CELL ANATOMY

I Cell

A. Definitions: basic unit

B. Plasmalemma

1. semipermeable: creates a separate compartment for specialization

2. surface

a. cilia: help move substances over surface of cell

b. flagella: propel sperm

c. microvilli: foldings to increase surface area

cilia

flagellum

microvilli

C. Cytoplasm

1. cytosol (cell fluid)

2. organelles: small membrane-bound compartments

a. mitochondria: energy production

1. cristae (folds of inner membrane)

b. membrane networks

1. RER (rough endoplasmic reticulum): protein processing

2. SER (smooth endoplasmic reticulum): lipid processing

3. Golgi apparatus: protein sorting and packaging

c. lysosome: “demolition site”

1. contains digestive enzymes

d. nucleus: control center

1. DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid)

a. chromatin (extended DNA)

b. chromosomes (condensed DNA during mitosis)

2. nucleolus: RNA synthesis

3. cytoskeleton

a. microtubules: support and transport

b. microfilaments: cell locomotion and contraction

c. intermediate filaments: support

By the end of this unit you should be able to answer the following:

- define a cell

- distinguish between cytoplasm and cytosol

- explain why it is necessary for a cell to be enclosed by a plasma membrane

- list three types of structures found on the surface of the plasmalemma and explain the general function of each

- list three types of membrane networks found in the cell and explain the general function of each

- list the three types of cytoskeletal structures and the general function of each

- describe the mitochondrion and its function

- describe the lysosome and its function

- distinguish between the nucleus and the nucleolus both structurally and functionally

- what is the difference between chromatin and chromosomes? how are they alike?

click here for cell animation (puzzles and quizzes available on this site)

click here for practice quiz