Cell Structure, by Grace

How does cell structure and function effect our lives?

Cells are vital parts of life. Without them we would not be able to live. Cells contain many different parts that assist in the overall function of the cell. There are different types of cells; they are often categorized as prokaryotic and eukaryotic.

Prokaryotic cells are smaller and simpler than eukaryotes; they have no membrane-bound organs. Prokaryotes are most often bacteria. These cells have many different shapes composing these cells. The more rounded prokaryotes are cocci, rod-shaped cells are bacillus, and spiral shaped cells are called spirilla.

The outer layers of Prokaryotes help to protect the cell. The outer layer is a slimy coating and is called a capsule. Attached to this capsule are appendages called pili or cilia and projections called flagella; these appendages and projections assist in the movement of cells. The middle layer is a cell wall and is tougher. The inner skin is a cell membrane that is much more delicate.

The inner layer of the cell contains all of the organelles that assist in cell function. These organelles are found in a liquid filling called a cytoplasm.

Prokaryotes are simple and easy to grow. They reproduce quickly and are all similar. These cells are unicellular and can form chains of cells making them filamentous.

The other type of common cell is the Eukaryote. Eukaryotes are larger in size and more complex. These cells have organelles and chromosomes. Eukaryotes can be specialized for one job.

There are many organs found in the Eukaryotic cell. They contain a cell membrane to assist in the protection of the cell; it is composed of a phospholipid bilayer. The fluid mosaic model shows the makeup of this organ.

Controlling the cell and containing information is the nucleus. The mitochondrion in the cell makes energy for the cell. Ribosomes build proteins from amino acids found in the cytoplasm; they are made of RNA.

There are two types of Endoplasmic Reticulums(ER). They can be smooth which build lipids and carbohydrates. There is also a rough ER which stores proteins that are made by attached ribosomes. Working alongside the ER is the Golgi Complex that takes in sacs of raw material from the ER and sends our sacs containing finished cell products.

Lysosomes are also a part of the cell. They are types of sacs that contain digestive enzymes to get rid of worn out cell parts and food absorbed by the cells. Giving shape to the cell is the cytoskeleton composed of microtubules. Vacuoles found in the cell are water filled sacs that stores starch and waste products.

Eukaryotic plant cells have chloroplasts filled with chlorophyll. These organs turn solar energy into food energy by photosynthesis.

Eukaryotes can be multicellular and include plant and animal cells. The cells may work together to form tissues while the tissues work together as organs.

Cells continue to stay important to our lives because they work together to bring us life. We are made up of cells and without the specialized functions and structures of cells we would not be able to live.