Cell Parts and Their Functions

Vocabulary flashcards for cell parts and their functions.

Cell Membrane

Acts like a gate; controls what enters and leaves the cell.

Cytoplasm

Jelly-like substance inside the cell; holds organelles and helps things move around.

Nucleus

The 'brain' of the cell; controls cell activities and holds DNA.

Mitochondria

The 'powerhouse' of the cell; creates energy the cell needs to work.

Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)

Highway system of the cell; Rough ER has ribosomes and helps make proteins; Smooth ER helps make fats and remove toxins.

Ribosomes

Tiny factories for making proteins; found on rough ER or floating in cytoplasm.

Golgi Apparatus (Golgi Body)

Acts like a post office; packages and sends proteins to where they are needed.

Lysosomes

The clean-up crew (only in animal cells); breaks down waste and old cell parts.

Vacuole

Storage area; large in plant cells (stores water, nutrients); small in animal cells.

Chloroplasts

Only in plant cells; contains chlorophyll; uses sunlight to make food (photosynthesis).

Cell Wall

Only in plant cells; tough outer layer outside the cell membrane; gives shape and protection.