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