The Cell

 

Cells are the basic building units of all organisms, containing the hereditary material packaged in DNA strands. Cells are composed of many specialized structures, called organelles, each performing a different task.

 

Among the most important organelles one has:

 

• The cytoplasm is the jelly-like liquid wrapped in the cellular membrane that surrounds all the organelles.

• The endoplasmic reticulum processes molecules built inside the cell and helps transport them to their specific site.

• The Golgi apparatus further processes and refines molecules coming from the endoplasmic reticulum to be delivered outside the cell.

• Lysosomes digest bacteria and toxic substances invading the cell and recycle worn-out cell components.

• Mitochondria process energy from nutrients and convert it into a “fuel” for cell metabolism.

• The nucleus serves as the control center for cellular activities and reproduction, as it stores the genetic information in DNA spiral molecules. The nucleus is separated from the rest of the cell by a membrane called the nuclear envelope, which acts as a protection.

• Ribosomes are organelles where proteins synthesis takes place during mRNA translation.

 

Read more here.