Cell Basics
• There are two types of cells:– Prokaryotic: Cells that lack a nucleus and
membrane-bound organelles• Example: Bacterial cell
– Eukaryotic: Cells that have a nucleus and have membrane-bound organelles.
• Example: Plant and Animal cells
Prokaryotic Cells
• Are smaller and much more simple than eukaryotic cells
• DNA is a circular plasmid, not surrounded by a nucleus.
Eukaryotic Cells
• All eukaryotic cells have a nucleus, as well as other membrane-bound organelles
• Protists, Fungi, Plants, and Animals all have eukaryotic cells.
Plant Cell vs Animal Cell
Plant Cell-Contain chloroplasts, and cell walls, unlike animal cells
Animal Cell
Eukaryotic Cell Organelles
• Organelles each have a specific function that enables the cell to survive
• They work together, much like organs in the body
The Nucleus
• Found: Plant and Animal Cells
• Function: Contains the DNA (genetic material) and directs the activities of the cell
• Comparison: Acts like a brain for the cell
Ribosome
• Found: Plant, Animal, and Bacterial cells
• Function: Protein factory - makes proteins for the cell
• Comparison: Acts like a factory in a town, making necessary materials
Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)
• Found: Plant and Animal Cells
• Function: Acts as a transport system or roadway that allows particles to move throughout the cell
• Comparison: Acts like an interstate
Golgi Body/Complex
• Found: Plant and Animal Cells
• Function: Packages proteins and materials for transport out of the cell
• Comparison: Acts like UPS, putting packages in vesicles for transport
Mitochondria
• Found: Plant and Animal Cells
• Function: Makes energy (ATP) for the cell
• Comparison: Like the power plant for the cell
Chloroplasts
• Found: Plant Cells
• Function: Makes food, or sugar (glucose), for the cell
• Comparison: Chef of the cell
Vacuole
• Found: Plant and Animal Cells
• Function: Stores food, water, and other materials for the cell– Note: Vacuoles are especially large in plants for
storing water…full vacuoles ensure your salad is crispy
• Comparison: Storage sheds
Lysosomes
• Found: Animal Cells
• Function: Break down old materials for reuse
• Comparison: Recycling Factory
Cell Membrane
• Found: ALL Cells
• Function: Controls what comes in and out of the cell
• Comparison: City Gate
Cell Wall
• Found: Plant cells and Bacterial Cells
• Function: Protects the cell and gives it support
• Comparison: City Wall