Main Topic:
Cell Structures
Learning Objectives/Outcomes: describe the structures and functions of cell organelles.
Topic 1: plasma membrane
Topic 2: cytoplasm
Topic 3: organelles
Ideas
Where is the plasma membrane located?
- The plasma membrane surrounds the
cell to contain its fluids (cytoplasm)
and organelles
Describe plasma membrane.
- The border around “Cell City” –
openings within the border allow for
the movement of people, materials,
and messages
Describe the function of plasma membrane
within the cell.
- The plasma membrane regulates
interactions between the cell and the
environment; allowing nutrients to
enter and wastes to exit
How do plasma membranes work?
- The hydrophilic heads attract water
into the membrane and are then
propelled away by the hydrophobic
tails. Lastly the water is pulled across
the membrane by the 2nd hydrophilic
head.
Ideas
What is cytoplasm?
- Refers to the contents inside cells
What does cytoplasm consist of?
- Consists of three things: cytosol,
cytoskeleton, and organelles.
What is cytosol?
- Gel-like fluid that fills the cell,
holds organelles in place, and aids
in waste break down and energy
transformation (metabolism).
What is cytoskeleton?
- A vast network of proteins
(“microtubules”) that support the
cell’s shape like a skeleton
Ideas
What is an organelle?
- Specialized subunits within cells that
perform specific functions
- “little organs”
Describe a cell nucleus.
- A spherical membrane-bound organelle that
holds the cell’s genetic material (DNA)
- The cell’s “brain”
What is the function of the nucleus?
- It contains the cells genetic information
which tells the rest of the cell how to
function and what to do.
What is found inside the nucleus?
- DNA (genetic information)
- Chromatin
- Every human cell has 6 feet of DNA!
