The Building Blocks of Life Cells Cells The Building Blocks of Life
Cells Cells are the basic unit of structure and function in living things
Parts of a Cell Each cell part has a special job or “function”! Just like the parts of a city!
What types of jobs do cells need to perform? Produce energy Digest food Get rid of wastes Transport materials Reproduce
Check Point 1 Why are cells so important? They contain materials necessary for life They perform life functions They are the basic unit of living things All of the Above
Parts of a Cell
Cell Membrane Protects cell Acts as a “gate-keeper” or door way Found in all types of cells!
Cell Wall Stiff & rigid to provide support Outermost layer Only in PLANT Cells
Nucleus The control center for all cell activities “City Hall” Acts like the brain Contains genetic material (DNA)
Cytoplasm Jelly-like substance Holds cell organelles
Check Point 2 Which cell part is known as the brain that controls all cell activities? Cytoplasm Nucleus Cell membrane Cell Wall
Organelles “tiny organs” They also have membranes
Mitochondria Produces energy for the cell The “power house”
Ribosomes Produce protein for the cell Like little factories
Endoplasmic Reticulum “ER” Transports materials through the cell The roadways
Golgi Body Receive, package, and carry materials around the cell The post office
Lysosomes Break down food & wastes Garbage Collectors Only in Animal Cells!
Vacuoles Store water, food, and wastes Water Tower Much larger in plant cells
Chloroplast Contain chlorophyll (green pigment) Photosynthesis Capture sun’s energy Only in Plant Cells!
Plant vs. Animal Cells Plant Cell Animal Cell Cell Wall Large central vacuole Has Chloroplast Square box-like shape NO cell wall Several smaller vacuoles Has lysosomes Round shape
Two types of cells Eukaryotic Cells Prokaryotic Cells Plant Cells Animal Cells
Comparing Cell Types Eukaryotic Cells Prokaryotic Cells Multicellular organisms Have organelles More advanced Have nucleus Unicellular organisms No organelles Less advanced No nucleus
Check Point 3 What do plant cells have that animal cell do NOT? Cell wall Chloroplasts Mitochondria Both a & b