Plant and Animal Cells

Organelles

Tiny structures that carry out specific functions within the cell. These functions include: producing energy, building and transporting new materials, storing and recycling wastes.

Cell Wall

A rigid layer of nonliving material that surrounds the plant cell. Made of cellulose which is a nonliving material. The cell wall gives the cell its shape and provides support.

Cell Membrane

Semi permeable. Controls what substances enter and leave the cell. It's the outermost layer on an animal cell and is located just inside the cell wall on a plant cell.

Nucleus

The control center for the cell. Directs the cell's activities.

Eukaryotes

Organisms whose genetic material is contained within a nucleus.

Prokaryotes

Organisms whose genetic material is NOT contained within a nucleus.

Nuclear Membrane

Protects the nucleus. Contains small openings or pores that allow material to enter and leave the nucleus.

Chromatin

Thin strands that contain genetic material found floating inside the nucleus. The genetic material contains instructions that direct the functions of a cell.

Nucleolus

Small objects located inside the nucleus that produces (makes) ribosomes.

Ribosomes

Organelles where proteins are produced.

Cytoplasm

A clear, thick, gel-like fluid that is constantly moving. This region contains the cell organelles. Many chemical reactions take place here. The first stage of respiration takes place here.

Mitochondria

Called the "powerhouse" of the cell because they produce most of the energy the cell needs to carry out its functions. The 2nd stage of respiration takes place here.

Endoplasmic Reticulum E.R.

Carry proteins and other materials from the nuclear membrane to the golgi apparatus.

Golgi Bodies/ golgi complex/ golgi apparatus

Receives proteins and other materials from the E.R. and transports it throughout the cell.

Chloroplasts

Capture energy from sunlight and use it to produce food for the cell in a process called "photosynthesis". Chloroplasts contain Chlorophyll.

Chlorophyll

A green pigment found inside chloroplasts. It absorbs light energy which is used in photosynthesis.

Vacuoles

Storage areas for food, water, and wastes. Most plant cells have one large vacuole. Some animal cells do not have vacuoles; others do.

Lysosomes

Small, round structures found in both plant and animal cells that contain chemicals that break down large food particles into smaller ones. Break down old cell parts and release the substances so they can be used again. The cells clean up crew.

Centrioles

Small, cylinder-shaped structures that help with cell division.