Intro to Cell Vocabulary

Fancy NamesFor

Simple Things

CellsCells are the basic unit of all living

things…if it is alive it has cells

Two “Classes” of CellsThere are 2 classes of cells. There

are only two differences between Plant & Animal cells…try to spot them by the end of the show

Plant cells Animal Cells

Cell DifferentiationThere are only 2 classes of cells

(plant/animal), but there are many kinds of cells in each class. Each kind of cell has a DIFFERENT job to do…it specializes.I am a

heart cell! I am a skin cell

I’m a Prison Cell!

When you hear the new vocabulary…just think

of a

Turtle

Cell MembraneThe cell membrane holds the cell

together and allows nutrients in the cell

It’s just like a turtle’s skinThe cell membrane is on the edge

of a cell

CytoplasmCytoplasm is the watery gel (Jello!)

inside a cell….it’s goop! It holds the ORGANelles

Cytoplasm is like the turtles blood and other liquids

MitochondriaMitochondria is an ORGANelle that

releases energy from foodMitochondria is like a turtle’s

stomach

NucleusThe nucleus controls the cellThe nucleus is like the turtle’s brain

ChromosomesChromosomes are inside the nucleus

and are made of genes (DNA)Genes decide the cells’ traits and

activities (heart cell, eye cell (color))

Nuclear MembraneThe nuclear membrane allows

substances to pass in and out of the nucleus

It surrounds the nucleus (the brain) like the turtle’s skull…protects it

VacuolesVacuoles are spaces in the cytoplasm

(gel) where food and chemicals are stored

It’s like “fat” on a turtleI am NOT

fat…I’m just a little

plump!!

Cell WallCell Walls are only in plant cellsThey make the cell strong and rigidThey are like a turtle’s shell (but only

plants have them…that’s why grass stands straight up!)

RibosomeCells need to make proteins. Ribosomes are the protein builders. They are like construction guys who

connect one amino acid at a time and build long chains. 

Endoplasmic ReticulumFunctions as a packaging system.Packages proteins and releases them

to be transported.

Golgi ApparatusThe Golgi Apparatus is responsible

for taking the proteins which were created by the ribosomes and making them bigger and better.

Think of an assembly line where cars are made. The first worker creates a car frame. The next worker adds an engine, or seats, or other parts.

Centriole They are there to help the cell when

it comes time to divide.Forms spindle fibers in animal cells

during cell division

Chloroplasts Chloroplasts are only in plant cellsThey contain chlorophyll, which helps

make energy/food from sunlightChlorophyll is green in color…so any

plant that is green has chloroplasts

I’m green…do I have

chloroplasts?

What’s the Difference?So what are two things that Plant

cells have that animal cells don’t?

?Chloroplasts & Cell Walls

What would happen if animals had Chloroplasts?

Now, let’s review… Cell Membrane Cell Wall

ChloroplastsChromosomes Nucleus

MitochondriaCytoplasm Vacuoles

Centriole Ribosome GogliEndoplasmic Reticulum

Plant/Animal Cell Differentiation Cells

Congratulations You now know all the vocabulary for

cells