NUÑEZ Cell Structure and Function 2022
NUÑEZ Cell Structure and Function 2022
A. Let us see how well you can make a summary of what you know about the cell. Below is a table that
lists the names of the cell structure(s). Now, compare animal, plant and bacterial cells by putting a (/) if
the structure is present and an (X) if the structure is absent under each column.
Structures Animal cell Plant cell Bacterial cell
1. Cell wall X / /
2. Cell membrane / / /
Cytoplasm / / /
Mitochondria / / X
Ribosomes / / /
Endoplasmic reticulum / / X
Golgi bodies / / X
Lysosomes / X X
Vacuoles / / X
Chloroplasts X / X
Nucleus / / X
Chromosomes / / /
2. What do you call the broad group of cells that lack membrane bounded organelles?
Prokaryotic Cells
3. What type of cell (prokaryote or eukaryote) has DNA that floats freely in the cell?
Prokaryotic Cells
2. Summarize the similarities and differences between plant cells and animal cells.
Because they are both eukaryotic cells, plant and animal cells are remarkably similar. The nucleus, mitochondria,
endoplasmic reticulum, golgi apparatus, lysosomes, and peroxisomes are all membrane-bound organelles found
in both.
3. How are mitochondria and chloroplasts alike? How are they different?
Both chloroplasts and mitochondria are metabolic energy generators and have their own genetic systems, and
reproduce by division. The main difference between chloroplasts and mitochondria is their functions: chloroplasts
produce sugars with the help of sunlight in a process known as photosynthesis, whereas mitochondria are the
cell's powerhouses, breaking down sugar to capture energy in a process known as cellular respiratio
1
ANSWER SHEET
LABORATORY Activity
Cell Structure and Function
Plasma Membrane
The plasma membrane forms a barrier between the cytoplasm inside the cell and the environment outside
the cell. It protects and supports the cell and also controls everything that enters and leaves the cell. It allows only
certain substances to pass through, while keeping others in or out. The ability to allow only certain molecules in or
out of the cell is referred to as selective permeability or semi permeability. To understand how the plasma
membrane controls what crosses into or out of the cell, you need to know its composition.
Phospholipid Bilayer
The plasma membrane is composed mainly of phospholipids, which consist of fatty acids and alcohol.
The phospholipids in the plasma membrane are arranged in two layers, called a phospholipid bilayer. As shown in
the figure below, each phospholipid molecule has a head and two tails. The head “loves” water (hydrophilic) and
the tails “hate” water (hydrophobic). The water-hating tails are on the interior of the membrane, whereas the water-
loving heads point outwards, toward either the cytoplasm or the fluid that surrounds the cell. Molecules that are
hydrophobic can easily pass through the plasma membrane, if they are small enough, because they are water-
hating like the interior of the membrane. Molecules that are hydrophilic, on the other hand, cannot pass through
the plasma membrane — at least not without help — because they are water-loving like the exterior of the
membrane.
Source: CK-12 Foundation and under the Creative Commons license CC-BY-NC-SA 3.0
Other Molecules in the Plasma Membrane
The plasma membrane also contains other molecules, primarily other lipids and proteins. The green
molecules in the figure above, for example, are the lipid cholesterol. Molecules of cholesterol help the plasma
membrane keep its shape. Many of the proteins in the plasma membrane assist other substances in crossing the
membrane.
Extensions of the Plasma Membrane
The plasma membrane may have extensions, such as whip-like flagella or brush-like cilia. In single-celled
organisms, the membrane extensions may help the organisms move. In multicellular organisms, the extensions
have other functions. For example, the cilia on human lung cells sweep foreign particles and mucus toward the
mouth and nose.
A. Questions
1. What is the plasma membrane?
The plasma membrane, also known as the cell membrane, is the membrane that separates the interior of the cell
from the outside environment. It is found in all cells. The plasma membrane is made up of a semipermeable lipid
bilayer. The plasma membrane controls the flow of materials into and out of the cell.
2. What is the meaning of semi-permeability?
Semi-permeable refers to the property that certain molecules can pass through the lipid bilayer but others
cannot. Permeable to some molecules, usually small ones, but not to others, generally bigger ones
2
3. Discuss why the plasma membrane must be a bilayer.
Because it allows communication and signaling between cells. It serves as a selective barrier between the cell's
exterior and interior. The plasma membrane's basic fabric is made up of phospholipids organized in a bilayer.
Because they are amphipathic, which means they have both hydrophilic and hydrophobic areas, they are well-
suited for the task.
4. What are some of the “other” molecules in the plasma membrane? Describe their function.
Other substances like lipids and proteins, are also found in the plasma membrane. Protein channels allow certain
chemicals to be transported through the cell membrane. Transmembrane proteins serve as entry points for
certain molecules to pass. Peripheral proteins help cells to communicate and coordinate utilizing protein and
reaction networks. Glycoproteins that let cells recognize each other and bind to other molecules. Finally,
glycolipids have a function in maintaining the cell membrane's stability and facilitating cellular recognition.
3
C. Complete the diagram below with similarities and differences between plant and animal cells.
Plant Animal
Similarities
Differences Differences