Introduction to EDS

Lecture 10: Biology- Structure

of Cell
What is Biology?
• Derived from the Greek words "bios" (life) and
"logos" (study)
• Biology is the study of life and living organisms.
It enables us to understand the living world and
the ways its many species (including humans)
function, evolve and interact.
• Main branches of biology include:
• Botany is the scientific study of plants.
• Zoology is the scientific study of animals.
• Microbiology is the scientific study of
microorganisms.
Structure of Cell
 What is cell?
• A cell is the smallest, basic unit of life responsible for all of life’s
processes.
• Cells are the structural and functional units of all living beings. A cell
can replicate itself independently. Hence, they are known as the building
blocks of life. They provide structure to the body and convert the nutrients
taken from the food into energy.
• Each cell contains a fluid called the cytoplasm, enclosed by a cell
membrane. Also present in the cytoplasm are several biomolecules like
proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids. Moreover, cellular structures called cell
organelles are suspended in the cytoplasm.
• Cell biology is the study of cells, from their basic structure to the
functions of every cell organelle. Robert Hooke was the first biologist to
discover cells.
• All organisms are made up of cells. They may comprise a single cell
(unicellular), or many cells (multicellular). Mycoplasmas are the
smallest known cells.
Cell as the Structural Unit of Life
Animal Cell vs. Plant Cell
Animal Cell Plant Cell
It is smaller in size and circular in It is larger in size and
shape. rectangular in shape.
There is no cell wall Cellulose cell wall is present

There are many small vacuoles The cell contains a large

present. They sequester waste vacuole which helps
products. maintain water balance
within the cell.
The nucleus is present at the center. The nucleus is at the side.

It cannot synthesize nutrients. It can synthesize nutrients.

Parts of the Cell
Cell Membrane and Cell Wall
• The cell membrane is the outer covering of a cell within which the
cytoplasm and all other organelles are enclosed. It is a thin layer of
protein and fat.
• It is a porous membrane (with pores) that permits the movement of
selective substances in and out of the cell. Therefore, it is called a
Selectively Permeable Membrane.
• The cell membrane supports and protects the cell. It separates the cell
from the external environment. 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 have evolved to protect
them from external factors. The cell wall is found only in plant cells
and serves to safeguard the plasma membrane and other cellular
components. It is also the outermost layer of plant cells, made of
cellulose, providing rigid support to the cell membrane and protecting
them from mechanical shocks and injuries.
 Cytoplasm
• The jelly-like fluid is composed of salt and water and is
present within the membrane of the cells embedding all
of the parts of the cells and organelles.
• Cytoplasm provides shape to the cell. It fills up the cells
thus enabling the organelles to remain in their position.
The cells, without cytoplasm, would deflate and
substances would not permeate easily from one to the
other organelles.
• The cytoplasm is home to many cellular activities, such
as protein synthesis and metabolism, as it contains
molecules and enzymes.
 Nucleus
• The nucleus is surrounded by the nuclear envelope that
separates the DNA from the rest of the cell.
• The nucleus has 2 primary functions:
• It is responsible for storing the cell’s hereditary material or
the DNA. Chromosomes are thread-like structures made of
protein and DNA. Their number varies in living organisms.
Humans have 46 chromosomes, which occur in 23 pairs.
• It is responsible for coordinating many of the important
cellular activities such as protein synthesis, cell division and
growth.
 Cell Organelles
Biological structures that perform a distinctive function inside a cell.
Organelle literally means “little organs”. As the body is composed of various
organs, the cell, too, has “little organs” that perform special functions.
 Organelles
• The Endoplasmic Reticulum is a complex network of tubular
membranes exclusively present in the cytoplasm extending from the
nucleus to the cell membrane.
• The rough endoplasmic reticulum has ribosomes embedded within its
structure, giving a rough appearance. It synthesizes and secretes
proteins. Smooth endoplasmic reticulum does not have these
ribosomes, hence appearing smooth. It is responsible for the synthesis of
essential lipids such as phospholipids and cholesterol. It is also
responsible for the metabolism of carbohydrates.
• Golgi bodies- called the cell’s post office -appear as a series of stacked
membranes. It helps process and package proteins and lipid molecules,
especially proteins destined to be exported from the cell.

• Ribosomes are the protein synthesizers of the cell.

 Organelles
• The Mitochondria are called the powerhouses of the cell. Inside
them, oxygen is used to release energy from glucose. This process is
called Aerobic respiration.
• Vacuoles store food, water, and other waste materials in the cell. Plant
cells have very large vacuoles, which contain a solution of sugars and
other substances, called cell sap. A full vacuole presses outwards on
the rest of the cell, and helps to keep it in shape. Animal cells have
much smaller membrane-bound spaces, called vesicles, which may
contain food or water.
• Plastids are only found in plant cells. They have some specific
pigments, thus giving specific colors to the plants. Due to these
pigments, plastids are divided into three types:
• Chloroplasts are present in green parts of plants, containing the
pigment Chlorophyll. They are the primary organelles for
photosynthesis..
• Chromoplasts are present in the petals of flowers. They impart
different colors to plants.
• Leucoplasts are present in underground parts of plants. They store
food.
• Lysosomes are known as the cell’s suicide bags. They protect the
animal cell by engulfing the foreign bodies entering the cell and
helping in cell renewal.
Types of Cells
Types of Cells
• Prokaryotic cells have no nucleus.
Instead, they have a region within the
cell called nucleoid where the genetic
material is freely suspended. They are
found in single-celled microorganisms.
Examples include bacteria and
cyanobacteria.
• Eukaryotic cells are characterized by
having a true nucleus. The genetic
material is found in the nucleus. They
are found in plants, fungi, and animals.
 Summary
What is Cell

Cell as the Structural Unit of Life

Animal vs. Plant Cells

Cell Parts and Major Cell Organelles

Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells