Asked by Shermin Madani on Jul 16, 2024

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List the internal components of a cell.

Internal Components

Essential parts or elements located within a system or device that contribute to its functionality or operation.

Cell

The basic structural, functional, and biological unit of all known living organisms, a building block of life.

  • Grasp the basic cellular components and their functions.
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Zybrea KnightJul 18, 2024
Final Answer :
The internal components of a cell, also known as cellular organelles, are various structures that perform specific functions necessary for the cell's survival and operation. Here is a list of the key internal components typically found in eukaryotic cells (cells with a nucleus):

1. **Nucleus**: The control center of the cell, which houses the cell's DNA and is responsible for regulating gene expression and cell division.

2. **Mitochondria**: Often referred to as the powerhouses of the cell, mitochondria generate most of the cell's supply of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is used as a source of chemical energy.

3. **Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)**:
- **Rough ER**: Studded with ribosomes and involved in protein synthesis and folding.
- **Smooth ER**: Lacks ribosomes and is involved in lipid synthesis, detoxification, and calcium storage.

4. **Golgi Apparatus**: Modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids for storage or transport out of the cell.

5. **Lysosomes**: Contain digestive enzymes that break down waste materials and cellular debris.

6. **Ribosomes**: The sites of protein synthesis, where RNA is translated into protein.

7. **Peroxisomes**: Break down fatty acids and produce hydrogen peroxide, which is then converted to water.

8. **Cytoskeleton**: A network of protein filaments and tubules that gives the cell its shape and facilitates movement. It includes structures like microfilaments, intermediate filaments, and microtubules.

9. **Plasma Membrane**: The outer lining of the cell, which regulates the passage of substances in and out of the cell.

10. **Vacuoles**: Storage sacs for nutrients, waste products, and other materials. In plant cells, the central vacuole can occupy a large portion of the cell's volume.

11. **Chloroplasts** (in plant cells and some algae): Sites of photosynthesis, where light energy is converted into chemical energy.

12. **Cell Wall** (in plant cells, fungi, and some prokaryotes): A rigid layer that provides structural support and protection.

13. **Centrosomes and Centrioles** (in animal cells): Involved in organizing microtubules and in the process of cell division.

14. **Nucleolus**: Located within the nucleus, it is the site of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) synthesis and ribosome assembly.

These components work together to ensure the cell functions properly, from energy production and protein synthesis to waste management and reproduction. It's important to note that prokaryotic cells (such as bacteria) do not have a nucleus or most of the other organelles listed above. Instead, their genetic material is located in a region called the nucleoid, and their functions are more streamlined within the cytoplasm.