Cell For Sale
Mike Primavera
Nucleus
You have a trillion cells in your body. Why not buy one more?The nucleus functions like a brain inside the cell. It helps control eating, reproduction, and physical movement. If it happens in a cell, chances are the nucleus knows about it. The nucleus isn't always centered in the cell.
Nucleolus
If that doesn't convince you, I'd highly recommend buying yourself a nucleolus.
The nucleolus is a non-membrane like structure found in the nucleus. It's comprised of nucleic acids and proteins found in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells. Its purpose is to transcribe ribosomal RNA and combine it with proteins to create almost-complete ribosomes.
Cell Membrane
Doesn't sound like a deal? Why not buy yourself another cell membrane? The cell membrane is a membrane that is made to separate the interior of a cell from the exterior. The cell membrane is selectively permeable to ions and molecules and controls the movement of substances in and out of cells. The primary purpose of the membrane is to protect the cell from its surroundings. It's composed of the phospholid bilayer with embedded protein.
Cell Wall
I know what you're thinking, "This salesman is annoying." However, if you consider buying a cell wall it will benefit you in the future. The cell wall is a tough, flexible layer that surrounds some cells. It's located outside the membrane and supplies these cells with structural support and protection, as well as functioning as a filtering mechanism. A major function of the cell wall is to act as a pressure vessel that prevents over-expansion when water enters.
Cytoplasm
Before you buy any of these cells, why not buy some cytoplasm? Cytoplasm is the home of the cytoskeleton, which is a network of cytoplasmic filaments that are responsible for the movement of the cell. Cytoplasm consists of dissolved nutrients and can help dissolve waste products. The cytoplasm helps structures move around the cell by going through a process called cytoplasmic streaming.
Mitochondria
Not a good enough deal? I'll even throw in some mitochondria for 20% off all purchases. Mitochondria is the energy factor of cells. The energy currency for the work that animals must do is the energy-rich molecule adenosine triphosphate (ATP). ATP is produced in the mitochondria that uses energy stored in food. Just as the chloroplast in plants function as sugar factors for the supply of molecules to the plant, the mitochondria in animals and plants act to produce the ATP molecules as the energy supply for the processes of life.
Golgi
Maybe you're not convinced yet. Why don't you buy some golgi? The Golgi is an organelle that can be found in most eukaryotic cells. It was identified in 1897 by the Italian physician Camillo Golgi and it was named after him a year later.
As a part of the cellular endomembrane system, this apparatus stores proteins inside the cell before they are sent to their destination.
Smooth E.R
If that doesn't sucker you into a purchase, why not buy a smooth E.R.? E.R. is an abbreviation for endoplasmic reticulum. The smooth endoplasmic reticulum consists of a smooth network without ribosomes. The smooth endoplasmic reticulum is involved with lipid metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism, and detoxification. The smooth endoplasmic reticulum contains many mammalian liver and gonad cells.
Rough E.R.
If you don't want smooth E.R. then why not buy some rough E.R.? The rough endoplasmic reticulum is surrounded with ribosomes on the cytosolic end. This is where protein synthesis occurs. The rough endoplasmic reticulum is predominantly found in hepatocytes where protein synthesis occurs frequently.
Ribosomes
Don't like that offer? How about some ribosomes? The ribosome is a large, complex molecular machine, that is found in all living cells, that serve as the primary site of protein synthesis. Ribosomes tie amino acids together in the order distributed by RNA molecules.
Vacuole
Maybe this offer will convince you to make a purchase. How about a vacuole? A vacuole is a prokaryotic organelle that is found in all plant and fungal cells. Vacuoles are essentially enclosed compartments which are filled with water that contain inorganic and organic molecules, though in certain situations they may contain solids that were engulfed.
Chloroplast
Wait. Before you leave, you should buy some chloroplast.
Chloroplasts are organelles that can be found in plant cells and eukaryotic algae.
Chloroplast absorbs sunlight and uses it with water and carbon dioxide to produce food for the plant.
Chloroplast captures light energy from the sun to produce free energy stored in ATP and NADPH through photosynthesis.