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

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