Cell Parts and Functions

Organelle Tiny cell structures that carry out specific functions. ALL CELLS

Cell Wall Rigid layer of non-living material that surrounds the cell. PLANT & BACTERIA CELLS

Cell Membrane Controls what substances come into and out of a cell. ALL CELLS

Nucleus The control center. It directs all of the cell’s activities. PLANT AND ANIMAL CELLS.

Nuclear Membrane Protects the nucleus and controls what goes into and out of it. PLANT AND ANIMAL CELLS.

Chromatin The genetic material, or instructions that direct the functions of the cell. PLANT AND ANIMAL CELLS.

Nucleolus Makes ribosomes. PLANT AND ANIMAL CELLS

Cytoplasm The region between the cell membrane and the nucleus. Many organelles are found here and this fluid is constantly in motion. ALL CELLS

Mitochondria Produce most of the energy that the cell needs to carry out its functions. PLANT AND ANIMAL

Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) A series of passageways that carry proteins and other materials from one part of a cell to another. PLANT AND ANIMAL

Ribosomes Factories that produce proteins. ALL CELLS

Golgi Bodies The cell’s mailroom. They receive proteins and other newly formed materials from the ER, package them, and distribute them to other parts of the cell. PLANT AND ANIMAL CELLS

Chloroplast Capture energy from sunlight and use it to produce energy for the cell. PLANT CELLS

Vacuoles The storage area for the cell. They store food and other necessary materials. PLANT AND ANIMAL

Lysosomes They contain chemicals that break down large food particles into smaller ones. They also break down old cell parts and release substances so that they can be used again. PLANT AND ANIMAL.