Cell Biology: Organelles in Animal, Plant, and Bacterial Cells

Definition: Organelles are specialized structures within a cell that perform specific functions.
Activity:
1. Labeling Organelles:
- Students are prompted to locate and label various organelles using a dropdown menu or by clicking directly on them. The organelles include:
  - Cell Membrane
  - Centriole
  - Nucleus
  - Nucleolus
  - Lysosome
  - Cytoplasm
  - Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)
  - Mitochondria
  - Golgi Apparatus
  - Cytoskeleton
  - Vesicle
  - Vacuole
1. Matching Functions to Organelles:
- The following pairs were established based on descriptions of each organelle:
  - Cytoplasm: H. Everything between nuclear membrane and cell membrane.
  - Lysosome: E. Sac filled with digestive chemicals.
  - Mitochondria: F. Structures that convert nutrients to energy.
  - Centriole: A. Structure that organizes motion of chromosomes.
  - Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER): G. Passageways where chemicals are made.
  - Vacuole: M. Sac that stores water, nutrients, or waste products.
  - Cell Membrane: D. Membrane that surrounds and protects the cell.
  - Nucleus: J. Structure that contains DNA and regulates genes.
  - Ribosome: L. Small structure that synthesizes proteins.
  - Nuclear Membrane: C. Membrane that surrounds and protects the nucleus.
  - Golgi Apparatus: B. Stack of membranes that packages chemicals.
  - Vesicle: K. Package created by the Golgi apparatus.
  - Cytoskeleton: N. Tubules and filaments that give the cell its shape.

Cell Membrane:
- Diffusion:
  - Small, uncharged molecules can diffuse directly through the cell membrane.
- Large Molecules:
  - Some large molecules and charged ions pass through the cell membrane via protein channels.
Nuclear Membrane:
- Function:
  - Similar to the cell membrane, it regulates the movement of substances in and out of the nucleus.
Mitochondrion:
- Function:
  - Glucose is broken down and then reacts with oxygen to produce energy in the form of ATP and carbon dioxide.
Ribosome:
- Protein Synthesis:
  - Ribosomes use RNA as a template to manufacture proteins.
Vesicle:
- Transportation:
  - Vesicles move through the cell by attaching to motor proteins known as kinesin, which 'walk' along the cytoskeleton carrying vesicles from one part of the cell to another.

Activity Setup:
1. Labeling Organelles:
- Plants cells include the following organelles:
  - Chloroplast
  - Plastid
  - Nucleus
  - Mitochondria
  - Cytoskeleton
  - Cell Membrane
  - Cell Wall
  - Golgi Apparatus
  - Cytoplasm
  - Vacuole
  - Vesicle
1. Comparative Analysis:
- Presence of structures in animal vs plant cells:
  - Animal Only: Centrioles, lysosomes
  - Plant Only: Cell wall, chloroplasts, plastids
1. Function Identification:
- A. Chloroplasts convert sunlight to chemical energy.
- B. Cell wall, vacuole, and cytoskeleton support the plant cell and help maintain its shape.
- C. Plastids store food or pigments.
- D. Mitochondria convert food into energy and are present in both plant and animal cells.

Activity Setup:
1. Labeling Organelles:
- Structures identified in bacterial cells include:
  - Flagellum
  - Cytoskeleton
  - Ribosome
  - Pilus
  - Cytoplasm
1. Matching Functions to Organelles:
- Functions matched to organelles:
  - Capsule: D. Outermost layer providing protection.
  - Nucleoid: C. Region containing genetic material, not surrounded by nuclear membrane.
  - Plasmid: E. Circular piece of genetic material.
  - Flagellum: A. Hair-like structure used for movement.
  - Pilus: B. Hair-like structure that attaches to surfaces and can transfer genetic material.
1. Comparison Features:
- Unique structures in bacteria not found in plant/animal cells include: Capsule, nucleoid, plasmid, flagellum, and pilus.
- Unique structures present in plant and animal cells but absent in bacterial cells: Centrioles, lysosomes, mitochondria, and nucleus.
- Structural similarities: Chloroplasts and mitochondria possess their own DNA, suggesting a historical link with bacteria that were once engulfed by larger cells.

Understanding the organelles within animal, plant, and bacterial cells highlights the diversity and specialization of cell structures and functions. This knowledge is crucial for comprehensively understanding cellular processes across different types of life forms.