INTRODUCTION:
CELL STRUCTURE
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Lesson Learning Outcomes
After completing this lesson, you will be able to:
List the three main parts of a cell, and describe the general functions of each part.
Differentiate between cytoplasm and cytosol.
Describe the structure of the cell membrane, including its composition and arrangement of lipids, proteins, and carbohydrates.
Describe the functions of different plasma membrane proteins.
Describe the structure and function of the various cellular organelles.
Your body has many kinds of cells, each specialized for a specific purpose. Just as we use a variety of materials to build a home, the human body is constructed from many cell types. For example, epithelial cells protect the body's surface and cover the organs and body cavities within. Bone cells help to support and protect the body. Immune system cells fight invading bacteria. Additionally, blood and blood cells carry nutrients and oxygen throughout the body while removing carbon dioxide. Each of these cell types plays a vital role during the body's growth, development, and day-to-day maintenance. In spite of their enormous variety, however, cells from all organisms—even ones as diverse as bacteria, onion, and human—share certain fundamental characteristics.
The three main parts of a cell are: 1) a cell membrane; 2) cytoplasm; and 3) a membrane-bound nucleus.
Anatomy and Physiology by Rice University is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License
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