- The Development of Cell Theory
- An Overview of Cell Structure and Function
- The plasma membrane isolates the cell but allows interactions with the environment.
- The genetic material provides a cellular "blueprint."
- Cytoplasm fills each cell and surrounds the nucleus.
- Cell Function Limits Cell Size
- Types of Cells: Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic
- Prokaryotic cells are relatively simple.
- Eukaryotic cells are more complex.
- The Nucleus: Control Center of the Cell
- The nuclear envelope allows selective exchange of materials.
- Chromatin consists of DNA and its associated proteins.
- The nucleolus is the site of ribosome assembly.
- The Membrane System of the Cell
- Membranes consist of a double layer of phospholipids in which proteins are embedded.
- The cell's membrane system includes the plasma membrane, endoplasmic reticulum, the Golgi complex, and lysosomes.
- Chloroplasts and Mitochondria: Energy Capture and Extraction
- Chloroplasts are the site of photosynthesis.
- Mitochondria produce ATP using energy stored in food molecules.
- Plastids and Vacuoles: Storage and Elimination
- Many types of plastids store food in plants.
- Vacuoles serve many functions, including support and storage and elimination of food and wastes.
- The Cytoskeleton: Shape, Support, and Movement
- Microfilaments allow cells to change shape and guide the movement of organelles.
- Intermediate filaments provide a supportive framework.
- Microtubules help position, anchor, and move organelles and alter the shapes of cells.
- Cilia and flagella move the cell or move fluid past the cell.
- The plasma membrane isolates the cell but allows interactions with the environment.
Designed in cooperation with
Andrew Stull and Steven Brunasso.
Last Update - July 25, 1997
