Q2. Write the main functions of at least ten cell components.
Answers
Functions of Cell Organelles
Each cell organelle has a specific role to play in the cell’s physiology and growth.
Cell wall: Since plants are mostly non-motile, cell wall presence imparts rigidity, capacity to tolerate harsh conditions like wind, heat, wear and tear etc. It imparts definite shape to cell.
Cell membrane: This is a selectively permeable membrane and hence helps transport of desired substances into and outside the cell. In animal cells, the membrane is flexible and helps tolerate mechanical movements. It is made of glycoproteins, glycolipids etc.
Mitochondria: The main function of mitochondria is to generate energy. They provide energy for all cellular functions by utilization of glucose and oxygen.
Endoplasmic reticulum: This is of two types rough and smooth types. Smooth ER helps in formation of lipids where as Rough ER helps in formation of proteins.
Nucleus function: This is the key organelle which has the genetic material and is involved in multiplication of cell, growth and maintenance of cell. This nucleus is absent in prokaryotic cells. Nucleus has a nucleolus which produces ribosomes. These ribosomes pass out of nucleus and settle over endoplasmic reticulum to aid protein synthesis by translation.
Golgi bodies: They are helpful in storage and transport of substances in the cell.
Vesicles: These help in storage and release of substances as required by the cell. For example lysosomes help in cell digestion when cell dies. Vacuoles function is to store water.
Micro-tubules: These micro-tubules provide structural strength. Because of these micro-tubules, the cell has a fixed structure and does not collapse.
Also one comes across these cell organelles in botany. There are small differences in cell organelles and their function in between animal and plant cells. But largely similar. On the other hand most of the organelles are absent in red blood cells.
Specialized cell organelles: These are the cell organelles present in cells of special purpose. They are not common to all the cells. These include
1. Chloroplast: These are specialized cell organelles present in leaf cells and green algae. They contain chlorophyll pigment. They help in photosynthesis where in energy from sunlight is captured as carbohydrates.
2. Pilus: These are the organs present in bacteria. They small tubular structures anchoring out of the cell. They are meant for sexual reproduction.
3. Flagella: These are the organelles see only few types of bacteria. They are hair like structures helping in motion.
4. Eyespot: Seen in euglina (protozoa) and few algae. It helps detect the sunlight and move the cell towards light
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