The cell structure comprises of certain components with specific functions essential to carry out life’s processes. These components include- cell wall, cell membrane, cytoplasm, nucleus, and cell organelles. Read on to explore more insights on cell structure and function.

Cell Membrane

• The cell membrane supports and protects the cell. It controls the movement of substances in and out of the cells. It separates the cell from the external environment. The cell membrane is present in all the cells.
• The cell membrane is the outer covering of a cell within which all other organelles including cytoplasm and nucleus are enclosed. It is also referred to as the plasma membrane.
• By structure, it is a porous membrane (with pores) which permit the movement of selective substances in and out of the cell.  Besides this, the cell membrane also protects the cellular component from damage and leakage.
• It forms the wall-like structure between two cells as well as between the cell and its surroundings.
• Plants are special, so are their cell structures. Since plants are immobile and cannot hide or run away as animals do during the atmospheric changes. Plants have an advanced cell structure that protects them and makes them rigid and is called a cell wall.

Cell Wall

• The cell wall is a thick outer layer and is present only in plants cell which protects the plasma membrane and other cellular components. The cell wall is the outermost layer of plant cells.
• It is a rigid and stiff structure surrounding the cell membrane.
• It provides shape and support to the cell and protects it from mechanical shocks and injuries.
• The cell wall of the plant cell is made up of cellulose which provides shape to the cells.

Cytoplasm

• The cytoplasm is a thick, clear, jelly-like substance present inside the cell membrane.
• Most of the chemical reactions within a cell take place in this cytoplasm.
• The cell organelles such as endoplasmic reticulum, vacuoles, mitochondria, ribosomes, are suspended in this cytoplasm.

Nucleus

• The nucleus contains the hereditary material of the cell, the DNA.
• It sends signals to the cells to grow, mature, divide, and die.
• The nucleus is surrounded by the nuclear envelope that separates the DNA from the rest of the cell and protects the DNA.

Cell Organelles

Cells are composed of various cell organelles that perform certain specific functions to carry out life’s processes. The different cell organelles, along with its principal functions are as follows: