Principles of Anatomy and Physiology
Principles of Anatomy and Physiology
15th Edition
ISBN: 9781119329398
Author: Gerard J Tortora, Bryan Derrickson
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons Inc
bartleby

Concept explainers

Question
Book Icon
Chapter 3, Problem 1CP
Summary Introduction

To review:

The three main parts of a cell, following their functions.

Introduction:

The cells are considered as the basic functional and structural unit of an organism’s body. A cell is typically called as the building block of life, which aggregates to form tissue, organ, and organ system.

Expert Solution & Answer
Check Mark

Explanation of Solution

The three different parts of the cell are mentioned below:

1. Plasma membrane: The outer surface that separates the internal and the external environment of a cell is called as plasma membrane or cell membrane. It is composed of a lipid bilayer, which is selectively permeable. It works as the barrier, in order to control influx and efflux of the molecules or ions across the cell.

2. Nucleus: It is the most important part of the cell. It consists of the hereditary information of the cell in the form of DNA. Furthermore, it controls all the activities of the cell, like growth, intermediary metabolism, protein synthesis and reproduction.

3. Cytoplasm: The cytoplasm is the fluid present between the nucleus and the cell membrane. It comprises various organelles like ribosomes, mitochondria, centrioles, endoplasmic reticulum, lysosomes, and so on. It is the center for most of the cellular activities like protein synthesis, photosynthesis (in plants), and cellular respiration. Cytoplasm also plays a crucial role in maintenance of cell shape.

Conclusion

Thus, the three main parts of the cell are nucleus, plasma membrane, and cytoplasm. Plasma membrane acts as the barrier between the cellular external and internal environment and allow selected molecules to cross through it. Nucleus control all the cellular activities as it contain the hereditary material i.e. DNA. Cytoplasm consist several organelles and acts as the center for most of the cellular activities.

Want to see more full solutions like this?

Subscribe now to access step-by-step solutions to millions of textbook problems written by subject matter experts!
Students have asked these similar questions
List the three main parts of a cell and explain their functions.
List all cellular organelles and describe their functions
Describe the basic cell structures and functions.

Chapter 3 Solutions

Principles of Anatomy and Physiology

Knowledge Booster
Background pattern image
Biology
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, biology and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Recommended textbooks for you
Text book image
Human Biology (MindTap Course List)
Biology
ISBN:9781305112100
Author:Cecie Starr, Beverly McMillan
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Text book image
Intro To Health Care
Health & Nutrition
ISBN:9781337338295
Author:Mitchell
Publisher:Cengage
Text book image
Biology Today and Tomorrow without Physiology (Mi...
Biology
ISBN:9781305117396
Author:Cecie Starr, Christine Evers, Lisa Starr
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Text book image
Science Of Agriculture Biological Approach
Biology
ISBN:9780357229323
Author:Herren
Publisher:Cengage
Text book image
Biomedical Instrumentation Systems
Chemistry
ISBN:9781133478294
Author:Chatterjee
Publisher:Cengage
Text book image
Body Structures & Functions
Biology
ISBN:9781285695495
Author:Scott
Publisher:Cengage