Cells – Parts and Functions Scientific word for cell parts - ORGANELLE

Cell Wall Found in plants and some microscopic organisms. A strong, stiff outer covering. Used for protection Used to give support to the cell Allows materials to enter and leave the cell

CELL MEMBRANE Found in all living things A thin layer that surrounds and holds the cell together – made of fats and proteins Allows materials to enter and leave the cell Allows for shape changes due to pressure

CYTOPLASM Watery material found inside the cell but outside of the nucleus Surrounds all the organelles – cell parts “float” around in the cytoplasm

ENDOPLASMIC RETICULUM Passageways or “roads” found throughout the cytoplasm. Materials will travel on these “roads” to get to their destination. Comes in two types – “rough” and “smooth”

NUCLEAR MEMBRANE Thin layer of material that separates the nucleus from the rest of the cell. Allows materials to enter and leave the nucleus

RIBOSOMES Very important – it is the place where proteins are made for the cell Can be found attached to the Endoplasmic Reticulum ( rough ER) or can be found unattached in the cytoplasm

NUCLEUS The “brain” of the cell – it directs all the cell’s activities and functions Usually the largest organelle in the cell Contains all the information needed for the cell to live and grow

CHROMOSOMES Found inside the nucleus Holds all the information about the cell and what it can do Passes on traits of the cell to a new cell

VACUOLE The storage place of the cell Stores – food for energy, water, and waste materials

MITOCHONDRIA The “powerhouse” of the cell Stores and supplies most of the energy for the cell Energy needed for “work”

Chloroplast Found in plants and some microscopic organisms Contain chlorophyll ( a chemical used for making sugars) Captures energy from the sun and uses it for food ( to do work) Process is called photosynthesis