This is responsible for the formation of basal bodies. The centrioles appear as short cylinders.
18. Cytoplasm – this is the bulk of the cell and in it majority of the cell’s parts are contained. It is composed of a semi-liquid medium known as the cytosol. Substances and some of the cells parts are able to move around because of the cytoplasm.

The cell is an intricate structure that contains several parts. Each part has its own role for the entire function of the cell. With all these parts working together, the cell in itself appears to be a living organism on its own.