Abstract
Animal and plant cells contain specialized components that perform specific functions necessary for cell growth and development. These components are known as organelles and vary in size, composition, and location. The nucleus is the central organelle that carries genetic material. In addition, it powers most of the cell’s activities and processes. The organelles are enclosed by a cell wall and cell membrane. Mitochondria and chloroplast provide energy while vacuoles store the materials necessary for cell replenishment. Other cell organelles include ribosomes, lysosomes, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, centrioles, and peroxisomes.
Introduction
A eukaryotic cell is a complex cell system whose internal composition comprises a nucleus and specialized parts referred to as organelles (Sadava, Heller & Orians, 2013). Organelles are distributed throughout the cell’s cytoplasm and perform specialized functions that contribute towards its survival. Animal and plant cells have various variations one of which is the possession of certain organelles that are specialized for specific functions. The organelle contents of a typical eukaryotic cell include the nucleus, cell wall/cell membrane, mitochondria, ribosome, Golgi apparatus, lysosome, endoplasmic reticulum, vacuole, chromosome, peroxisomes, and chloroplast.
Discussion
The nucleus is the most important organelle because it controls most of the cell’s functions and possesses chromosomes, which are structures that contain DNA (Sadava et al., 2013). It is surrounded by two membranes and contains a nucleolus. The cell wall encloses the organelles and offers protection. On the other hand, the cell membrane regulates the transportation of materials into the cell and encloses the cytoplasm that contains the organelles (Cells Structure and Function, n.d). Cells need energy and therefore possess an apparatus called mitochondria that synthesizes energy (ATP) from food through the process of respiration (Campbell, Reece & Simon, 2007). Protein is an important component of nutrition in plants and animals. Eukaryotic cells possess ribosomes that make protein. Another organelle that carries out this role is known as the Golgi apparatus. In addition to manufacturing protein, it processes and packages them for transport to various parts (Sadava et al., 2013). Lysosomes help in the digestion of food because they contain digestive enzymes that break down fats, lipids, and proteins (Campbell et al., 2007). The endoplasmic reticulum is responsible for lipids and protein synthesis and is comprised of two types that are distinguished by possession or lack of ribosomes on their surface. The rough reticulum assembles proteins using ribosomes that adhere to its surface while the smooth reticulum synthesizes fatty acids and lipids (Campbell et al., 2007). Chloroplasts are found only in plants and carry out the process of photosynthesis that manufactures energy (ATP) (Sadava et al., 2013). Vacuoles are responsible for storing water, food, and other materials that are important for the replenishment of cells (Campbell et al., 2007). Peroxisomes are found in certain plant and animal cells where they break down fatty acids and compounds that inactivate cell processes and enzymes. Finally, centrioles are present in animal and certain plant cells where they participate in the process of cell division.
Conclusion
Eukaryotic cells are complex systems that contain a nucleus and other components referred to as organelles that perform specialized functions that determine their composition, size, and location. Eukaryotic cell organelles include the nucleus, lysosome, ribosome, vacuole, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, mitochondria, chloroplast, peroxisomes, and centrioles. The complexity of eukaryotic cells enables them to undertake activities and processes that are necessary for cell growth and development.
References
Campbell, N. A., Reece, J.B., & Simon, E. J. (2007). Essential Biology with Physiology. New York, NY: Pearson.
Cells Structure and Function. (n.d). Web.
Sadava, D., Heller, C. H., & Orians, G. H. (2013). Life: The Science of Biology. New York, NY: W. H. Freeman.