Parts of a Cell

Notes

COMMON CELL TRAITS

A cell is the smallest unit that is capable of performing life functions.

protects the cell gives shape is made of cellulose A cell wall is found in plants, algae, fungi, & most

bacteria but NOT in animal cells.

CELL WALL

CELL MEMBRANE

Outer covering, protective layer around ALL cells

For cells with cell walls, the cell membrane is inside the cell wall

Allows food, oxygen, & water into the cell & waste products out of the cell.

CYTOPLASM

gelatin-like substance found inside the cell membrane constantly flows Most all cell activity occurs

here. aka protoplasm Found in both plant and animal

cells.

NUCLEUS

Directs all cell activities Contains instructions

for everything the cell does

These instructions are found on a hereditary material called DNA

Usually the largest organelle

Found in both plant and animal cells

NUCLEAR MEMBRANE

separates nucleus from cytoplasm

controls movement of materials in & out of nucleus

NUCLEOLUS

Aka “little nucleus” Found in the nucleus Where chromosomes

are made.

CHROMATIN (Chromosomes)

contains genetic code that controls the cell made of DNA & proteins

CHLOROPLASTS

Green organelles that make food

found only in plant cells

CHLOROPHYLL

A green pigment that gives leaves & stems their color

Captures sunlight energy that is used to produce food called glucose

Glucose is a type of sugar

MITOCHONDRIA

Organelles that release energy from food

This energy is released by breaking down food into carbon dioxide

AKA the powerhouse b/c they release energy from food

Found in both plant and animal cells

RIBOSOMES Make proteins Float freely or attached to the

endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ribosomes are made in the

nucleolus Found in both plant and

animal cells.

ENDOPLASMIC RETICULUM

A series of folded membranes that move materials (proteins) around in a cell

like a conveyor belt Smooth ER – ribosomes are not

attached to ER Rough ER – ribosomes are

attached to ER Found in both plant and animal

cells.

VACUOLES

Large water-filled sac Stores food, water, and

waste Found in both plant and

animal cells, however plants contain only one large one taking 90% of the cell space.

LYSOSOMES (LI suh sohmz)

The word "lysosome" is Latin for "kill body." The purpose of the lysosome is to digest things. Lysosomes break down food molecules, cell wastes

& worn out cell parts (when a cell dies) Found in animal cells rare in plant cells.

GOLGI BODIES (GAWL jee)

Stacked flattened membranes

Sort and package proteins

FROM CELL TO ORGANISMCell

The basic unit of life

TissueGroup of cells working together

OrganGroup of tissues working together

OrganismAny living thing made of 1 or more cells

Organ SystemGroup of organs working together