Cell Structure

In eukaryotic cells, there are large numbers of organelles which perform specific tasks. Eukaryotic cells contain a nucleus that is kept separate from the cytoplasm by a double membrane structure. The cytoplasm contains the rest of the organelles such as the endoplasmic reticulum and the mitochondria, each necessary for the cell's reproduction and survival.

The area of the cytoplasm outside of the individual organelles is called the cytosol. The cytosol is the largest structure in the cell. It composes 54% of the cells total volume. The cytosol contains thousands of enzymes that are responsible for the catalyzation of glycolysis and gluconeogenesis and for the biosynthesis of sugars, fatty acids, and amino acids. The cytosol takes molecules and breaks them down, so that the individual organelles can use them. For example, in order for respiration to occur, glucose is ingested and broken down into pyruvate in the cytosol, for use in the mitochondria.

The cytosol also contains a skeletal structure, called the cytoskeleton. This structure gives the cell its shape and allows it to organize many of the chemical reactions that occur in the cytoplasm. Additionally, the cytoskeleton can aid in the movement of the cell.

Click on the links below to learn about the cellular organelles.

                Mitochondria

                Chloroplast

                Endoplasmic Reticulum

                Golgi Apparatus

                Lysosomes

                Cytoskeleton

                Ribosomes

                Vacuole

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