We are made of TRILLIONS of cells! A cell is the basic unit of structure and function of all living things. We are made of TRILLIONS of cells! All humans, animals, plants, and bacteria are made of cells!

A cell has many different parts that help it function. These are called organelles. Organelles have structure (how it’s built) and a function (what it does).

The cell membrane is the outer layer of the cell that works as a screen allowing nutrients, water, and oxygen in the cell while keeping harmful substances out.

The cytoplasm is a gel-like fluid that holds all organelles allowing them to move and function properly.

The “mighty” mitochondria is considered the “powerhouse” of the cell because it helps the cell break down nutrients creating energy for the cell.

Golgi bodies function as a “post office” for the cell because it helps package up proteins and nutrients to ship off to other parts of the cell.

The nucleus is considered the “brain” of the cell because it controls what each cell does and becomes. DNA is located in the nucleus of every cell.

The nucleolus is part of the nucleus. Ribosomes are created here.

The endoplasmic reticulum serves as a transport system or “highway” for proteins and other organelles to move about the cell. There is rough and smooth endoplasmic reticulum. The rough ER is studded with ribosomes, the smooth ER is not.

little protein factories, producing proteins to aid in cell function. Ribosomes function as little protein factories, producing proteins to aid in cell function.

Lysosomes can be compared to a “recycling center.” They break down nutrients, molecules, and waste materials for different purposes.

Vacuoles are the storage tank for the cells storing energy, food, water, etc. Plant cell have one large vacuole while animal cells have multiple small vacuoles.

Chloroplasts are only found in plant cells. Chloroplasts take in sunlight and transforms it to energy for the plant (photosynthesis occurs here). Chloroplasts are the reason why leaves and other plants are green in color.

A cell wall is only found in a plant cell & provides extra support & protection for the plant cell.

Vacuoles (Multiple Small) Cell Membrane Cytoplasm Mitochondria Golgi Bodies Nucleus Nucleolus ER Ribosomes Vacuoles (One Large) Cell Wall Chloroplasts Cell Membrane Cytoplasm Mitochondria Golgi Bodies Nucleus Nucleolus ER Ribosomes Lysosomes Vacuoles (Multiple Small)