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Learning outcomes
By the end of todays lecture you should:
1) Understand the main differences between prokaryotes and eukaryotes. 2) Recognise and be able to describe the structure and function of the main organelles found in eukaryotic cells: nucleus, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi body, mitochondria, chloroplasts, lysosomes, ribosomes, centrioles, microvilli, caveolae, microfilaments, microtubules, intermediate filaments, cilia, flagella, vacuoles. 3) Understand the theory of the endosymbiotic origin of mitochondria and chloroplasts.
Protoctists: Acanthamoeba
Animals: skin epithelial cell
Eukaryotic cells
Prokaryotic cells
Small cells(5 m) Unicellular No nucleus No membrane bound organelles Circular DNA
(no proteins associated)
Eukaryotic cells
Larger cells(>10 m) Often multicellular Nucleus Membrane-bound organelles Linear DNA
(associated with proteins)
Control system
the largest organelle surrounded by a double membrane nuclear envelope nuclear pores - large holes made by proteins that control the exit of molecules such as RNA from the nucleus. nucleoplasm chromatin (a DNA/protein complex containing the genes); euchromatin = active DNA; heterochromatine=inactive DNA; chromosomes) nucleolus - a structure inside the nucleus, where ribosomes are assempled from rRNA and proteins. Function of nucleus: storage/control/organisation of the genetic material.
two subunits small and large composed of protein and rRNA; produced in the nucleolus either attached to the RER(synthesis of proteins for export or membrane incorporation) or free (synthesis of proteins for cells own use); polysomes 80S eukaryotic ribosomes Function to catalyse the synthesis of proteins based on the information carried in the mRNA
Membrane-bound sacs containing water, salts and other solutes. plant cells - permanent vacuole filled with cell sap and surrounded by a tonoplast membrane; contains organic solutes and mineral ions; keeps the cell turgid. specialized vacuoles feeding vacuoles; contractile vacuoles.
Vacuoles
Cytoskeleton
a network of protein fibres. used for support, transport and motility. attached to the cell membrane give the cell its shape and hold all the organelles in position.
Green microtubules Red actin filaments Blue - nucleus
Cytoskeleton elements
Microfilaments (actin); d6nm Intermediate filaments; d8-10nm Microtubules (tubulin); d25nm
Centrioles
paired cylinders characteristic microtubule arrangement (9 triplets) involved in cell division
slender mobile extensions of the cell complex assembly of microtubules reminiscent to that of centrioles (9 doublets+2 single). involved in cell movement
Microvilli
Small finger-like protrusions of the cell membrane that are not actively motile. Actin filaments embedded in the cytoplasm form the base of the micrivilli. Functions surface area increase; absorption; secretion; sensory functions.
Caveolae
A tiny pit/invagination in the cell surface. Functions endocytosis; structural organisation in the cell membrane. Viruses and bacteria can hide in caveolae and escape being destroyed by the lysosomes upon entry in the cells .
a thick layer outside the cell membrane a network of fibres made of cellulose; hemicellulose, pectin, lignin and other polysaccharides channels through plant cell walls called plasmodesmata link the cytoplasms of adjacent cells neighbouring cell walls are linked together by pectin middle lamella Function - provides strength and rigidity for cells but is freely permeable to solutes (unlike membranes)
Summary
We looked at the differences between prokaryotes and eukaryotes. We described the structure and function of the main cell organelles in eukaryotic cells and saw images of each of those. We discussed the origin of mitochondria and chloroplasts from prokaryotic cells based on structural similarities. We looked in more detail at the value of preparative methods for isolation of cell organelles to enable their further study.