LOOKING INSIDE CELLS

How Do the Parts of a Cell Work?

The parts of a cell work together. Each kind of cell structure has a

different function within a cell.

Cell Wall A rigid layer that surrounds the cells

of plants and some other organisms Protects and supports the cell

Cell Membrane (The Gatekeeper) Controls which substances pass into

and out of a cell (food particles, water, and oxygen)

Prevents harmful materials from entering the cell

Cytoplasm A thick, clear, gel-like fluid Moves constantly within the cell Organelles are suspended in the

cytoplasm

Organelles in the Cytoplasm Nucleus Mitochondria Endoplasmic Reticulum Ribosomes Golgi Apparatus (Golgi Bodies) Vacuoles Chloroplasts Lysosomes

Nucleus Acts as the control center of the cell Contains information for directing a

cell’s functions (chromatin - DNA) Makes ribosomes which produce

proteins (nucleolus)

Mitochondria The “power house” of the cell Converts energy stored in food to

energy the cell can use to live and function (cellular respiration)

Endoplasmic Reticulum Network of membranes Produces many substances Helps attached ribosomes make

proteins

Ribosomes Small grain-shaped Made in the nucleolus Produce proteins

Golgi Apparatus (The Warehouse) Receives proteins and other newly

made substances from the ER Packages the materials Distributes the materials to the parts

of the cell

Vacuole Stores water, food, and other

materials needed by the cell Plants have a larger vacuole because

they store more water.

Chloroplasts Captures energy

from the sun and changes it into energy the cell can use to make food (photosynthesis)

Found in plant cells and some protists like algae

Lysosomes Contains

substances that break down large food particles (enzymes)

Breaks down old cell parts and recycles them

How Do Cells Work Together in an Organism?

Multicellular organisms have cells that work together to perform specific functions.

Specialized Cells Perform specific functions that

benefit the entire organism One type of cell does one kind of job,

while other types of cells do other jobs

Cells Working Together Cells are organized into tissues,

organs, and organ systems