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Structure Of A Generalized Cell
Though cells may differ in shape and size, all of them have the same basic structure, referred to as the generalized cell structure or generalized cell. A cell has both living and non-living parts. The living parts of the cell that have a definite shape, structure, and function are called organelles.
The main parts of a generalized cell are cell membrane, cytoplasm, and nucleus.
Cell membrane: It is the outer covering of a cell. It is a porous membrane through which selected substances can enter or leave the cell. The cell membrane is also called plasma membrane.
Cytoplasm: It is a jelly-like fluid that fills up the part of the cell between the cell membrane and the nucleus. Several organelles are embedded in the cytoplasm.
Nucleus: It is considered to be the brain of the cell. Nucleus is surrounded by a membrane called the nuclear membrane and is filled with a semi-solid substance called the nucleoplasm. Thread-like structures called chromosomes are present in the nucleoplasm. Chromosomes carry genes, which transfer the characteristics of a cell to the new cells that are formed during cell division. Also present inside the nucleus is a round granule called nucleolus, which contains a network of fibrous material called chromatin fibres.
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Figure shows a generalized cell. It is important to note that some of the organelles shown in figure may be present only in plant cells and not in animal cells and vice versa.
![Structure of a Generalized Cell 1](https://www...//wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Structure-of-a-Generalized-Cell-1.png)
Let us learn about the cytoplasmic organelles shown in figure.
Golgi apparatus (or Golgi body): It is made up of tubules (long tube-like structures), vesicles (small vessels), and vacuoles and is responsible for the secretion of chemical substances like enzymes, hormones, and proteins.
Vacuole: It is a fluid-filled space enclosed in a membrane. Vacuoles store excess water, useful minerals, pigments, and many other substances.
Lysosome: Lysosomes contain chemical substances called enzymes that are capable of digesting cells and a variety of intra- and extra-cellular materials [intra, internal (inside); extra, external (outside)]. In times of emergency, lysosomes burst and destroy the cell. Hence, they are also called suicide bags of the cell.
Endoplasmic reticulum :It is a network of tubules and channels and is involved in the synthesis, storage, and transport of cell products.
Ribosomes: These are small granular structures scattered in the cytoplasm that act as sites of protein synthesis.
Centrosome: This structure is present only in animal cells. The main function of centrosomes is to initiate and regulate cell division.
Plastids: These are present only in plant cells. Plastids contain certain pigments that have a specific role to play in the functioning of the plant. Depending on the pigment colour, plastids are of three kinds: chloroplasts, chromoplasts, and leucoplasts.
- Chloroplasts contain the green pigment chlorophyll, which helps plants in making food.
- Chromoplasts contain non-green pigments that give colour to flowers and fruits.
- Leucoplasts are colourless and store food in the form of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.
Mitochondria (singular mitochondrion): These are tiny spherical or rod-shaped bodies. They act as sites of energy production and are, therefore, called the powerhouses of the cell.
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