Cell Structure and

Function Notes
What is a cell?
The basic unit of
structure and function in
organisms.
Organisms
Prokaryote
Eukaryote
An organism whose
cells lack a nucleus
and some other cell
structures
An organism with cells
that contain nuclei
(plural of nucleus) and
other cell structures.
Examples
Prokaryote: Bacteria
Eukaryote: Plants, Animals, and
many other organisms.
Organelle
Cells contain organelles which are tiny
structures that carries out a specific
function within the cell.

Example: Nucleus, Cell membrane,
etc.
Organelles in Plant Cells
1. Cell wall
2. Chloroplast
3. Cell Membrane
4. Cytoplasm
5. Vacuole
6. Mitochondrion (singular)
1. Mitochondria (plural)
7. Nucleus

And others

Organelles in Animal Cells
1. Cell Membrane
2. Cytoplasm
3. Vacuole
4. Mitochondrion (singular)
5. Nucleus

And others



Organelles in a Prokaryote
What is the difference between
the plant cell and animal cell?
Animal cells do not have a CELL
WALL and CHLOROPLAST
while plants cell do.
Nucleus
Structure: Large oval structure
Function: It directs cells activities
Analogous: Human brain that controls us
Fact: Contains DNA


Cell Wall
Structure: Rigid, tough outer layer of
the plant cell
Function: Protect and support the cell
Analogous: Wall of the building
Fact: Animals cells do not have cell
wall
Cell Membrane
Structure: Forms the outside boundary that
separates the cell from its environment
Function: Controls what substances come
into and out of a cell
Analogous: Security gate in an apartment
Fact: All cells have this structure
Chloroplast
Structure: Large green structures
floating in cytoplasm
Function: Captures energy from sunlight
and use it to produce food for the cell.
Fact: Animal cells dont have this
structure because the plant cells dont
make their own food. Photosynthesis
occurs in the chloroplast.


Vacuole
Structure: Large, round, water-filled sac.
Function: Storage area of the cell (food,
water, waste)
Analogous: Storage tanks
Fact: Most plant cells have one large
vacuole.
Mitochondrion (singular)
Structure: Rod shaped organelle
Function: Most of the cells energy is
produced. Might Mouse Power House
Analogous: Power Plant
Fact: Muscle cells have more mitochondria



Cytoplasm
Structure: Clear, thick, gel-like fluid
Function: Many cell organelles are
found
Fact: It is the region between the cell
membrane and the nucleus.