Importance Of Cell Biology Essay

Introduction. Biological membranes surround all living cells, and may also be found surrounding many of an eukaryotes organelles. The membrane is essential to the survival of a cell due to its diverse range of functions. There are general functions common to all membranes such as control of permeability, and then there are specialised functions that depend upon the cell type, such as conveyance of an action potential in neurones. However, despite the diversity of function, the structure of membranes is remarkably similar.

This membrane is found in ALL cells. The membrane is selectively permeable, meaning it allows some molecules to enter and some not to. The membrane allows molecules in through two forms

1. General Introduction All cells have a plasma membrane enclosing their cytoplasm, organelles, and every other thing the cell needs to function properly. Organelles, themselves also have membranes. Lipid vesicles are spheres of lipid molecules in bilayers that enclose some sort of aqueous solution, which is what a plasma membrane is. Replicating conditions of cellular membranes in vitro can give us great insights into understanding how cell membranes function in vivo.

The golgi apparatus and the mitochondria are both eukaryotic bond organelles. The Golgi apparatus is a membrane-bound organelle found near the cell nucleus in eukaryotic cells which is responsible for sorting and packaging proteins for secretion to various destinations in the cell. It is typically comprised of a series of five to eight cup-shaped, membrane-covered sacs called cisternae. Cells may have many cisternae. Vesicles near the golgi are involved in the transfer of material between the golgi and other structures.

Other than within the membrane, there are 3 loops present on the exterior of the cell that form the ligand binding site. On the cytoplasmic side of the membrane, there are also another set of 3 loops present providing binding sites for intracellular signaling proteins. In order for the second messenger to occur, cyclic AMP must be present. Cyclic AMP allows for diffusion from sites to other sites within the cell. Cyclic AMP is synthesized after the first messenger has bounded to a receptor outside of the cell.

Membranes and Their Functions Membranes form boundaries both around the cell (the plasma membrane) and around distinct sub cellular compartments (e.g. nucleus, mitochondria, lysosomes, etc.). They act as selectively permeable barriers allowing the inside environment of the cell or the organelle to differ from that outside. Membranes are involved in signaling processes; they contain specified receptors for external stimuli and are involved in both chemical and electrical signal generation. All membranes contain two basic components: lipids (mainly phospholipids) and proteins.

A cell membrane is also known as a plasma membrane. The purpose of a cell membrane is to be a barrier between a cell's external and internal environments. All cells are composed of organic molecules such as lipids, proteins, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids. These organic molecules are very important to a cell's functions. Lipids are another form of fat molecules that are components of a cell membrane.

It is separated from the rest of the cell by a double membrane (envelop), which has pores to allow the movement of substances in or out. For example, messenger RNA passes out of the nucleus during protein synthesis. (Clamp, 2000, pg. 102) Endoplasmic reticulum is a system of membranes found in the cytoplasm of a cell. The ER provides a very large surface area for chemical reactions within the cell.

Function, the cell membrane separates the cell from its external environment, and is selectively permeable (controls what gets in and out). It protects the cell and provides stability. Proteins are found embedded within the plasma membrane, with some extending all the way through in order to transport materials. Carbohydrates are attached to proteins and lipids on the outer lipid layer. Animal cells, plant cells, prokaryotic cells, and fungal cells have plasma membranes.

These organelles are like the organs in a human and they help the cell stay alive. Each organelle has its own specific function to help the cell survive. The nucleus of a eukaryotic cell directs the cell's activities and stores DNA Cells have something called a cell membrane, a nucleus, and cytoplasm In this lesson we will learn the three basic parts of all cells. Cells have something called a cell membrane, a nucleus, and cytoplasm Animal Cell Structure. Animal cells are eukaryotic cells, with the presence of true nucleus; multicellular large and advanced membrane bound organelles.