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Structure

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

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Cells can be of variable shape, but their underlying structure is very well conserved. Different cell types represent modifications of basic cell structure by:

  • loss or gain of organelles e.g. loss of nucleus in erythrocytes
  • modification of basic structural components e.g. contractile filaments in motile tail of spermatozoa

There are two key cellular compartments:

  • the nucleus, which sits within
  • the cytoplasm or matrix compartment

Both are demarcated by membranes. Subcellular structures bounded by membranes are termed organelles. Protoplasm refers to the combination of nuclear and cytoplasmic compartments.

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