Cell Functions

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P1: Outline the functions of the main cell compounds

What is a cell?
Cells are the basic building blocks of all living things. The human body is made of millions and billions of these tiny little cells. These tiny little cells which doesn’t look like it can do much plays a big role in our bodies, It is what helps provide a good structure to our bodies, aids in converting nutrients from the food we eat into energy, and all have their own individual functions. There are many different types of cells such as human body cells, animal cells and plant cells, each with their own role. In this essay i will be assessing the components of an animal cell and will be evaluating each component in further detail to get a detailed understanding of it all. The animal cell contains the following components.
Animal cell
Nucleus
The nucleus is the largest structure in a cell; however some cells may have more than one nucleus such as red blood cell whilst cells such as bacteria cells have no nucleus. The nucleus being one of the most important parts of a cell is found in the middle of the cell containing DNA; the DNA is like the control room of each cell, giving orders to the cell; telling the cell to grow, die etc. The nucleus is then covered by a nucleus envelope; this envelope gives protection to the DNA which is inside the nucleus, the nucleus envelope also disconnects the nucleus from the rest of the cell. The nucleus in the animal cell also controls the animal’s cell growth, reproduction and metabolism.
Vacuole
Vacuoles are sac-like substances found in cells, they are found in both plant and animal cells but mainly in plant cells. These sacs are food storages for the cell, not only do they store food but at times hold in the waste produc...

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... uterus once given birth. However, uncontrolled release of Lysosome contents, into the cytoplasm, can also cause cell death; also known as necrosis.
Cell membrane
The cell membrane is likened to a door of a house; it is there to keep everything within the cell safe and kept protected from any unwanted substances such as bacteria, there are also holes which allow the fluid and cell pieces inside and prevents any unwanted things from entering, the holes are there to allow certain things in and out of the cell.
Cytoplasm
Cytoplasm is a substance that fills the inner space of the cell. Cytoplasm holds a firm structure for the inner cell; it contains protein filaments known as cytoskeleton which also assist in maintaining the shape and consistency of the cell. Apart from storing nutrient, cellular reactions take place within the cytoplasm such as protein synthesis.

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