Organelles and Cell Structure

Question: What are Organelles?

ORGANELLES are the ORGANS of CELLS (if we
consider cells to be bodies).

Every Organelle has functions it performs, just like
the organs inside of your body. Some make protein,
some throw out the trash, some make energy, some
store food, they all have jobs.

They are separated from each other and the rest of
the cell by membranes (think envelopes, ziplocks, or
peels on fruits and vegetables).

Some are exclusive to plants, but all EUKARYOTES
have membrane-bound organelles.

Question: How are Cell Membranes and Cell Walls
Different?

Cell Walls are ONLY found in Plant Cells and Prokaryotes.
ALL cells have Cell Membranes.

A cell wall provides rigidity and structure to the cell, like a cereal box

A cell membrane is more like a bag. It’s flexible, thinner, holds all of the parts of the cell together, and allows stuff to come in and out of the cell.

Question: What does Cytoplasm do?

Cytoplasm is found in all cells. It is all of the fluid and its contents, except for the nucleus. It carries nutrients, gases, and messages to different parts of the cell. It’s basically the blood of the cell’s body.

In a cellular diagram like the one on the right, it’s the “empty space”.

​Cytoplasm is kind of this sort of consistency

Question: What does the Nucleus do?

All Eukaryotic cells have a
membrane-bound
NUCLEUS.

The Nucleus stores all of
the genetic information
(DNA) for the cell’s
processes, and directs
them!

It’s basically the cell’s brain.

Question: What’s the difference between Mitochondria
and Chloroplasts?



Chloroplasts are EXCLUSIVE to plant cells,
whereas Mitochondria are found in BOTH
PLANTS AND ANIMALS!

Chloroplasts perform PHOTOSYNTHESIS
to make food for plants.

Mitochondria perform CELLULAR
RESPIRATION, to make energy for ALL
EUKARYOTIC organisms.

Question: What’s a Vacuole?

Vacuoles are like the pantries of the cell. In ALL EUKARYOTIC CELLS.

They store nutrients and food for later.
But, they serve a second purpose in PLANT CELLS ONLY.

You know how plants wilt when they haven't been watered in a while, it's
because their vacuoles are running out of water. Vacuoles provide structural support for plant cells.

SUMMARY: What organelles are EXCLUSIVE to plants
and what are their functions?

Do all questions on page
138 when you finish!