Describe the various components of a cell *
Answers
Answer:
Explanation:
Prokaryotic Cells
Prokaryotic cells have no nucleus. Instead, some prokaryotes such as bacteria have a region within the cell where the genetic material is freely suspended. This region is called the nucleoid.
They all are single-celled microorganisms. Examples include archaea, bacteria, and cyanobacteria.
The cell size ranges from 0.1 to 0.5 µm in diameter.
The hereditary material can either be DNA or RNA.
Prokaryotes reproduce by binary fission, a form of sexual reproduction.
Eukaryotic cells
Eukaryotic cells are characterised by a true nucleus.
The size of the cells ranges between 10–100 µm in diameter.
This broad category involves plants, fungi, protozoans, and animals.
The plasma membrane is responsible for monitoring the transport of nutrients and electrolytes in and out of the cells. It is also responsible for cell to cell communication.
They reproduce sexually as well as asexually.
There are some contrasting features between plant and animal cells. For eg., the plant cell contains chloroplast, central vacuoles, and other plastids, whereas the animal cells do not.
Cell Structure
The cell structure comprises individual components with specific functions essential to carry out life’s processes. These components include- cell wall, cell membrane, cytoplasm, nucleus, and cell organelles. Read on to explore more insights on cell structure and function.
1. Cell Membrane
The cell membrane supports and protects the cell. It controls the movement of substances in and out of the cells. It separates the cell from the external environment. The cell membrane is present in all the cells.
The cell membrane is the outer covering of a cell within which all other organelles, such as the cytoplasm and nucleus, are enclosed. It is also referred to as the plasma membrane.
By structure, it is a porous membrane (with pores) which permit the movement of selective substances in and out of the cell. Besides this, the cell membrane also protects the cellular component from damage and leakage.
It forms the wall-like structure between two cells as well as between the cell and its surroundings.
Plants are immobile, so their cell structures are well-adapted to protect from them from external factors. The cell wall helps to reinforce this function.
2. Cell Wall
The cell wall is the most prominent part of the plant’s cell structure. It is made up of cellulose, hemicellulose and pectin.
The cell wall is present exclusively in plant cells. It protects the plasma membrane and other cellular components. The cell wall is also the outermost layer of plant cells.
It is a rigid and stiff structure surrounding the cell membrane.
It provides shape and support to the cells and protects them from mechanical shocks and injuries.
3. Cytoplasm
The cytoplasm is a thick, clear, jelly-like substance present inside the cell membrane.
Most of the chemical reactions within a cell take place in this cytoplasm.
The cell organelles such as endoplasmic reticulum, vacuoles, mitochondria, ribosomes, are suspended in this cytoplasm.
4. Nucleus
The nucleus contains the hereditary material of the cell, the DNA.
It sends signals to the cells to grow, mature, divide and die.
The nucleus is surrounded by the nuclear envelope that separates the DNA from the rest of the cell.
The nucleus protects the DNA and is an integral component of a plant’s cell structure.
Cell Organelles
Cells are composed of various cell organelles that perform certain specific functions to carry out life’s processes. The different cell organelles, along with its principal functions, are as follows:
Answer:
It includes features from all cell types. A cell consists of three parts:- the cell membrane, the nucleus and between the two, the cytoplasm. Within the cytoplasm lie intricate arrangements of fine fibres and hundreds or even thousands of miniscule but distinct structures called organelles.