Cell Structure

Basics on Cell Structure

• cells are small so they can facilitate exchange with the environment
• high surface area to volume ratio
• expansion of surface area through cilia or microvilli
• compartmentalization to separate functions

  Organelles

• organelles found in all domains of life: ribosomes
• the rest are only found in eukaryotes
• ribosome: site of protein synthesis
• Smooth endoplasmic reticulum: detoxifies poisons, lipid synthesis
• rough endoplasmic reticulum: divides cell protein production/trafficking
• golgi complex: works with Rough ER in sending out proteins; series of membrane-bound sacs
• lysosome: nutrient digestions, organelle recycling, programmed cell death
• vacuole: large central storage area, maintains turgor pressure in plants, allows plants to stand up straight
• mitochondria: site of cellular respiration, double membrane, inner membrane helps with electron transport and ATP production
• chloroplast: site of photosynthesis, double membrane

  thylakoids: light-dependent reactions

  stroma: carbon fixation reactions