All life on Earth is made from cells. Without cells, there can be no life.
Almost all cells are so small that you need a microscope to see them. Some organisms, like bacteria are made of only one cell. These are unicellular organisms. Others, like trees and blue whales, are made from millions or even billions of cells. These are multicellular organisms. These often have different types of cells, each with a different function. These are specialized cells.
Each component in the animal cell has a particular function. Animal cells often have an irregular shape.
Animal Cell: Parts and Functions
Nucleus: The "brain" of the cell; controls cell activities and contains DNA.
Cell Membrane: The outer layer; regulates what enters and exits the cell.
Cytoplasm: Jelly-like substance; holds organelles in place.
Mitochondria: Powerhouses; produce energy for the cell.
Ribosomes: Make proteins.
Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER): Transports and processes materials; rough ER has ribosomes.
Golgi Apparatus: Packages and distributes proteins.
Lysosomes: Break down waste and old cell parts.
Vacuoles: Store water, nutrients, or waste (smaller in animal cells than plant cells).
Plant cells often have a regular shape.
Plant Cell: Parts and Functions
Cell Wall: Rigid outer layer; provides structure and support.
Cell Membrane: Controls what enters and exits the cell.
Chloroplasts: Conduct photosynthesis; convert sunlight into food.
Cytoplasm: Jelly-like substance; holds organelles.
Nucleus: Controls cell activities; contains DNA.
Vacuole (Central): Large storage area; holds water, nutrients, and waste.
Mitochondria: Produce energy for the cell.
Ribosomes: Make proteins.
Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER): Transports and processes materials.
Golgi Apparatus: Packages and distributes proteins