Cell Organelle Notes

Eukaryotic Cells There are two types of Eukaryotic Cells. They are animal and plant cells. Eukaryotic cells contain a nucleus and membrane bound organelles.

Organelles are tiny structures that carry out different functions in the cell, such as structure, support, metabolism or homeostasis. Most organelles are found in both the animal and plant cell, however there are a few that are only in the animal cell or the plant cell.

Cell/Plasma Membrane Structure - a phospholipid bilayer composed of proteins and carbohydrates. It is fluid like. Proteins are found embedded within the plasma membrane, with some extending all the way through in order to transport materials.

Cell/Plasma Membrane Function - the cell membrane separates the cell from its external environment, and is selectively permeable (controls what gets in and out). It protects the cell and provides stability.

Color and label the cell/plasma membrane light brown.

Cytoplasm Structure - The jelly-like substance composed of mainly water and found between the cell membrane and nucleus. The cytoplasm makes up most of the "body" of a cell. Function - Organelles are found here and substances like salts may be dissolved in the cytoplasm.

Color and label the cytoplasm yellow

Nucleus Structure - The largest organelle in the cell. It is dark and round, and is surrounded by a double membrane called the nuclear envelope /membrane. In spots the nuclear envelope fuses to form pores, which are selectively permeable.

Nucleus Function - "control center" of the cell, regulating cell metabolism and reproduction. The nucleus contains genetic information (DNA) on special strands called chromosomes.

Color the nuclear membrane dark gray and the nucleus grey. Label the nuclear pores.

Nucleolus Structure - Spherical ball inside the nucleus Function - Makes Ribosomes

Ribosomes Structure - Ribosomes are small particles, which are found individually in the cytoplasm and also line the membranes of the rough endoplasmic reticulum. Function - produce proteins! They could be thought of as "factories" in the cell.

Label the ribosomes Color and label the nucleolus dark gray

Endoplasmic Reticulum Structure - network of membranous canals filled with fluid. Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum is lined with ribosomes and is rough in appearance and smooth endoplasmic reticulum contains no ribosomes and is smooth in appearance. Function - Transports materials throughout the cell. It is continuous with the nuclear membrane for transport.

Color the Rough ER purple Color the Smooth ER pink Label each structure

Mitochondria Structure - round "tube-like" organelles that are surrounded by a double membrane, with the inner membrane being highly folded. Contains its own DNA, which supports the Endosymbiotic Theory. Function - often referred to as the "powerhouse" of the cell. Stores and releases ATP (energy) from breakdown of food molecules to be used by the cell. This process is called respiration.

Color and label the mitochondria red

Golgi Complex Structure - stacks of flattened membranous stacks (they look like pancakes!). Front end faces the E.R., back end faces the cell membrane! Function - temporarily modifies, sorts and distributes protein, which can then leave the cell by vesicles pinching off from the Golgi. Also store proteins for distribution later.

Color and label Golgi Complex orange

Lysosome Structure - small sac-like structures surrounded by a single membrane and containing strong digestive enzymes. Function - Release digestive enzymes that break down and recycle worn out organelles or food.

Color and label the lysosome brown Found in animal cells

Vacuole Structure - fluid filled vesicles enclosed by a membrane. Function - They can store materials such as food, water, sugar, minerals and waste products. Also used as support in the plant cell. *Plant cells have one CENTRAL vacuole, which animal cells have many small ones.

Color and label the vacuole blue

Cell wall Structure - Rigid structure composed of cellulose (carbohydrate) and lying just outside the cell membrane. Function - Gives the plant cell its box-like shape. It also protects the cell. The cell wall contains pores, which allow materials to pass to and from the cell membrane.

Color and label cell wall dark green (Plant cells only) Also found in Prokaryotic cells

Chloroplast Structure - round tube-like organelle with a double membrane. Consists of small individual disk shaped compartments called thylakoids. Has its own DNA like mitochondria. Contains chlorophyll (pigment) that traps the light energy. Function - converts light energy into carbohydrates in a process known as photosynthesis.

Color and label the chloroplast green Plant cells only

Cytoskeleton Structure - Tube like structures that usually occur in bundles Function - form tracks within the cell for the movement of organelles. Centrioles are used during cell division to produce spindle fibers.

Label structures Includes microtubules, microfilaments, intermediate filaments and centrioles (animal cell only)

Cilia and Flagella Structure - hair like extensions made up of microtubules. Function - used for movement Cilia - hair - smooth movement Flagella -tail - whip-like movement

Prokaryotic cells can also have flagella

Animal cell

Plant cell

The End