Cell Biology
The eukaryotic animal cell, has many components, including the cytosol, nucleus, ribosomes, and mitochondria. Cytosol, often called the cell's "jelly," suspends cellular components, allowing molecules to diffuse throughout the cell and reach organelles.
The nucleus, a double membrane-bound organelle, houses most of the genetic material in eukaryotic cells. This genetic material is stored in the form of DNA, which is typically wound around proteins called histones and tightly packed into chromosomes. The nucleus is also where DNA replication takes place. Within the nucleus resides the nucleolus, where ribosomal RNA (rRNA) is synthesized; this rRNA is used to build ribosomes, which synthesize proteins.
Mitochondria are double membrane-bound organelles responsible for generating the cell's energy via cellular respiration. With an inner folded membrane called cristae, mitochondria house the processes of citric acid cycle and oxidative phosphorylation, ultimately producing ATP. The mitochondria also contain their own unique circular mitochondrial DNA, with most eukaryotes inheriting their mitochondrial DNA from their biological mothers. The presence of mitochondrial DNA is explained by the endosymbiont theory, which suggests that mitochondria were once free-living prokaryotic organisms that were enveloped by eukaryotic cells.
Lesson Outline
<ul> <li>Structures of a eukaryotic animal cell</li> <ul> <li>Cytosol, the nucleus, ribosomes, and mitochondria</li> </ul> </li> <li>Cytosol <ul> <li>Definition and function</li> <li>Difference between cytosol and cytoplasm</li> </ul> </li> <li>The Nucleus <ul> <li>Nuclear envelope <ul> <li>Double membrane structure</li> <li>Connection to the endomembrane system (EMS)</li> <li>Nuclear pores and their function</li> </ul> </li> <li>Inside the nucleus <ul> <li>Genetic material (DNA) and its storage</li> <li>DNA wrapped around histones (chromosomes)</li> <li>DNA replication</li> <li>Nucleolus and ribosomal RNA (rRNA) synthesis</li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> <li>Ribosomes <ul> <li>Function: Protein synthesis</li> <li>Non-membrane bound organelles</li> <li>Locations (eg, cytosol vs. RER) and the types of proteins they produce</li> </ul> </li> <li>Mitochondria <ul> <li>Double membrane structure (inner and outer membrane)</li> <li>Functions: Cellular respiration, citric acid cycle, oxidative phosphorylation</li> <li>ATP production</li> <li>Inner mitochondrial membrane and cristae</li> <li>Mitochondrial matrix: enzymes, ribosomes, and DNA</li> <li>Mitochondrial DNA inheritance and the endosymbiont theory</li> </ul> </li> </ul>
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FAQs
The nucleus functions as the control center of the cell, containing the cell's DNA and regulating gene expression. Ribosomes are responsible for protein synthesis, translating mRNA into amino acid chains that form proteins. Mitochondria are the powerhouse of the cell, producing energy in the form of ATP through cellular respiration.
The nuclear envelope is a double-layered membrane surrounding the nucleus. It serves as a barrier that separates the nuclear content, including DNA, from the cytoplasm and maintains the shape and integrity of the nucleus. It also plays a crucial role in the transport of molecules, such as mRNA and regulatory proteins, in and out of the nucleus through nuclear pores.
The nucleolus is a nuclear structure that specializes in synthesizing ribosomal RNA (rRNA), a crucial component of ribosomes. After being synthesized in the nucleolus, rRNA associates with specific proteins to form ribosome subunits. These subunits are exported through nuclear pores to the cytosol where they come together to form functional ribosomes, allowing for protein synthesis.
The endomembrane system, comprising the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and the Golgi apparatus, facilitates the synthesis, folding, and transport of proteins within the cell. Ribosomes can either be free-floating in the cytosol or membrane-bound to the rough ER. Those in the cytosol typically produce proteins that function within the cytoplasm, while those bound to the rough ER synthesize proteins that are either secreted by the cell or integrated into cell membranes.
The endosymbiont theory suggests that mitochondria originated from free-living prokaryotic organisms, specifically α-proteobacteria, that were engulfed by another cell. Over time, a mutually beneficial relationship evolved, and the engulfed bacterium became an organelle within the host cell. Evidence supporting this theory includes the presence of a double membrane around the mitochondria, their own circular DNA, and their ability to reproduce independently of the host cell by binary fission.
