The Cell Coulter

Two types of cells Animal Cell Plant Cell

Cell Membrane: plants and animals Is a flexible covering that protects the inside of a cell from the environment outside the cell. Cell membrane is mostly made of two different macromolecules– proteins and phospholipids. Controls which substances pass into and out of the cell.

Cell wall: plants Rigid layer that surrounds the cells of plants and some other organisms. Protects the cell from attack by viruses and other harmful organisms. Helps maintain shape and gives structural support. Water and oxygen can pass through easily.

Cell wall It is very rigid, can be many micrometers in thickness, and provides plant cells a much defined shape. Due to the fact that plants have evolved this rigid structure, they have lost the opportunity to develop immune systems, nervous systems and most importantly, mobility.

Cell wall composition In new cells, the cell wall is not very rigid and thin, which allows the young cells room to grow and develop. The primary cell wall is the first cell wall of the growing plant cells. Once the cell is fully grown, the primary cell walls are normally retained and are thickened and it will develop the secondary cell walls, which are the deposited new layers of a different material. Every cell wall is interacting with the other cell walls in order to form a tightly bound structure of plants.

Nucleus: plant and animal Organelle that directs cell activities and contains genetic information stored in DNA. “control center” Made up of three parts: Nuclear envelope: The pores regulate the passage of macromolecules like proteins and RNA, but permit free passage of water, ions, ATP and other small molecules. Chromatin: the material of which the chromosomes of organisms other than bacteria (i.e., eukaryotes) are composed. It consists of protein, RNA, and DNA. Nucleolus: This structure is made up of proteins and ribonucleic acids (RNA). Its main function is to rewrite ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and combine it with proteins. This results in the formation of incomplete ribosomes.

Chromosome, chromatid, chromatin oh my! Chromatin in the nucleus condense to form chromosomes. Chromosomes have two rods because cell’s DNA is replicated. Chromatid are held together by a structure called a centromere.

Ribosomes: plants and animals Are a cell structure that makes protein. Protein is needed for many cell functions such as repairing damage or directing chemical processes. Functions: Convert genetic code into an amino acid sequence. Build protein polymers from amino acid monomers. Do their work in the cytoplasm.

Chloroplast: plants Capture energy from sunlight and use it to produce food for the cell. Chloroplast make leaves green.

Mitochondria: plants and animals Are known as the “powerhouse” of the cell because they convert energy in food molecules to energy the cell can use to carry out its functions.