General Cell Structure
- All living organisms are comprised of cells
- These cells all have some common unifying features, including
- DNA as genetic material
- Cytoplasm
- A plasma membrane
DNA
- All living cells contain some sort of DNA, this varies between eukaryotic cells and prokaryotic cells
- The presence of DNA means that a new cell can be formed from an old cell, as genetic material is able to be stored and transferred
- DNA also controls the production of enzymes and other vital proteins within the cell
Cytoplasm
- Cytoplasm is found within the boundary of a cell
- It is composed of mainly water with dissolved substances, such as ions
- The fluid is known as cytosol
- Many of the cell's important reactions take place within the cytoplasm
Plasma membrane
- The plasma membrane surrounds the cell and encloses all the cell contents
- In all cell types, the plasma membrane has two layers and this is called a bilayer
- The bilayer consists of lipids; these vary depending on the type of organism
- The membrane is responsible for controlling the interactions of the cell's interior with the exterior
- Materials required by the cell are transported into the cell interior
- Waste substances are exported out of the cell to the surrounding environment
- The membrane is studded with proteins which have varying functions including:
- Cell recognition
- Cell communication
- Transport into and out of the cell
