Tour of the cell

Learning Goals

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:

• Identify each part of a eukaryotic cell and describe its function

Why is this important to know?

Understanding the important components of a cell and how they work together is an essential understanding in biology. Becoming familiar with cells and their parts will provide you with a solid foundation for other topics and concepts in your nursing school classes.

There are three main parts to every cell: the cell membrane, the cytoplasm, and the nucleus.

The cell membrane is the outer layer of the cell. It is made up of a thin, flexible layer of lipids and proteins that surrounds the cell and controls what goes in and out of the cell. It acts like a gatekeeper, controlling the flow of nutrients and waste in and out of the cell.

The cytoplasm is a gel-like substance that fills the inside of the cell. It is made up of water, salts, and various types of molecules, including proteins, enzymes, and nutrients. This is also where all the cell’s main organelles are found. The cytoplasm is where many of the cell’s metabolic reactions take place, such as the production of energy through cellular respiration.

Within the cytoplasm, we can find the organelles. Organelles are specialized structures that perform essential functions in the cell.

The mitochondria are the organelles responsible for producing energy in the cell. They are often called the “powerhouses” of the cell.

The Endoplasmic Reticulum is a network of membranes that helps to transport proteins and other molecules throughout the cell.

The Golgi Apparatus is another membrane-bound organelle that helps to process and package proteins for transport within and outside the cell.

Lysosomes are small organelles that contain enzymes to break down waste and other cellular debris.

The nucleus is the control center of the cell. It is usually located near the center of the cell and is surrounded by a double membrane called the nuclear envelope. Inside the nucleus is the cell’s DNA, which contains all the genetic information that the cell needs to function and reproduce. You’ll learn more about DNA and genetic material later in this course. The nucleus also contains the nucleolus, which is responsible for making ribosomes, the cell’s protein-making factories.

Another key component of cellular structure is the Cytoskeleton. The Cytoskeleton is a network of protein fibers that help to give the cell its shape and provide support.