CELL

Fundamental unit of life

table of
contents:

01

02

Cell.

Types of cells: components.

03

04

Structure and basic functions.

Protein synthesis.

05

06

Energy supply.

Cellular digestion.

07

08

Support and movement.

Storage and transportation.

Cell
Basic and fundamental unit of life,
it possesses a highly organized
structure that enables it to carry
out its vital functions.

Prokaryotic
Lack a defined
nucleus

Prokaryotic
Dispersed genetic material
in the cytoplasm.

Plant
Cellulose cell wall;
chloroplasts and vacuoles.

Types
of Cells
Eukaryotic
Have a defined
nucleus

Animal
Rigid cell wall;
may have flagella.

Protist
They can have a cell wall,
without differentiated tissues.

Fungal
Chitin Cell Wall;
they are heterotrophs.

Composed of several fundamental components

Cell membrane

Nucleus

Ribosome

Rough endoplasmic
reticulum.

Golgi Apparatus

Mitochondria

Chloroplasts

Lysosome and
peroxisome

Centriole

Microtubules

Structure and basic
functions
These components work together to maintain cellular
homeostasis and perform essential life activities.

Cell membrane
The cell membrane surrounds the cell
and is a selective barrier between the
interior and the exterior.
Its primary role lies in regulating the
passage of substances, including
nutrients and waste materials.
Within it, specialized proteins play a
crucial role in facilitating molecular
transport and cellular communication.

Cell nucleus
An organelle that houses DNA, located
in the center of eukaryotic cells.
Its primary function is to store and
safeguard genetic information,
controlling gene expression and DNA
replication.
It also contains the nucleolus, which is
involved in ribosome synthesis.

Cytoplasm
The cytoplasm is a gel-like matrix
containing water, salts, proteins, and
other molecules. It occupies the
intracellular space between the cell
membrane and the nucleus.
It plays a crucial role in biochemical
reactions, energy production, and
substance transport. Essential for
cellular metabolism, it provides
structural support to the cell.

Protein Synthesis
Building and repairing cellular structures, regulating biological
processes, and expressing specific characteristics of each organism.

Ribosome
Ribosomes are essential organelles for
cellular functioning and survival.
They synthesize proteins using the
genetic information from messenger
RNA (mRNA), which is crucial for
cellular structure, function, and
regulation.
Ribosomes are located in the
cytoplasm and the rough
endoplasmic reticulum.

Endoplasmic reticulum
A network of interconnected membranes that
extends from the nuclear membrane to the
cell membrane. It plays a fundamental role in
the transport, processing, and distribution of
proteins and lipids within the cell.
There are two main types of ER:
• The Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (RER) is
studded with ribosomes and is involved in
the synthesis and modification of proteins.
• The Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum (SER)
specializes in lipid synthesis, carbohydrate
metabolism, and detoxification.

Golgi apparatus
Key in the processing and packaging of
proteins and lipids produced in the
endoplasmic reticulum.
It synthesizes carbohydrates and lipoproteins
and is essential for maintaining the cell's
internal balance and facilitating
communication with the outside.
Composed of a series of flattened sacs called
cisternae, it acts as the 'shipping center' of the
cell, sorting and packaging proteins into
vesicles for transport and distribution.

Energy Supply
To carry out vital functions and necessary metabolic processes
essential for the proper functioning of the cell and/or organism.

Mitochondria
Present in eukaryotic animal and plant
cells. Their primary function is energy
generation through cellular respiration
(ATP production).
The double membrane of mitochondria
allows for the organization of various
stages of the respiratory chain, making it
crucial for cellular function and survival.

Chloroplasts
Exclusive to plant cells and
photosynthetic organisms, chloroplasts
carry out photosynthesis, converting
solar energy into chemical energy.
During photosynthesis, they synthesize
glucose and other organic compounds
using carbon dioxide and water,
releasing oxygen as a byproduct.
They are responsible for the crucial
production of oxygen that sustains
the planet.

Cellular Digestion
It involves breaking down molecules and unwanted materials,
enabling the recycling of nutrients and cellular maintenance.

Lysosomes

Peroxisomes

They contain digestive enzymes that
break down molecules and unwanted
cellular materials.

They contain enzymes that degrade
hydrogen peroxide and toxic
compounds, thereby protecting the cell
from oxidative damage.

They facilitate cellular digestion, by
disposing of waste, recycling
nutrients, and defending against
pathogenic invasions.

Additionally, they play a role in the
synthesis and degradation of lipids and
bile acids, regulating lipid metabolism
and overall homeostasis.

Support and
Movement
Maintaining cellular shape, enabling cellular movement
and division, are essential for its functioning and survival.

Cytoskeleton
It is composed of protein filaments
(microtubules, microfilaments, and
intermediate filaments) and provides
support and enables movement in
eukaryotic cells.
Its specific functions encompass stability,
intracellular transport, and contraction.
Furthermore, it regulates cellular shape
and plays a role in division, migration,
and communication.

Flagella and cilia
Specialized structures for movement.
They are elongated and enable
locomotion in liquid environments,
whereas cilia are shorter and create
coordinated flow on the cell surface.

Composed of microtubules in a
'9+2' pattern, they are essential
for sperm motility.

Storage and
Transportation
They manage nutrients, eliminate waste,
and regulate metabolic processes.

Vacuoles
Membrane-bound organelles found in
plant cells and some animal cells. They
store nutrients, water, ions, and waste
materials, regulating turgor pressure
and osmotic balance.

Vacuoles can also be involved in the
digestion of substances and serve as a
defense mechanism against predators
by containing toxins.

Vesicles and endosomes
Membranous vesicles that transport
specific materials between organelles and
the cell membrane.

Vesicles: They transport materials from
the endoplasmic reticulum and the
Golgi apparatus to other destinations.
Endosomes: They capture and
distribute materials for degradation,
recycling, or their incorporation into
metabolic pathways.

Thank you!
Any questions?