Cell Organelles
A cell can be considered to be a factory that produces proteins. The proteins are used to make/repair cell structures and organelles, as well as functioning as enzymes. The cytoplasm can be considered the work area.
Animal Cell
Plant Cell
Cell Membrane
(the doors)
Structure:
thin, flexible layer
Function:
allows materials to pass in and out
differentially permeable
Ribosomes (workers)
Structure:
small, round bodies made of RNA and protein
Function:
produce protein
Cell Wall (the walls)
Structure:
stiff, non-living layer
not found in animals
Function:
made of cellulose and lignin
provides structural support and protection
helps control flow of material in and out
Nucleus (management / control center)
Structure:
dense area of material
Function:
"brain" of the cell
contains DNA, genes, and chromosomes
Chromosomes (blueprints)
Structure:
long strands of densely packed DNA
Function:
contain the genetic information or "blueprints" to make protein
Nuclear Envelope (office)
Structure:
two phospholipid bilayers (double membrane)
Function:
pores, receptor and transporter proteins
anchor chromosomes
Nucleolus
(worker outfitter)
Structure:
dark dense blob of material in the nucleus
Function:
production of RNA and proteins needed to make ribosomes
Vesicles
Structure:
large number that come in different shapes with different functions
Functions:
transport materials outside and inside cells
peroxisomes digest fatty acids, amino acids, hydrogen peroxide, and toxins
Lysosome (recycling)
Structure:
vesicle type organelle
Function:
digestion of food particles
disposal of damaged or worn out cell parts
Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum
(conveyor belt)
Structure:
long, projection canals in the cytoplasm
Function:
holds ribosomes
helps transport small materials through the cell
Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum
(conveyor belt)
Structure:
long, projection canals in the cytoplasm
Function:
helps transport small materials through the cell
Vacuole
(supply warehouse)
Structure:
large, fluid filled bubbles
Function:
holds air, water, waste, nutrients
helps support the cell
Golgi Body
(shipping and receiving)
Structure:
series of "pancake" stacks
Function:
packages and stores lipids and proteins
forms vesicles, ships material to and from cell membrane
Mitochondria
(the power plant)
Structure:
sausage shaped organelle
double membrane
Function:
the "powerhouse" of the cell, produces ATP by cellular respiration
Plastids (storage)
Structure:
chromoplast - Make and store pigments
amyloplast - Are for starch storage
only found in plant cells
Function:
store materials related to photosynthesis
Chloroplasts
(the cafeteria)
Structure:
large, green organelle
contains chlorophyll
Function:
produces food by photosynthesis in plants
Cytoskeleton
Structure:
made of long, thin fibers, found in bundles, called microfilaments and microtubules
Function:
assist in cellular movements, and moving organelles and proteins
microtubules are larger and cylindrical, made of tubulin
Centriole
Structure:
part of cytoskeleton
made of microtubules
Function:
migrate to opposite ends and pull apart chromosomes during cell division
Extracellular Matrix
Structure:
complex mixture of fibrous proteins and polysaccharides
Function:
aids in support, anchoring, cell signaling, separation of tissues
cell junctions can connect cells and send signals
ex: bone, exoskeletons, shells
Cilia
Structure:
small hairs that move in waves to cause motion
Function:
found in some single celled organisms and in the lungs and nose
Flagella
Structure:
made of microtubes
looks like a "tail" or "propeller"
Function:
provides locomotion for many single celled organisms