Structure and Function of ANIMAL Cells

1. cell membrane: a thin, flexible barrier that surrounds all cells and that allows certain substances to enter and exit the cell

​Cell Membrane

2. endoplasmic reticulum: a structure that forms a network of passageways in which proteins and other materials are transported from one part of the cell to another. It can be smooth or rough due to ribosomes (the small dots)

​Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)

3. mitochondria: a bean-shaped structure that converts energy from food molecules (sugar) to energy the cell can use (ATP) to fuel its life processes

​Mitochondria

​Mitochondria is the plural form of the word, referring to more than one of the organelles, while mitochondrion is the singular form, referring to just one.

4. nucleus: the large structure that contains the DNA or cell’s important instructions and controls the cell’s activities

​Nucleus

5. cytoplasm: not a structure, but a gel-like substance that fills up the cell, surrounds all the organelles, gives the cell shape, is where reactions can take place within the cell

Cytoplasm

6. vacuole: a sac-like structure that stores molecules for the cell

Vacuole

The diagram represents an animal cell, as indicated by its rounded or irregular shape. This characteristic shape is due to the absence of a rigid cell wall.

The next diagram represents a plant cell, as indicated by the rectangular shape, due to the presence of a rigid cell wall. The second diagram also shows the chloroplast and large central vacuole that are present in a plant cell.

​You will complete the PLANT Cell later this week.

​Label the cell diagram by writing the correct name and number of each structure next to its corresponding line.