Plant + Animal Cell Organelles

Mitochondrion

Organelle responsible for converting sugars into energy (ATP) for the cell; regulates growth, signaling, and cell death.

Flagellum

Tail-like structure that enables cell movement through fluid, such as in sperm cells.

Nuclear Envelope

Protective barrier for DNA, semi-permeable allowing RNA and proteins to enter.

Chromatin

Complex of DNA, RNA, and proteins essential for replication, gene expression, and protection of genetic code.

Nucleolus

Dense bundle of DNA, RNA, and proteins responsible for making ribosomes from rRNA.

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum

Organelle studded with ribosomes that translates RNA into proteins and ensures proper folding.

Ribosomes

Molecular machines that synthesize proteins by linking amino acids based on mRNA sequences.

Plasma Membrane

Semi-permeable barrier that protects the cytoplasm and regulates the flow of substances in and out of the cell.

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum

Organelle responsible for lipid synthesis and hormone production within the cell.

Golgi Apparatus

Modifies, packages, and transports proteins and lipids received from the ER to their destinations.

Lysosome

Small organelles containing digestive enzymes that break down waste materials within the cell.

Microtubules

Hollow protein tubes that assist in maintaining cell structure, transport vesicles, and support during mitosis.

Microfilaments (Actin Filaments) - Animals

The thinnest part of the cytoskeleton, and provide structure, and power motion for the cell. In animal cells, microfilaments are key for cytokinesis, muscle contractions, and changing cell shape.

Centrioles

Protein structures made of microtubules that aid in organizing the cytoskeleton for cell division.

Peroxisome

Organelle that manages lipid metabolism and detoxifies the cell by oxidizing enzymes.

Centrosome

Main microtubule organizing center in animal cells, responsible for organizing the cytoskeleton.

Central Vacuole

Large organelle in plant cells that maintains turgor pressure and stores various substances.

Microfilaments (Actin Filaments) - Plants

Microfilaments are the thinnest part of the cytoskeleton, and provide structure, and power motion for the cell. In plant cells, microfilaments aid in guiding cell-wall material to specific sites for growth, and are used in intercellular transport.

Microtubules

Hollow protein tubes that assist the plant during mitosis, provide structure, and transport vesicles. They radiate from the nucleic envelope. They also aid in strengthening the cell wall, and reinforce the cell wall when it’s experiencing stress to prevent deformities.

Tonoplast

Membrane surrounding the central vacuole, controlling transport and storage of materials within the vacuole.

Intermediate filaments

Rope-like structures that provide cellular support and resilience against stretching.

Chloroplast

Organelles in plant cells that conduct photosynthesis, converting sunlight into chemical energy.

Plasmodesmata

Channels that connect adjacent plant cells, allowing for communication and transfer of signals.

Wall of Adjacent Cell

Plant cells have cell walls that are connected with other cells with a sticky material known as lamella, through small tunnels known as plasmodesmata. The function of this is to allow nutrients, water, and signals to flow freely through the cells, allowing the entire plant to remain rigid and upright.

Cell Wall

Rigid outer layer of plant cells, providing strength, support, and protection.

Peroxisome (Plant)

Responsible for lipid metabolism and hormone synthesis in plants.

Golgi Apparatus

The Golgi apparatus modifies the proteins, and lipids received from the ER (at the cis face). It then packages and transports them to their appropriate locations (at the trans face). In plant cells, they help supply material to the central vacuole, produce vesicles that form the cell plate during division, and synthesize certain complex polysaccharides to form the cell wall.