Cell Parts and Functions

The Cell Theory

The cell theory states that: All living things are composed of one or

more cells

All cells come from pre-existing cells

The cell is the functional unit of life

Why Cells Divide

Healing and Tissue Repair

Growth

Reproduction of Organisms

Common Structures

Organelles – smaller parts of the cell with specific functions

Nucleus

Looks like: A prominent sphere with a dark spot

and squiggles inside

Function: Directs cell's activities

Nucleolus

Looks like: A dark spherical mass within the

nucleus

Function: Site of ribosome assembly and storage

of RNA

Chromatin

Looks like: Meshwork of fibers

inside the nucleus

Function: Reproduction of

traits

Cell membrane

Looks like: Two thin double lines with pores

Function: Separates the cell and its contents from

the environment

Cell Wall

Looks like:Double layer made of small fibers

Function:Encloses plant cells

Cytoplasm

Looks like:Clear jelly like material

Function:Contains cell organelles and used for

transport

Centriole

Looks like:Small square like structures

Function:Used in animal cell reproduction

Vacuole

Looks like:Fluid filled sacs surrounded by membrane

Function:Used for digestion

Chloroplast

Looks like:Oval shape and gives

plants green colour

Function:Traps sun's energy to

make sugar

Flagellum

Looks like:Long hair like structure

Function:Helps the cell move

Cilia

Looks like:Hair like structures that cover cell

Function:Helps cells move

Mitochondria

Looks like:Large rod shaped

organelles

Function:Power house of the

cell

Ribosomes

Looks like:Spherical organelles attached to ER

Function:Location of protein production

Endoplasmic Reticulum

Looks like:A system of tubes and channels

Function:Storage, separation, and transport of

materials in cell

Golgi Apparatus

Looks like:Closely stacked

and flattened sacs found close to the nucleus and ER

Function:Store proteins,

enzymes, and carbs

Lysosomes

Looks like:Spherical organelles located in cytoplasm

Function:Merge with vacuoles to digest food

particles