question_answer 44)

  What structural and functional attributes must a cell have to be called a living cell?

Answer:

  Long Answer Type Questions                 All organisms are made up of cells, which further organises themselves into tissues,organs and organ systems. Thus, forming the building blocks of organisms cells also theproperty of totipotency, capable of developing into a new organism. Besides, forming the structural unit they perform different specialised functions in the sameway as each organ or system carries out in an organism. Thus, exhibiting division of labour i.e., cell organelles are specific in their functions.

Structure	Function	Diagram
1. Cell membrane all cell possess a phospholipid based cell membrane.	The cell membrane is selectively permeable, i.e., only selected material can pass through it.
2. Cytoplasm It is a watery solution containing controlled concentration of organic and inorganic compounds.	It functions as a site for metabolism and provide energy and material for growth and reproduction.
3. Nucleus It essentially consists of DNA, the nuclear matrix or the nucleoplasm containing nucleolus and chromatin.	It serves to store and transmit information to direct the synthetic activities of the entire cell. In also transfers the genetic information required for growth and reproduction.
4. Golgi apparatus (Golgi complex) They constitute of many flat disc shaped sacs or cistermae of  diameter. These stacks are arranged parallel to each other.	These are mainly involved in packaging the materials to be delivered either to intracellular targets or secreted outside the cells.

 

Structure	Function	Diagram
5. The F-endoplasmic Reticulum (ER, ER is often an extensive 3- dimensional network of intra cellular membranes formed by three elements- cisternae, tubules  and vesicles	The ER bearing ribosomes on it surface is called rough endoplasmic reticulum (CRER). These are involved in protein synthesis and secretion. The ER without Fibosomes are called smooth endoplasmic reticulum involved in synthesis of lipids  like  steroidal hormones.
6. Mitochondria Mitochondria is a double membrane bound structure with outer and inner membrane dividing its lumen into two compartments, i.e., outer membrane forming of organelle and inner membrane forming number of infoldings called the cristae.	Mitochondria are-the sites for aerobic respiration. It is known as power house of 'the cell since producing cellular energy in the form; ofATP.
7. Lysosomes These aremembrane bound vesicular structures, formed -by the process of packaging in the Golgi apparatus.	These are rich in many types of hydrolytic enzymes (hydrolases- lipases, proteases, carbohydrates).
8. Vacuoles The vacuole is- the membrane bound-.space found in the cytoplasm, it .contain water, sap, excretory product and other material not useful for the cell. The vacuole is bound by single membrane called tonoplast.	In. plants the tonoplast facilitates the transport of a number, of ions and other materials against concentration gradients" into the vacuole.

All these factors, i.e,, structural an a functional attributes it to De cane a a living ceil.