Cells 
Structure and Function
Section 1: Introduction to the Cell
Discovery of Cells 
 The invention of the lens 
 Robert Hooke (1665): 
observed a thin slice of cork 
(dead plant cells) with a 
microscope. He described 
what he observed as “little 
boxes” (cells).
Discovery of Cells 
 Anton van Leeuwenhoek 
(1675): was the first person to 
observe living cells.
Microscopes 
 Magnification: refers to the 
microscope’s power to increase 
an object’s apparent size 
 Resolution: refers to the 
microscope’s power to show 
detail clearly
Light Microscope
Light Microscope 
Elodea - Aquatic Plant 
40X 400X
Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM)
Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) 
Herpes Virus 
Plant Root Cell
Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM)
Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM)
Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) 
Mosquito Head 
200X 2000X
Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) 
Fly Eye
Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) 
Inside of 
Stomach 
Surface of 
Tongue 
Neuron
Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) 
Yeast Pollen 
Red Blood 
Cell, 
Platelet, 
and White 
Blood Cell
TEM vs. SEM 
Viruses 
leaving a 
cell
The Cell Theory 
 Who developed the cell theory? 
– Matthias Schleiden (1838): 
concluded that all plants are 
composed of cells 
– Theodor Schwann (1839): 
concluded that all animals are 
composed of cells 
– Rudolph Virchow (1855): 
determined that cells come 
only from other cells
The Cell Theory 
 What is the cell theory? 
1. All living things are composed of one 
or more cells. 
2. Cells are organisms’ basic units of 
structure and function. 
3. Cells come only from existing cells.
Cell Diversity 
 Size 
 Shape 
 Internal Organization
Cell Diversity- 
Size
Cell Diversity- Size 
Biggest Cells: 
6 inches long, 5 inches wide, 3 pounds 
Smallest Cells: 
Longest Cells: 
Ostrich Egg
Surface Area to Volume Ratio 
SA = 6 mm2 
SA = 24 mm2 
SA = 96 mm2 
V = 1 mm3 
V = 8 mm3 
V = 64 mm3 
SA/V = 6:1 
SA/V = 3:1 
SA/V = 1.5:1 
V increases faster than SA 
SA = 6lw 
V = lwh
Cell Diversity- Shape 
 Cells differ widely in shape. 
 Most cells are roughly 
cuboidal or spherical.
Cell Diversity- Internal Organization 
 Nucleus: contains DNA which directs the 
activity of the cell 
 Organelle: a cell component that performs 
specific functions in the cell 
 Eukaryotes: cells that contain a nucleus 
and membrane-bound organelles 
 Prokaryotes: cells that lack nuclei and 
membrane-bound organelles
Eukaryotes vs. Prokaryotes 
 Eukaryotes (animals, 
plants, fungi, protists) and 
prokaryotes (bacteria) 
differ greatly in structure.
Prokaryotic Cell
Prokaryotes Eukaryotes 
nucleus? NO (nucleoid) YES 
membrane-bound 
organelles? 
NO YES (Many) 
size 1 - 10 m 10 - 50 m 
when evolved? 3.5 billion years ago 1.5 billion years ago 
cytoplasm? YES YES 
cell membrane? YES YES 
cell wall? Some Do Plants 
ribosomes? YES YES 
DNA? 
Circular 
Free Floating 
Chromosomes in Nucleus 
examples Bacteria 
Plants, Animals, Fungi, and 
Protists
Structural Organization of Eukaryotic 
and Prokaryotic Cells
Section 2: Parts the Cell
The Parts of the Cell 
 Each living cell carries out the tasks of taking 
food, transforming food into energy, getting rid of 
wastes, and reproducing. 
 Most eukaryotic cells have three main 
components: 
– Cell Membrane 
– Cytoskeleton 
– Nucleus
Structure and Function of Organelles 
 The Structure and Function of the following 
organelles will be discussed: 
– Cell Membrane 
– Nucleus 
– Cell Wall 
– Cytoplasm 
– Cytoskeleton 
– Ribosomes 
– Endoplasmic Reticulum 
– Golgi Apparatus 
– Mitochondria 
– Lysosomes 
– Peroxisomes 
– Cilia and Flagella 
– Basal Bodies 
– Centrioles 
– Vacuoles 
– Plastids
Cell Membrane 
 Structure: phospholipid 
bilayer with proteins that 
function as channels, 
markers, and receptors 
-also contains cholesterol 
which provides rigidity 
 Function: selectively 
permeable boundary 
between the cell and 
the external 
environment
Nucleus 
 Structure: the nucleus is a 
sphere that contains 
another sphere called a 
nucleolus 
 Function: -storage center 
of cell’s DNA 
-manages cell functions
Cell Wall 
 Structure: rigid wall made 
up of cellulose, proteins, 
and carbohydrates 
 Function: boundary 
around the plant cell 
outside of the cell 
membrane that provides 
structure and support
Cytoplasm 
 Structure: gelatin-like fluid that lies inside the cell 
membrane 
 Function: -contains salts, minerals and organic 
molecules 
-surrounds the organelles
Cytoskeleton 
 Structure: a network of 
thin, fibrous elements 
made up of microtubules 
(hollow tubes) and 
microfilaments (threads 
made out of actin) 
 Function: -acts as a 
support system for 
organelles 
-maintains cell shape
Ribosomes 
 Structure: consist of two 
subunits made of protein 
and RNA 
 Function: location of 
protein synthesis
Endoplasmic Reticulum 
 Structure: a system of membranous tubules and 
sacs 
 Function: intercellular highway (a path along 
which molecules move from one part of the cell to 
another) 
 Two types: 
– Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum 
– Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum
Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum 
 Rough Endoplasmic 
Reticulum (rER): 
prominent in cells that 
make large amounts of 
proteins to be exported 
from the cell or inserted 
into the cell membrane 
– Covered with 
ribosomes
Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum 
 Smooth Endoplasmic 
Reticulum (sER): involved 
in the synthesis of lipids 
and breakdown of toxic 
substances 
– Not covered with 
ribosomes
Golgi Apparatus 
 Structure: stacked flat 
sacs 
 Function: receives 
proteins from the rER and 
distributes them to other 
organelles or out of the 
cell 
(receiving, processing, 
packaging, and shipping)
Mitochondria 
 Structure: folded 
membrane within an outer 
membrane 
– The folds of the inner 
membrane are called 
cristae 
 Function: -converts 
energy stored in food into 
usable energy for work 
– cellular respiration
Lysosomes 
 Structure: spherical 
organelles that contain 
hydrolytic enzymes within 
single membranes 
 Function: breaks down 
food particles, invading 
objects, or worn out cell 
parts
Peroxisomes 
 Structure: spherical 
organelles that contain 
enzymes within single 
membranes 
 Function: Degrade 
hydrogen peroxide, a 
toxic compound that can 
be produced during 
metabolism.
Cilia and Flagella 
 Structure: hair-like organelles that extend from the 
surface of cells 
– When they are present in large numbers on a 
cell they are called cilia 
– When they are less numerous and longer they 
are called flagella 
– Both organelles are composed of nine pairs of 
microtubules arranged around a central pair. 
 Function: cell motility
Cillia and Flagella
Basal Bodies 
 The microtubule assembly of a cilium or flagellum 
is anchored in the cell by a basal body. 
 Structurally identical to a centriole
Centrioles 
 Structure: 
composed of nine 
sets of triplet 
microtubules 
arranged in a ring 
– Exist in pairs 
 Function: 
centrioles play a 
major role in cell 
division (mitosis)
Vacuoles 
 Structure: a sac of fluid 
surrounded by a 
membrane 
– Very large in plants 
 Function: used for 
temporary storage of 
wastes, nutrients, and 
water
Plastids 
 There are three types of plastids in plant cells: 
– Chloroplasts (discussed on next slide) 
– Chromoplasts: synthesize and store pigments 
– Leucoplasts: store food such as starches, 
proteins, and lipids 
Chromoplasts 
Red Pepper 
Flower 
Leucoplasts
Chloroplasts 
 Structure: stacked 
sacs (thylakoids) that 
contain chlorophyll 
surrounded by a 
double membrane 
 Function: 
photosynthesis 
(conversion of light 
energy to chemical 
energy stored in the 
bonds of glucose)
Secretory Pathway
Secretory Pathway
Plant Cells vs. Animal Cells 
 Animal cells are very similar to 
plant cells except for the 
following major differences: 
– Animal cells do not contain 
chloroplasts 
– Animal cells are not 
surrounded by cell walls 
– The vacuoles in plants are 
much larger than those of 
animals
Animal Cell
Plant Cell
Microscope Pictures of a 
Plant Cell and an Animal Cell 
Elodea Human Cheek Cells
The following is a list of tissues that have specialized functions 
and demonstrate corresponding specialization of subcellular 
structure. Match the tissue with the letter of the cell structures 
and organelles listed to the right that would be abundant in 
these cells. 
Tissues Cell Structures 
and Organelles 
1. Enzyme (protein)-secreting A. plasma membrane 
 
cells of the pancreas B. mitochondria 
 
2. Insect flight muscles C. Golgi 
 
apparatus D. chloroplast 
 
3. Cells lining the respiratory E. ER 
 
passages F. cillia & flagella 
 
4. White blood cells that engulf G. vacuole 
 
and destroy invading bacteria H. ribosome 
 
5. Leaf cells in cacti I. lysosome 
J. peroxisomes
Hierarchy of Biological Order
THE END!

Cells

  • 1.
  • 2.
  • 3.
    Discovery of Cells  The invention of the lens  Robert Hooke (1665): observed a thin slice of cork (dead plant cells) with a microscope. He described what he observed as “little boxes” (cells).
  • 4.
    Discovery of Cells  Anton van Leeuwenhoek (1675): was the first person to observe living cells.
  • 5.
    Microscopes  Magnification:refers to the microscope’s power to increase an object’s apparent size  Resolution: refers to the microscope’s power to show detail clearly
  • 7.
  • 8.
    Light Microscope Elodea- Aquatic Plant 40X 400X
  • 9.
  • 10.
    Transmission Electron Microscope(TEM) Herpes Virus Plant Root Cell
  • 11.
  • 12.
  • 13.
    Scanning Electron Microscope(SEM) Mosquito Head 200X 2000X
  • 14.
  • 15.
    Scanning Electron Microscope(SEM) Inside of Stomach Surface of Tongue Neuron
  • 16.
    Scanning Electron Microscope(SEM) Yeast Pollen Red Blood Cell, Platelet, and White Blood Cell
  • 17.
    TEM vs. SEM Viruses leaving a cell
  • 18.
    The Cell Theory  Who developed the cell theory? – Matthias Schleiden (1838): concluded that all plants are composed of cells – Theodor Schwann (1839): concluded that all animals are composed of cells – Rudolph Virchow (1855): determined that cells come only from other cells
  • 19.
    The Cell Theory  What is the cell theory? 1. All living things are composed of one or more cells. 2. Cells are organisms’ basic units of structure and function. 3. Cells come only from existing cells.
  • 20.
    Cell Diversity Size  Shape  Internal Organization
  • 21.
  • 22.
    Cell Diversity- Size Biggest Cells: 6 inches long, 5 inches wide, 3 pounds Smallest Cells: Longest Cells: Ostrich Egg
  • 23.
    Surface Area toVolume Ratio SA = 6 mm2 SA = 24 mm2 SA = 96 mm2 V = 1 mm3 V = 8 mm3 V = 64 mm3 SA/V = 6:1 SA/V = 3:1 SA/V = 1.5:1 V increases faster than SA SA = 6lw V = lwh
  • 24.
    Cell Diversity- Shape  Cells differ widely in shape.  Most cells are roughly cuboidal or spherical.
  • 25.
    Cell Diversity- InternalOrganization  Nucleus: contains DNA which directs the activity of the cell  Organelle: a cell component that performs specific functions in the cell  Eukaryotes: cells that contain a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles  Prokaryotes: cells that lack nuclei and membrane-bound organelles
  • 26.
    Eukaryotes vs. Prokaryotes  Eukaryotes (animals, plants, fungi, protists) and prokaryotes (bacteria) differ greatly in structure.
  • 27.
  • 28.
    Prokaryotes Eukaryotes nucleus?NO (nucleoid) YES membrane-bound organelles? NO YES (Many) size 1 - 10 m 10 - 50 m when evolved? 3.5 billion years ago 1.5 billion years ago cytoplasm? YES YES cell membrane? YES YES cell wall? Some Do Plants ribosomes? YES YES DNA? Circular Free Floating Chromosomes in Nucleus examples Bacteria Plants, Animals, Fungi, and Protists
  • 29.
    Structural Organization ofEukaryotic and Prokaryotic Cells
  • 30.
  • 31.
    The Parts ofthe Cell  Each living cell carries out the tasks of taking food, transforming food into energy, getting rid of wastes, and reproducing.  Most eukaryotic cells have three main components: – Cell Membrane – Cytoskeleton – Nucleus
  • 32.
    Structure and Functionof Organelles  The Structure and Function of the following organelles will be discussed: – Cell Membrane – Nucleus – Cell Wall – Cytoplasm – Cytoskeleton – Ribosomes – Endoplasmic Reticulum – Golgi Apparatus – Mitochondria – Lysosomes – Peroxisomes – Cilia and Flagella – Basal Bodies – Centrioles – Vacuoles – Plastids
  • 33.
    Cell Membrane Structure: phospholipid bilayer with proteins that function as channels, markers, and receptors -also contains cholesterol which provides rigidity  Function: selectively permeable boundary between the cell and the external environment
  • 34.
    Nucleus  Structure:the nucleus is a sphere that contains another sphere called a nucleolus  Function: -storage center of cell’s DNA -manages cell functions
  • 35.
    Cell Wall Structure: rigid wall made up of cellulose, proteins, and carbohydrates  Function: boundary around the plant cell outside of the cell membrane that provides structure and support
  • 36.
    Cytoplasm  Structure:gelatin-like fluid that lies inside the cell membrane  Function: -contains salts, minerals and organic molecules -surrounds the organelles
  • 37.
    Cytoskeleton  Structure:a network of thin, fibrous elements made up of microtubules (hollow tubes) and microfilaments (threads made out of actin)  Function: -acts as a support system for organelles -maintains cell shape
  • 38.
    Ribosomes  Structure:consist of two subunits made of protein and RNA  Function: location of protein synthesis
  • 39.
    Endoplasmic Reticulum Structure: a system of membranous tubules and sacs  Function: intercellular highway (a path along which molecules move from one part of the cell to another)  Two types: – Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum – Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum
  • 40.
    Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum  Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (rER): prominent in cells that make large amounts of proteins to be exported from the cell or inserted into the cell membrane – Covered with ribosomes
  • 41.
    Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum  Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum (sER): involved in the synthesis of lipids and breakdown of toxic substances – Not covered with ribosomes
  • 42.
    Golgi Apparatus Structure: stacked flat sacs  Function: receives proteins from the rER and distributes them to other organelles or out of the cell (receiving, processing, packaging, and shipping)
  • 43.
    Mitochondria  Structure:folded membrane within an outer membrane – The folds of the inner membrane are called cristae  Function: -converts energy stored in food into usable energy for work – cellular respiration
  • 44.
    Lysosomes  Structure:spherical organelles that contain hydrolytic enzymes within single membranes  Function: breaks down food particles, invading objects, or worn out cell parts
  • 45.
    Peroxisomes  Structure:spherical organelles that contain enzymes within single membranes  Function: Degrade hydrogen peroxide, a toxic compound that can be produced during metabolism.
  • 46.
    Cilia and Flagella  Structure: hair-like organelles that extend from the surface of cells – When they are present in large numbers on a cell they are called cilia – When they are less numerous and longer they are called flagella – Both organelles are composed of nine pairs of microtubules arranged around a central pair.  Function: cell motility
  • 47.
  • 48.
    Basal Bodies The microtubule assembly of a cilium or flagellum is anchored in the cell by a basal body.  Structurally identical to a centriole
  • 49.
    Centrioles  Structure: composed of nine sets of triplet microtubules arranged in a ring – Exist in pairs  Function: centrioles play a major role in cell division (mitosis)
  • 50.
    Vacuoles  Structure:a sac of fluid surrounded by a membrane – Very large in plants  Function: used for temporary storage of wastes, nutrients, and water
  • 51.
    Plastids  Thereare three types of plastids in plant cells: – Chloroplasts (discussed on next slide) – Chromoplasts: synthesize and store pigments – Leucoplasts: store food such as starches, proteins, and lipids Chromoplasts Red Pepper Flower Leucoplasts
  • 52.
    Chloroplasts  Structure:stacked sacs (thylakoids) that contain chlorophyll surrounded by a double membrane  Function: photosynthesis (conversion of light energy to chemical energy stored in the bonds of glucose)
  • 53.
  • 54.
  • 55.
    Plant Cells vs.Animal Cells  Animal cells are very similar to plant cells except for the following major differences: – Animal cells do not contain chloroplasts – Animal cells are not surrounded by cell walls – The vacuoles in plants are much larger than those of animals
  • 56.
  • 57.
  • 58.
    Microscope Pictures ofa Plant Cell and an Animal Cell Elodea Human Cheek Cells
  • 59.
    The following isa list of tissues that have specialized functions and demonstrate corresponding specialization of subcellular structure. Match the tissue with the letter of the cell structures and organelles listed to the right that would be abundant in these cells. Tissues Cell Structures and Organelles 1. Enzyme (protein)-secreting A. plasma membrane  cells of the pancreas B. mitochondria  2. Insect flight muscles C. Golgi  apparatus D. chloroplast  3. Cells lining the respiratory E. ER  passages F. cillia & flagella  4. White blood cells that engulf G. vacuole  and destroy invading bacteria H. ribosome  5. Leaf cells in cacti I. lysosome J. peroxisomes
  • 60.
  • 61.