Animal and Plant Cell Functions

Also where they are found (in plant/animal/both)

Rough ER

BOTH plant and animal cells — Makes and transports proteins.

Smooth ER

BOTH plant and animal cells — Makes lipids and breaks down harmful substances.

Nucleus

BOTH plant and animal cells — Controls the cell and contains DNA.

Nucleolus

BOTH plant and animal cells — Makes ribosome parts inside the nucleus.

Ribosomes

BOTH plant and animal cells — Make proteins.

Golgi apparatus

BOTH plant and animal cells — Modifies, packages, and ships materials.

Plasma membrane (cell membrane)

BOTH plant and animal cells — Controls what enters and leaves the cell.

Mitochondria

BOTH plant and animal cells — Produces ATP (energy).

Cytoskeleton

BOTH plant and animal cells — Supports the cell and maintains its shape.

Microtubules

BOTH plant and animal cells — Help with cell shape, movement, and division.

Intermediate filaments

BOTH plant and animal cells — Give the cell strength and support.

Microfilaments

BOTH plant and animal cells — Help with cell movement and shape.

Peroxisomes

BOTH plant and animal cells — Break down fatty acids and harmful substances.

Lysosomes

MOSTLY animal cells — Break down waste and old cell parts.

Flagellum

SOME animal cells — Helps the cell move.

Centrioles

ANIMAL cells — Help organize structures during cell division.

Central vacuole

PLANT cells — Stores water and helps keep the cell firm.

Chloroplast

PLANT cells — Uses sunlight to make sugar through photosynthesis.

Cell wall

PLANT cells — Provides support, protection, and shape.

Cytoplasm

BOTH plant and animal cells — Jelly-like material that fills the cell and holds organelles.

Vesicles

BOTH plant and animal cells — Small sacs that transport and store materials.

Nuclear envelope

BOTH plant and animal cells — Surrounds and protects the nucleus.

Chromatin

BOTH plant and animal cells — DNA and proteins that contain genetic information.