1. Cell Organelles
7.12D Differentiate between structure and function in plant and animal cell organelles, including cell membrane, cell wall, nucleus, cytoplasm, mitochondrion, chloroplast, and vacuole

2. Cell Membrane
Structure: Flexible Membrane with small holes, Surrounds cells (outside layer for animal cells, just inside cell wall for plants)

3. Plant Cell  Animal Cell 
Cell Membrane
Function: Controls what goes in and out of cell (transports material) & Holds in cytoplasm
Analogy: It is like the bright orange flexible fencing around construction sites because it protects the work site while still allowing things to go through.
Plant Cell  Animal Cell 

4. Ribosomes
Structure: are free in the cytoplasm and often attached to the membrane of the endoplasmic reticulum. 

5. Plant Cell  Animal Cell 
Ribosomes
Function: Protein production for the Cell
Analogy: a factory that makes proteins
Plant Cell  Animal Cell 

6. Cytoplasm Structure: Gel-like fluid made mostly of water
The material inside the membrane

7. Plant Cell  Animal Cell 
Cytoplasm
Function:
Holds organelles
keeps cell flexible
maintains shape of cell
Analogy: It is like the water in a swimming pool because all the stuff that happens in the pool happens in the water. The water supports the swimmer like cytoplasm supports organelles
Plant Cell  Animal Cell 

8. Mitochondria
Structure: Bean shape with many layers inside

9. Plant Cell  Animal Cell 
Mitochondria
Function: Transforms energy (from nutrients and Oxygen) for cells to use
Analogy: Mitochondria act like a power plant because they both transform other materials to make energy.
Plant Cell  Animal Cell 

10. Nucleus
Structure: Large and round, will usually be located towards the middle of the cell. Membrane bound (eukaryotic)

11. Plant Cell  Animal Cell 
Nucleus
Function: Contains genetic material (DNA), controls cellular activities
Analogy: The nucleus is like the brain of a human because the brain controls the actions of the body like the nucleus controls the cell.
Plant Cell  Animal Cell 

12. Endoplasmic Reticulum
Structure: Flat, folded membrane, usually around the nucleus

13. Endoplasmic Reticulum
Function: Makes proteins for the cell. Internal delivery system.
Analogy: ER is like a factory that produces goods and ships what they have made.

14. Endoplasmic Reticulum
Rough ER –  is involved in some protein production, protein folding, quality control and dispatch. It is called ‘rough’ because it is studded with ribosomes
Smooth ER -  storage and metabolism of carbohydrates, synthesis and transport of lipids

15. Golgi Body
Structure: Stacked membranes

16. Golgi Body
Function: Packages and delivers materials made from ER. In plants, the Golgi made cell wall material.
Analogy: Golgi bodies are like FedEx because they package and ship materials around and out of cell.

17. Lysosome
Structure: small and round, usually more found in animal cells. Can move within cells.

18. Lysosome
Function: Digestion of cellular waste. Recycles old cell material to make new molecules.
Analogy: Lysosomes are like your digestive system because both can break apart larger materials to make new molecules.

19. Vacuole
Structure: small and round in animal cells, usually a single large bag-like structure in plants

20. Plant Cell  Animal Cell 
Vacuole
Function: stores water and nutrients, aids(helps) in cellular digestion. In plants it works with the cell wall for cell support (turgor pressure).
Analogy: A canteen is like a vacuole because both are used to store water.
Plant Cell  Animal Cell 

21. Chloroplast
Structure: green, bean shaped – found only in plant cells

22. Plant Cell  Animal Cell 
Chloroplast
Only in plant cells!
Function: contains chlorophyll that makes photosynthesis possible
Analogy: Kitchens are like chloroplast because both make “food” for organisms.
Plant Cell  Animal Cell 

23. Cell Wall
Structure: rigid material that forms the outer layer of plant cells.

24. Plant Cell  Animal Cell 
Cell Wall
Only in plant cells!
Function: gives plant cells support and protects cell’s interior.
Analogy: Walls of a building are like a cell wall because both are used for support.
Plant Cell  Animal Cell 

25. So Which is Which and Why?
In your science journal write a few sentences about how you can identify different organelles and types of cells.