6th Grade Unit 3 Lesson 3 Cell Structure and Function

eukaryote

organism whose cell(s) contain a nucleus, membrane-bound organelles, and parts that protect and support each cell

structure

the way a cell is built; this determines what the cell can do for an organism

function

the activity, or job, of each cell part

cell membrane (a.k.a. plasma membrane)

a flexible, protective layer that covers a cell's surface and acts as a barrier between the inside of a cell and the cell's environment; regulates what enters and leaves a cell

cytoplasm

the gel-like fluid inside the cell membrane that flows around all the other organelles of a cell and helps move materials

organelle

small structure in a cell that is specialized to perform a specific function

cytoskeleton

a network of protein filaments that give shape and support to certain cells; also involved in cell division (making new cells)

nucleus

in eukaryotes this is the membrane bound organelle that contains a cell's DNA; this organelle directs the cell's activities

genetic material (DNA)

contains information needed for cell processes and making new cells

nuclear membrane

a double-layered membrane that surrounds and protects the nucleus

nucleolus

Found inside the nucleus and produces ribosomes

mitochondrion (mitochondria, plural)

organelle in which cellular respiration occurs, providing energy for the cell; this organelle has its own DNA as well as a folded inner membrane

cellular respiration

the process by which cells use oxygen to release energy stored in food

ribosome

tiny organelle that makes proteins by putting together chains of amino acids using instructions from the cell's DNA; some float freely in cytoplasm and others attach to another organelle called endoplasmic reticulum

endoplasmic reticulum (ER)

system of membranes near the nucleus that assists in the production, processing, and transport of proteins and the production of lipids; may be either rough or smooth

rough E.R.

has ribosomes attached to it; moves proteins made by ribosomes to other parts of the cell

smooth E.R.

no ribosomes; makes lipids and breaks down toxic materials that could damage the cell

Golgi complex (a.k.a. Golgi body or Golgi apparatus)

the organelle that packages and transports materials, like lipids and proteins

vesicle

small part that pinches off of the Golgi complex to deliver materials where they are needed

cell wall

rigid structure that surrounds the cell membrane and provides extra support/protection to plant cells; also surrounds cells of fungi, archaea, bacteria, and some protists (not animals)

vacuole

fluid-filled storage vesicle found in the cells of most animals, plants, and fungi; may contain enzymes, nutrients, water, or waste

central vacuole

large storage organelle in plant cells that stores mainly water

chloroplast

green organelles where photosynthesis occurs to make food for a plant cell; may also be in the cells of some protists

chlorophyll

green pigment in plants that absorbs light energy used to carry out photosynthesis

photosynthesis

the process by which plants, algae, and some bacteria make their own food; uses sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water to make sugars and oxygen

lysosome

contains digestive enzymes, which break down worn- out or damaged organelles, waste materials, and invaders in an animal cell

plant cells

have cell wall, cell membrane, nucleus, DNA, mitochondria, ribosomes, ER, Golgi complex, large central vacuole, and chloroplasts

animal cells

have cell membrane, nucleus, DNA, mitochondria, ribosomes, ER, Golgi complex, small vacuoles, and lysosomes