CELL PARTSWhat is a cell?

Cell – The smallest unit that can perform all life processes; cells are covered by a membrane and have

DNA and cytoplasm.

The Cell Wall

Cell wall – A rigid structure that surrounds the cell membrane and provides support to the cell.

Cell walls are found in Plants, fungi, and algae.

The cell walls of plant cells allow plants to stand upright in some plants. This is why if it doesn’t rain or you forget you

water your plants they will start drooping.

Cell Membrane

Cell membrane – A protective barrier that encloses a cell.

Cell membranes contain proteins, lipids, and phospholipids.

Proteins and lipids attach to materials and move them into and out of the cell. This is how cells get nutrients and also get rid

of waste.

Cytoskeleton

Cytoskeleton – Is a web of proteins in the cytoplasm that helps keep the cell from collapsing.

It is made up of 3 types of proteins, one a hollow tube and the other two long, stringy fibers.

Nucleus

The Nucleus – The organelle that contains the cell’s DNA and is the control center of the cell.

DNA contains the information on how to make a cells proteins.

The Nucleus has a double membrane on the outside and a Dark area on the inside called a nucleolus. The nucleolus is the place where a cell begins

to make its ribosomes.

Ribosomes

Ribosomes – a cell organelle composed of RNA and protein; the site of the protein synthesis.

They are the smallest of all organelles. Proteins are made within the ribosomes,

all cells need proteins to live and all cells have ribosomes.

Endoplasmic Reticulum

E.R. – A system of membranes that is found in a cell’s cytoplasm and that assists in the production, processing, and transport of proteins and in the production of lipids.

E.R. is either rough or smooth and is usually found near the nucleus. Rough E.R. is covered with ribosomes and

makes up many of the cells proteins. Smooth E.R. makes lipids and breaks down

toxic materials that can damage the cell.

Mitochondria

Mitochondria – in eukaryotic cells, the cell organelle that is surrounded by two membranes and that is the site of cellular respiration.

The mitochondria breaks down sugar to produce ATP.

The energy stored in ATP is what the cell uses to power all of its life functions.

Mitochondria have its own DNA and can divide within a cell.

Chloroplasts

Chloroplasts – The organelle that uses the energy of sunlight to make food.

This is where photosynthesis takes place. Photosynthesis is the process by which plants

and algae use sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water to make sugar and oxygen.

Chloroplasts are green because they contain chlorophyll, a green pigment found inside their inner membrane. Chlorophyll traps the energy of sunlight, which

is used to make sugar.

Golgi Complex

Golgi complex – A cell organelle that helps make and package materials to be transported out of the cell.

Lipids and proteins from the E.R. are transported to the Golgi Complex where they are modified to do different jobs.

The membrane pinches off small bubbles that transports its contents to other parts of the cell or out of the cell.

Lysosome

Lysosome – The organelle that digests food particles, wastes, cell parts, and foreign invaders.

Lysosomes destroy worn-out or damaged organelles.

Vacuoles

Vacuole – the organelle that stores water and other materials.

Some vacuoles can act like large lysosomes, they store digestive enzymes and aid in digestion.

Plant vacuoles fill with water and help support the cell. If they are empty some plants will wilt.

Some trivia

Which organelle contains the cell’s DNA?

Which organelle is the smallest of all organelles?

What part of a cell is found in plants that helps keep their structure?

The Cell Wall

Which organelle breaks down food to produce ATP?

What uses the energy of sunlight to make food?

Here is where lipids and proteins are modified to do different jobs?

Golgi Complex

What organelle gets rid of waste and worn out or damage organelles?