By definition, cellular organization is the components that make up the cell and how they are arranged inside it. Each component called an organelle, performs a specific function vital for the cell. This page will explore the basic functional components of the cell and cell shape and its size. Let’s take a closer look.
Mitochondrion. Known as the powerhouse of the cell, the mitochondrion (plural: mitochondria) is the double-membraned organelle where the process of cellular respiration takes place. During the cellular respiration, a usable form of energy is produced from precursor molecules like sugars and other carbohydrates.
Cell Membrane (also Plasma Membrane) Like any other membranes, the cell membrane is composed of a phospholipid bilayer (also described as the Fluid Mosaic Model) that creates a rigid barrier between the inside of the cell and its outside environment.
Unlike plant cells, animal cells tend to have more irregular body shapes due to the absence of cell wall in their overall structure. Microorganisms like bacteria have three types of cell shape: oval ( cocci ), rod-shaped ( bacilli ), spiral, star-shaped, and rectangular.
Functional Components Of The Cell. 1. Nucleus. In eukaryotic organisms, the nucleus ( plural: nuclei) is known to be the control center of the cell. It houses the cell’s genome (genetic material) and it is where the processes such as DNA replication, transcription, and the processing of RNA take place.
The latter only have a so-called nucleoid wherein the genetic material is embedded. In addition to that, the nucleus of eukaryotic organism is surrounded by a nuclear membrane that functions to separate the nucleus from the rest of the organelles in the cytosol. 2. Cell Membrane (also Plasma Membrane)
In eukaryotes, the cytoplasm is consisted of all materials (i.e. organelles) located in within the cell, excluding the nucleus. The part of the cytoplasm that does not contain any organelles is referred to as the cytosol. 4. Cell Wall.