Cell Structure and Functions list

Table of Cell Structure and Functions.

Cell part	Structure	Functions
Cell Wall	Nonliving, rigid, composed of cellulose, present. In plants, the cell wall is made mostly of a substance called cellulose, which is like a long chain of sugars. *In bacteria, their cell wall is made of a substance called peptidoglycan, which is a mix of sugars and amino acids.	Provides rigidity and shape to plant cells. It provides structural support, protection, and mechanical strength to the cell.
Cell membrane	Living, selectively permeable flexible. The cell membrane is like a protective skin that surrounds all cells. *The cell membrane is made up of molecules called phospholipids.	Controls the movement of substances in and out of the cell. Keeps the contents together. It acts as a protective barrier. It plays a role in cell recognition and signalling processes.
Cytoplasm	Jelly-like, thick ground substance that is found inside cells. The cytoplasm is composed of water, proteins, salts, and various molecules.	*Holds all organelles and provides a medium for all cell activities.
Nucleus	Rounded or oval, surrounded by a double-membraned nuclear envelope. The nucleus is a membrane-bound organelle found in eukaryotic cells.	*The control centre of the cell (controls all cell activities Inherits characters from parent cell to daughter cells during cell division.
Endoplasmic reticulum (ER)	Network of membrane-bound channels. Two main regions of ER A. Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (RER). B. Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum (SER).	Forms supporting framework. Helps in the transport of substances within the cell. It plays an important role in the synthesis, processing, and transport of proteins and lipids. Calcium storage and Release.
Golgi complex	*Stacks of tubes (cisternae) vacuoles and vesicles.	Associated with secretion and storage. The Golgi complex plays a vital role in modifying proteins that are synthesized in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). *Its main function is to deliver proteins and lipids, to specific destinations within the cell and for secretion.
Mitochondria	*Double-membraned structures with respiratory enzymes.	The powerhouse of the cell due to its role in energy production. Site of respiration and release of energy.
Plastids	Double-membraned structures (only in plant cells). Plastids have a double-membrane structure, consisting of an outer membrane and an inner membrane. They also have an internal space known as the stroma, which contains a matrix-like substance. Three main types of plastids are: (a) Chloroplasts (b) Chromoplasts (c) Amyloplasts	Site of photosynthesis (Chloroplasts). Give colour to flowers and fruits (chromoplasts). *Store starch, proteins and fats (leucoplasts).
Ribosomes	*Small granules, scattered in the cytoplasm or attached to ER membranes.	*Protein factory of cells
Lysosomes	Contain tissue-dissolving enzymes. Lysosomes have a spherical shape and are surrounded by a single membrane known as the lysosomal membrane. *The interior of the lysosome is filled with an acidic fluid called the lumen.	Suicide bags. Help in the digestion of foreign bodies and worn-out parts of the cell. *Lysosomal enzymes are synthesized in the rough endoplasmic reticulum and then transported to the Golgi apparatus,
Centrosome	Formed small tubules (only in animal cells). It is often located near the nucleus, close to the cell’s center. *The centrosome is composed of two centrioles and surrounding pericentriolar material (PCM).	Formation of the spindle during cell division. The centrosome plays a crucial role in cell division, organization of the cytoskeleton, and cell motility.
Vacuole	Clear space in the centre of the plant cells; filled with cell sap. Vacuoles have a single membrane called the tonoplast, which surrounds the fluid-filled interior known as the vacuolar lumen.	Vacuoles can store various substances such as water, ions, nutrients, pigments, sugars, proteins, and secondary metabolites. Vacuoles play a role in waste management and the degradation of cellular components. *Vacuoles can participate in plant defense mechanisms.

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