CELLS

The cell is the smallest unit of every living thing, yet all pieces of information about an organism are
stored in it. Thus, the cell is called the building block of life.

Inside the cell are different parts. Plant and animal cells have some similar parts, however there are
some parts that are found in plants only.

Elaborate

Plant cells and animal cells share similarities and differences. These two types of cells have some
common parts, but some of their parts differ. Study the illustrations of the cross-section of animal cell
and the cross-section of a plant cell.

Each Cell part has its own unique function inside the cell. The following summarizes the functions inside
the cell.

Parts of the Cell Function

Cell wall It lies just outside the cell membrane and gives
the plant cell its boxlike shape. It also protects
the plant cell by controlling the substances that
can get in and out of the cell.

Cell membrane It separates the cell from its external

environment. It is selectively permeable, which
means it can control what can get in and out of
the cell. This part also protects the cell and
provides stability.

Nucleus It is the control center of the cell for

metabolism and reproduction. Usually a large
cell part, it is dark and round, surrounded by a
double membrane called the nuclear envelope.
It also contains the genetic material (the
deoxyribonucleic acid or DNA) that contains all
the information about the cell.

Cytoplasm It is a jellylike substance made up mostly of

water and salt. It contains all the parts inside
the cell. It also protects and supports the cell
parts.
Mitochondria (singular: Mitochondrion) These are round, tubelike parts that are
surrounded by a double membrane. These cell
parts are referred to as the “powerhouse” of
the cell because they release energy that is
used up by the cell. The more energy a cell
needs to function, the more mitochondria the
cell has.

Golgi bodies They temporarily store protein that can leave

the cell through vesicles that pinch off from
them.

Ribosomes These are small particles individually found in

the cytoplasm that also line the membranes of
the rough endoplasmic reticulum. They produce
proteins and are often described as “factories”
in the cell.

Rough endoplasmic reticulum(RER) This is “rough” in appearance because of the

ribosomes on the sides. It is the “transport
system” of the cell.

Smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER) This part has no ribosomes and is smooth in
appearance. It transports energy and other
nutrients to the different parts of the cell.

Lysosome This is a small, saclike structure surrounded by a

single membrane. It contains a very strong
digestive enzyme that can break down worn out
cell parts or food. In this regard, the lysosome is
also known as a “suicide sac.”

Chloroplast It Is a green, oval-shaped cell part that contains

chlorophyll , a green pigment hat is present in
all plants. It gets energy from the sun to make
food for the plant.

Vacuole It is a large, fluid-filled cell part usually found in

plant cells. It stores water, sugar, minerals, and
waste products. Plant vacuoles are bigger than
animal vacuoles because plants need to store
water.

Centriole This cell part helps in the formation of the

spindle fibers that separate the chromosomes
during cell division.