The Cell Theory

• The cell is the basic unit of structure and function (a.k.a. – life)

• All living things are made up of 1 or more cells• Cells come from other, preexisting cells (a.k.a.

– reproduction)

What is a cell?• It is the smallest unit of life that

carries out life functions

Animal CellPlant Cell

What’s Inside?• Organelles

– tiny structures within a cell that perform specific jobs to keep the cell alive

Cytoplasm - gel-like material inside cells

Cytoplasm

Cell Membrane - protects cell and gives it shape and controls what enters and leaves the cell.

Cell Membrane

Nucleus - directs cell activities (brain)

Nucleus

Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) - movement of materials throughout cell

ER

Ribosome - makes proteins

Ribosomes

Mitochondria - the powerhouse of the cell (converts food into energy for the cell)

Mitochondria

Chromatin/Chromosomes (DNA) - contains genetic information (inside the nucleus)

Chromatin

Chloroplast - takes energy from the sun and makes food for the PLANT cell (not found in Animal Cells)

Chloroplast

Cell Wall - supports and protects PLANT cells (not found in animal cells)

Cell Wall

Vacuole - storage of food and water

Vacuole

Golgi Body - packages and moves proteins

Golgi Body

Lysosome - digests wastes

Lysosome