1. Cell Structure
The “little organs” that perform important functions in the cell are Organelles

2. Cell Structure There are two main parts (areas):
The Nucleus controls the cells activities and contains DNA (genetic material).
Everything outside of the nucleus is the Cytoplasm.

3. Cell Structure Cell Membrane – Fence around the factory
It is the protective barrier for the cell.
It regulates what enters and leaves the cell.
All cells have a
cell membrane

4. Cell Structure Nucleus - The main office
•The control center of the cell
•Contains DNA which has instructions for making proteins and other molecules

5. Cell Structure Nucleus - The main office
•Surrounded by nuclear envelope 
(membrane with two layers) that has holes in
it called nuclear pores which allow things
into and out
of the nucleus.
Chromatin is found
in the nucleus. It forms 

Chromosomes during
cell division
Nucleolus is an area in the nucleus where 
ribosomes are made

6. Cell Structure Cytoplasm – Open Spaces
Gel-like substance throughout the cell
Growth materials for cells are made here
Helps cells get rid of wastes
Supports organelles

7. Cell Structure
Mitochondria - Powerhouse of the cell
Convert chemical energy stored in food into compounds that the cell can use.
In humans, nearly all
mitochondria come from
the egg (mom)
Contain their own DNA

8. Cell Structure Centrioles - scaffolding
tubes found in the centrosomes.
Centrioles help divide DNA. (Shoot “webs”, like Spiderman)
Centrioles form cilia and flagella.

9. Cell Structure Lysosomes - Cleanup Crew
Small organelles filled with enzymes
Breakdown lipids, carbohydrates, and 
proteins into small molecules that can be 
used by the cell
Breakdown worn out parts and "junk" in cell
Tay-Sachs is a disease that has been traced 
to lysosomes that fail to function correctly

10. Cell Structure Endoplasmic Reticulum - Assembly Line in factory
Where lipids and proteins are made
Rough ER has ribosomes on it and makes protein that goes
into ER and is changed and
repackaged
Smooth ER does not
have ribosomes. It makes
lipids and detoxifies the body

11. Cell Structure Ribosomes - Machine in factory
Small particles of RNA where proteins are 
made using a recipe from DNA in the nucleus 
(the boss)
Found in the cytoplasm and attached to 
Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum

12. Cell Structure Golgi Apparatus - FedEx
Modifies, sorts, and packages proteins for storage or export from the cell
Ships proteins to
their final destination
In the cell or
outside the cell
AKA: Golgi Bodies,
Golgi Complex

13. Cell Structure Vacuoles - Storage Containers
Saclike structure for storage of water, salts, 
proteins, and carbohydrates
Some cells like plant cells have one large vacuole to store liquid
Some unicellular organisms have a 
contractile vacuole which pumps excess
water out of the cell to maintain
homeostasis

14. Cell Structure Chloroplasts - Solar power plants Found in plants
Capture energy from sunlight and convert it into chemical
energy through process called photosynthesis
Inside are stacks of membranes which contain the green
pigment chlorophyll

15. Cell Structure Cell Wall – Brick wall outside of the fence
Found outside cell membrane of plants, algae, fungi and many prokaryotes
Provides support and protection for cell
Plant cell walls are made mainly of cellulose

16. Cell Structure Cells have an internal structure.
The cytoskeleton has many functions.
supports and shapes cell
helps position and transport organelles
provides strength
assists in cell division
aids in cell movement
Inside a Cell Cell Structure