Cell Organelles and functions
Cells are made of up structures called organelles. Organelles are like the organs in our body, each one has a special job to help the cell survive. Below is a list of important organelles that you will need to know for class. The organelles are color coded:
Green: parts found only in plants
Red: parts found only in animals
Blue: parts found in BOTH
Cell Membrane: Controls what goes in and out of the cell
Cell Wall : Protects and supports the cell.
Ribosome: Place where protein is made.
Mitochondria: Supplies energy for the cell. Also called the "powerhouse"
Vacuole: Stores food and waste products for the cell
Chloroplast: Contains chlorophyll which captures energy from the sun which is then used to make food for the plant (photosynthesis!)
Nucleus: The control center or "brain" of the cell
Chromosomes : Directs the activities of the cell including growth and reproduction
Cytoplasm: Gel like material where cell parts exist
The difference between plant and animal cells
While plant and animal cells have many similarities, they are different in many ways. One of the most obvious differences to spot is the shape. When looking at both types under a microscope, you will notice that plant cells tend to be more square in shape, while animal cells are usually more round. Another difference that you will notice is that many plant cells are green. This is because of a pigment found in the cell, called chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is found in the chloroplast and is the site of photosynthesis. Plant cells also differ from animal cells based on two major organelles: the chloroplast and the cell wall. As stated above, the plant cell uses chloroplasts for photosynthesis. Animals do not do photosynthesis like a plant cell does, and therefore do not need this organelle. The other organelle found only in plants is the cell wall. Like bones in an animal, the cell wall helps to give structure and protection to the plant.
Green: parts found only in plants
Red: parts found only in animals
Blue: parts found in BOTH
Cell Membrane: Controls what goes in and out of the cell
Cell Wall : Protects and supports the cell.
Ribosome: Place where protein is made.
Mitochondria: Supplies energy for the cell. Also called the "powerhouse"
Vacuole: Stores food and waste products for the cell
Chloroplast: Contains chlorophyll which captures energy from the sun which is then used to make food for the plant (photosynthesis!)
Nucleus: The control center or "brain" of the cell
Chromosomes : Directs the activities of the cell including growth and reproduction
Cytoplasm: Gel like material where cell parts exist
The difference between plant and animal cells
While plant and animal cells have many similarities, they are different in many ways. One of the most obvious differences to spot is the shape. When looking at both types under a microscope, you will notice that plant cells tend to be more square in shape, while animal cells are usually more round. Another difference that you will notice is that many plant cells are green. This is because of a pigment found in the cell, called chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is found in the chloroplast and is the site of photosynthesis. Plant cells also differ from animal cells based on two major organelles: the chloroplast and the cell wall. As stated above, the plant cell uses chloroplasts for photosynthesis. Animals do not do photosynthesis like a plant cell does, and therefore do not need this organelle. The other organelle found only in plants is the cell wall. Like bones in an animal, the cell wall helps to give structure and protection to the plant.