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Articles / The Vital Importance of your cells
The Vital Importance Of Your Cells
Cells are the basic building blocks of life itself, and our bodies are constructed of billions of them. Keeping them healthy is essential in achieving longevity.
Cell Structure
Most human cells contain small structures known as organelles (“little organs”), each of which perform a highly specialised task, such as manufacturing protein. Organelles are usually surrounded by a membrane, and they float in a jelly-like substance called cytoplasm.
Ninety per cent of cytoplasm is water; it also contains enzymes, amino acids and other molecules needed for cell function.
1/ Nucleus
The cell’s control centre mainly contains chromatin, a granular material composed of DNA, the cell’s genetic material and
proteins. The inner nucleus is made up of RNA and proteins. The nucleus is surrounded by the nuclear envelope,
a two layer membrane with pores.
2/ Centrioles
These two structures made of hollow tubules play a key role in cell division.
3/ Mitochondrion
This structure produces a substance called adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is the carrier of energy in all cells.
4/ Endoplasmic reticulum
This organelle helps to transport materials through the cell. Rough reticulum is the site of attachment for ribosomes; smooth
reticulum is the site of fat production.
5/ Ribosomes
These small, granular structures play a key role in the assembly of proteins. Golgi complex
A stack of flattened sacs receives and processes protein that has been dispatched by
the endoplasmic reticulum. The proteins are modified and released at the cell membrane.
6/ Microvilli
Some cells, such as those lining the small intestine, have projections that increase their surface area to facilitate absorption.
7/ Lysosome
The powerful enzymes of this organelle degrade dangerous material staken into the cell,
such as bacteria and also dispose of other unwanted substances and any worn-out
organelles.
8/ Cell Membrane
The membrane encloses the contents of the cell and regulates the flow of substances into and
out of the cell.
9/ Vacuole
This sac transports and stores ingested materials, waste products and water.
10/ Vesicles
These sacs contain various substances, such as enzymes produced by the cell; they secrete
them at the cell membrane.
11/ Nucleolus
A small structure inside the nucleus that plays an important role in ribosome production.
12/ Peroxisome
Enzymes that are made in these sacs
oxidize some cell substances.
13/ Cytoskeleton
The internal framework of the cell is made up of two main types of structure. Prominent in all cells are
filaments, which are thought to provide support for the cell. Hollow microtubules are thought to aid
movement od substances through the cell’s cytoplasm.
14/ Chromosome
During cell division, DNA, the genetic material, duplicates and forms linked coils called chromosomes.