Cell Organelles

1. Cell Organelles 7.12D Differentiate between structure and function in plant and animal cell organelles, including cell membrane, cell wall, nucleus, cytoplasm, mitochondrion, chloroplast, and vacuole

2. Cell Membrane • Structure: Flexible Membrane with small holes, Surrounds cells (outside layer for animal cells, just inside cell wall for plants)

3. Cell Membrane Plant Cell  Animal Cell  • Function: Controls what goes in and out of cell (transports material) & Holds in cytoplasm • Analogy: It is like the bright orange flexible fencing around construction sites because it protects the work site while still allowing things to go through.

4. Ribosomes • Structure: are free in the cytoplasm and often attached to the membrane of the endoplasmic reticulum. 

5. Ribosomes Plant Cell  Animal Cell  • Function: Protein production for the Cell • Analogy: a factory that makes proteins

6. Cytoplasm The material inside the membrane Structure: Gel-like fluid made mostly of water

7. Cytoplasm Plant Cell  Animal Cell  • Function: • Holds organelles • keeps cell flexible • maintains shape of cell • Analogy: It is like the water in a swimming pool because all the stuff that happens in the pool happens in the water. The water supports the swimmer like cytoplasm supports organelles

8. Mitochondria Structure: Bean shape with many layers inside

9. Mitochondria Plant Cell  Animal Cell  Function: Transforms energy (from nutrients and Oxygen) for cells to use Analogy: Mitochondria act like a power plant because they both transform other materials to make energy.

10. Nucleus Structure: Large and round, will usually be located towards the middle of the cell. Membrane bound (eukaryotic)

11. Nucleus Plant Cell  Animal Cell  Function: Contains genetic material (DNA), controls cellular activities Analogy: The nucleus is like the brain of a human because the brain controls the actions of the body like the nucleus controls the cell.

12. Endoplasmic Reticulum Structure: Flat, folded membrane, usually around the nucleus

13. Endoplasmic Reticulum Function: Makes proteins for the cell. Internal delivery system. Analogy: ER is like a factory that produces goods and ships what they have made.

14. Endoplasmic Reticulum Rough ER – is involved in some protein production, protein folding, quality control and dispatch. It is called ‘rough’ because it is studded with ribosomes Smooth ER - storage and metabolism of carbohydrates, synthesis and transport of lipids

15. Golgi Body Structure: Stacked membranes

16. Golgi Body Function: Packages and delivers materials made from ER. In plants, the Golgi made cell wall material. Analogy: Golgi bodies are like FedEx because they package and ship materials around and out of cell.

17. Lysosome Structure: small and round, usually more found in animal cells. Can move within cells.

18. Lysosome Function: Digestion of cellular waste. Recycles old cell material to make new molecules. Analogy: Lysosomes are like your digestive system because both can break apart larger materials to make new molecules.

19. Vacuole Structure: small and round in animal cells, usually a single large bag-like structure in plants

20. Vacuole Plant Cell  Animal Cell  Function: stores water and nutrients, aids(helps) in cellular digestion. In plants it works with the cell wall for cell support (turgor pressure). Analogy: A canteen is like a vacuole because both are used to store water.

21. Chloroplast Structure: green, bean shaped – found only in plant cells

22. Chloroplast Only in plant cells! Plant Cell  Animal Cell  Function: contains chlorophyll that makes photosynthesis possible Analogy: Kitchens are like chloroplast because both make “food” for organisms.

23. Cell Wall Structure: rigid material that forms the outer layer of plant cells.

24. Cell Wall Only in plant cells! Plant Cell  Animal Cell  Function: gives plant cells support and protects cell’s interior. Analogy: Walls of a building are like a cell wall because both are used for support.

25. So Which is Which and Why? In your science journal write a few sentences about how you can identify different organelles and types of cells.