Just like our bodies have different organs that perform certain functions for our body, cells have different parts that perform certain functions for the cell. These are called organelles.

Cell Organelles

We will look at animal cells and plant cells. Many organelles are contained in both animal and plant cells, but some are present only in plant cells. We’ll (click) start by looking at animal cells.

An Animal

Cell

An important part of all cells is the cell membrane. (click) The cell Membrane isA layer that protects and surrounds cells. It controls substances that flow in and out of the cell.

Cell Membrane

An Animal

Cell

Cell MembraneA layer that protects and

surrounds cells. It controls substances that flow in and out of

the cell.

We’ll make a note this here.

Cell MembraneA layer that protects and

surrounds cells. It controls substances that flow in and out of

the cell.

The cytoplasm is a gel-like fluid inside the cell. It contains water, other substances, and all the cell organelles.

Cell Membrane

An Animal

Cell

Cytoplasm

CytoplasmA gel-like fluid inside the cell. It

contains water, other substances, and all the cell organelles.

We’ll make a note of this here.

Cell MembraneA layer that protects and

surrounds cells. It controls substances that flow in and out of

the cell.

CytoplasmA gel-like fluid inside the cell. It

contains water, other substances, and all the cell organelles.

The nucleus is a large structure inside the cell. (Click) It Controls activities in the cell and reproduction of the cell. It’s center contains deoxyribonucleic acid or DNA, which determines traits that are passed on to new generations when a cell reproduces.

Cell Membrane

An Animal

Cell

Cytoplasm

Nucleus

NucleusControls activities in the cell and

cell reproduction. It contains deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA),

which determines traits that are passed on when a cell

reproduces.

We’ll make a note of this here.

Cell MembraneA layer that protects and

surrounds cells. It controls substances that flow in and out of

the cell.

CytoplasmA gel-like fluid inside the cell. It

contains water, other substances, and all the cell organelles.

NucleusControls activities in the cell and

cell reproduction. It contains deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA),

which determines traits that are passed on when a cell

reproduces.

A mitochondrion is an oval shaped organelle. The plural is mitochondria. (click) In this organelle, the cell produces energy using the process of cellular respiration: glucose + oxygen carbon dioxide + water + energy

Cell Membrane

An Animal

Cell

Cytoplasm

Nucleus

Mitochondrion

MitochondrionHere the cell produces energy using the process of cellular respiration:

glucose + oxygen carbon dioxide + water + energy

We’ll make a note of this here.

Cell MembraneA layer that protects and

surrounds cells. It controls substances that flow in and out of

the cell.

CytoplasmA gel-like fluid inside the cell. It

contains water, other substances, and all the cell organelles.

NucleusControls activities in the cell and

cell reproduction. It contains deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA),

which determines traits that are passed on when a cell

reproduces.

MitochondrionThe plural is mitochondria. Here

the cell produces energy using the process of cellular respiration:

glucose + oxygen carbon dioxide + water + energy

Ribosomes can either be floating freely in the cytoplasm,

Cell Membrane

An Animal

Cell

Cytoplasm

Nucleus

Mitochondrion

Free Ribosome

s

Or attached to an organelle called the endoplasmic reticulum.

Cell Membrane

An Animal

Cell

Cytoplasm

Nucleus

Mitochondrion

Ribosomes

Free Ribosome

s

Ribosomes are shown as small dots on the animal cell diagram. Here is (click) a closer look at a ribosome. (click) Ribosomes are organelles that assemble or produce molecules called proteins in the cell.

Cell Membrane

An Animal

Cell

Cytoplasm

Nucleus

Mitochondrion

RibosomeFree

Ribosomes

Ribosomes These assemble or produce

proteins in the cell. Some are attached to the endoplasmic

reticulum and some float freely in the cytoplasm.

We’ll make a note of this here. So far, we’ve looked at 5 different organelles in a cell. We still have more to see.

Cell MembraneA layer that protects and

surrounds cells. It controls substances that flow in and out of

the cell.

CytoplasmA gel-like fluid inside the cell. It

contains water, other substances, and all the cell organelles.

NucleusControls activities in the cell and

cell reproduction. It contains deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA),

which determines traits that are passed on when a cell

reproduces.

MitochondrionThe plural is mitochondria. Here

the cell produces energy using the process of cellular respiration:

glucose + oxygen carbon dioxide + water + energy

Ribosomes These assemble or produce

proteins in the cell. Some are attached to the endoplasmic

reticulum and some float freely in the cytoplasm.

The next organelle we’ll look at is the endoplasmic reticulum.

Cell Membrane

An Animal

Cell

Cytoplasm

Nucleus

Mitochondrion

Ribosomes

Free Ribosome

s

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum

The rough endoplasmic reticulum surrounds the nucleus and its surface is covered with ribosomes, shown as dots in this diagram. These ribosomes make the surface rough.

Cell Membrane

An Animal

Cell

Cytoplasm

Nucleus

Mitochondrion

Ribosomes

Free Ribosome

s

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum

The smooth endoplasmic reticulum has a smoother surface. It is connected to the outside of the nucleus and contains tubules that extend throughout the cell.

Cell Membrane

An Animal

Cell

Cytoplasm

Nucleus

Mitochondrion

Ribosomes

Free Ribosome

s

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum

Taking a closer look at the endoplasmic reticulum, we see that both the rough and smooth forms consist of a complex network of small channels. Notice the ribosomes shown on the rough ER.

Cell Membrane

An Animal

Cell

Cytoplasm

Nucleus

Mitochondrion

Ribosomes

Free Ribosome

s

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum

The Endoplasmic Reticulum consists of folded membranes that act as channels to transport proteins and other materials through the cytoplasm.

Endoplasmic Reticulum Folded membranes that act as channels to transport proteins and other materials through the cytoplasm.

We’ll make a note of this here. We’ll use this page later as a summary of organelles and their functions.

Cell MembraneA layer that protects and

surrounds cells. It controls substances that flow in and out of

the cell.

CytoplasmA gel-like fluid inside the cell. It

contains water, other substances, and all the cell organelles.

NucleusControls activities in the cell and

cell reproduction. It contains deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA),

which determines traits that are passed on when a cell

reproduces.

MitochondrionThe plural is mitochondria. Here

the cell produces energy using the process of cellular respiration:

glucose + oxygen carbon dioxide + water + energy

Ribosomes These assemble or produce

proteins in the cell. Some are attached to the endoplasmic

reticulum and some float freely in the cytoplasm.

Endoplasmic Reticulum Folded membranes that act as

channels to transport proteins and other materials through the

cytoplasm.

The next organelle we’ll look at is called the Golgi body.

Cell Membrane

An Animal

Cell

Cytoplasm

Nucleus

Mitochondrion

Ribosomes

Free Ribosome

s

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum

Golgi Body

Taking a closer look, we see that it is surrounded by folded membranes.

Cell Membrane

An Animal

Cell

Cytoplasm

Nucleus

Mitochondrion

Ribosomes

Free Ribosome

s

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum

Golgi Body

The golgi body, which is also called the golgi apparatus, receives proteins from the endoplasmic reticulum, sorts them, modifies some of them, and packages them into little bag-like structures called (click) vesicles, which (click) break off of the structure and go into the cytoplasm.

Mitochondrion

Ribosomes

Free Ribosome

s

Golgi Body Receives proteins from the

endoplasmic reticulum, sorts them, and packages them into little bag-like

structures called vesicles.

We’ll make a note about this organelle and its functions on a second summary page.

Golgi Body Receives proteins from the

endoplasmic reticulum, sorts them, and packages them into little bag-

like structures called vesicles.

As we mentioned, vesicles are little structures that detach from the Golgi body and enter the cytoplasm. The type of vesicles produced by the Golgi body are called transport vesicles, because they transport materials, such as proteins to other parts of the cell.

Cell Membrane

An Animal

Cell

Cytoplasm

Nucleus

Mitochondrion

Ribosomes

Free Ribosome

s

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum

Golgi Body

Vesicle

We can define vesicles as membrane covered structures that carry proteins, water, and nutrients around the cell and even in and out of the cell.

Cell Membrane

An Animal

Cell

Cytoplasm

Nucleus

Mitochondrion

Ribosomes

Free Ribosome

s

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum

Golgi Body

Vesicle

Vesicles Membrane covered structures that carry proteins, water, and nutrients

around the cell and in and out of the cell.

We’ll make a note of what vesicles are and what they do here, on our summary.

Golgi Body Receives proteins from the

endoplasmic reticulum, sorts them, and packages them into little bag-

like structures called vesicles.

Vesicles Membrane covered structures that carry proteins, water, and nutrients

around the cell and in and out of the cell.

The next organelle we’ll look at are vacuoles. Vacuoles are structures that can be found floating around anywhere in the cytoplasm. (click) here’s one in this diagram.

Cell Membrane

An Animal

Cell

Cytoplasm

Nucleus

Mitochondrion

Ribosomes

Free Ribosome

s

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum

Golgi Body

Vesicle

Vacuole

Vacuoles are Structures that temporarily store water, other substances, and wastes in cells. Vacuoles in plant cells are usually much larger than those in animal cells, like the one shown here.

Cell Membrane

An Animal

Cell

Cytoplasm

Nucleus

Mitochondrion

Ribosomes

Free Ribosome

s

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum

Golgi Body

Vesicle

Vacuole

Vacuoles Structures that temporarily store

water, other substances, and wastes in cells. Vacuoles in plant cells are usually much larger than

those in animal cells.

We’ll make a note about vacuoles here in the summary.

Golgi Body Receives proteins from the

endoplasmic reticulum, sorts them, and packages them into little bag-

like structures called vesicles.

Vesicles Membrane covered structures that carry proteins, water, and nutrients

around the cell and in and out of the cell.

Vacuoles Structures that temporarily store

water, other substances, and wastes in cells. Vacuoles in plant cells are usually much larger than

those in animal cells.

Lysosomes are structures that are also found within the cytoplasm of cells.

Cell Membrane

An Animal

Cell

Cytoplasm

Nucleus

Mitochondrion

Ribosomes

Free Ribosome

s

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum

Golgi Body

Vesicle

Vacuole

Lysosome

Lysosomes contain digestive chemicals like enzymes, which break down and recycle worn-out organelles.

Cell Membrane

An Animal

Cell

Cytoplasm

Nucleus

Mitochondrion

Ribosomes

Free Ribosome

s

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum

Golgi Body

Vesicle

Vacuole

Lysosome

Lysosomes Structures that contain digestive

chemicals like enzymes, which break down and recycle worn-out

organelles.

We’ll add the information on lysosomes here

Golgi Body Receives proteins from the

endoplasmic reticulum, sorts them, and packages them into little bag-

like structures called vesicles.

Vesicles Membrane covered structures that carry proteins, water, and nutrients

around the cell and in and out of the cell.

Vacuoles Structures that temporarily store

water, other substances, and wastes in cells. Vacuoles in plant cells are usually much larger than

those in animal cells.

Lysosomes Structures that contain digestive

chemicals like enzymes, which break down and recycle worn-out

organelles.

Many animal cells have little hair-like organelles on the outside, called cilia.

Golgi Body

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum

NucleusRibosome

s

Cell Membrane

Vesicle

Free Ribosome

s

Lysosome

Mitochondrion

Vacuole

An Animal

Cell

Cytoplasm

Cilia

Cilia are Tiny hair-like structures attached to the surface of some animal cells. They can (click) move together in a wave-like fashion and help the cell move around. Their movement can also be used to push materials past the cell. For example, cilia on cells on the surface of nasal passages will push mucus through the passages.

Golgi Body

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum

NucleusRibosome

s

Cell Membrane

Vesicle

Free Ribosome

s

Lysosome

Mitochondrion

Vacuole

An Animal

Cell

Cytoplasm

Cilia

Cilia Tiny hair-like structures attached to

the body of some cells. They can move together in a wave-like fashion

and help the cell move around.

We’ll add the information about cilia here.

Golgi Body Receives proteins from the

endoplasmic reticulum, sorts them, and packages them into little bag-

like structures called vesicles.

Vesicles Membrane covered structures that carry proteins, water, and nutrients

around the cell and in and out of the cell.

Vacuoles Structures that temporarily store

water, other substances, and wastes in cells. Vacuoles in plant cells are usually much larger than

those in animal cells.

Lysosomes Structures that contain digestive

chemicals like enzymes, which break down and recycle worn-out

organelles.Cilia

Tiny hair-like structures attached to the body of some cells. They can

move together in a wave-like fashion and help the cell move

around.

A flagellum is a lash-like structure attached to the surface of some animal cells. Flagella are much larger than cilia, and there is usually a small number of these on one particular cell.

Golgi Body

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum

Flagellum

NucleusRibosome

s

Cell Membrane

Vesicle

Free Ribosome

s

Lysosome

Mitochondrion

Vacuole

An Animal

Cell

Cytoplasm

Cilia

They can whip back and forth to help the cell swim though a liquid.

Golgi Body

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum

Flagellum

NucleusRibosome

s

Cell Membrane

Vesicle

Free Ribosome

s

Lysosome

Mitochondrion

Vacuole

An Animal

Cell

Cytoplasm

Cilia

Flagellum A lash-like structure attached to the body of some cells. They can

whip back and forth to help the cell swim though a liquid.

We’ll add the information about flagella on this summary.

Golgi Body Receives proteins from the

endoplasmic reticulum, sorts them, and packages them into little bag-

like structures called vesicles.

Vesicles Membrane covered structures that carry proteins, water, and nutrients

around the cell and in and out of the cell.

Vacuoles Structures that temporarily store

water, other substances, and wastes in cells. Vacuoles in plant cells are usually much larger than

those in animal cells.

Lysosomes Structures that contain digestive

chemicals like enzymes, which break down and recycle worn-out

organelles.Cilia

Tiny hair-like structures attached to the body of some cells. They can

move together in a wave-like fashion and help the cell move

around.

Flagellum A lash-like structure attached to the body of some cells. They can

whip back and forth to help the cell swim though a liquid.

So far, we’ve been looking at animal cells. Plant cells (click) can have most of the parts animal cells have, but they also have a couple more.

A Plant Cell

Like animal cells, plant cells have a cell membrane surrounding them. The cell membrane is coloured yellow in this diagram.

A Plant Cell

Cell Membrane

But plant cells also have a rigid cell wall outside their cell membrane.

A Plant Cell

Cell Membrane

Cell Wall

Cell walls surround plant cells and bacteria. A cell wall is a tough layer outside the cell membrane. It can be rigid, which helps a plant hold its shape. It also protects the inside of the cell.

A Plant Cell

Cell Membrane

Cell Wall

Cell Wall (in Plant Cells and Bacteria)

A tough layer outside of the cell membrane. It can be rigid,

which helps a plant cell hold its shape. It also protects the cell.

We’ll note the information about the cell wall in this summary.

Cell Wall (in Plant Cells and Bacteria)

A tough layer outside of the cell membrane. It can be rigid,

which helps a plant cell hold its shape. It also protects the cell.

A green coloured organelle found in plant cells, but not in animal cells is called a chloroplast.

Vacuole

Chloroplast

A Plant Cell

Cell Wall

Cell Membrane

Chloroplasts are found only in plant cells. In chloroplasts, the process of photosynthesis is carried out. Photosynthesis uses energy from the sun to convert carbon dioxide and water into sugar and oxygen. In this way, plant cells produce food.

Vacuole

Chloroplast

A Plant Cell

Cell Wall

Cell Membrane

Chloroplasts (Only in Plant Cells) Carry out photosynthesis.

carbon dioxide + water + energy sugar + oxygen

We’ll add the information about chloroplasts here.

Cell Wall (in Plant Cells and Bacteria)

A tough layer outside of the cell membrane. It can be rigid,

which helps a plant cell hold its shape. It also protects the cell.

Chloroplasts (Only in Plant Cells) Carry out photosynthesis.

carbon dioxide + water + energy sugar + oxygen

You can see by the diagrams that vacuoles in plant cells are generally much larger than those in animal cells.

Vacuole

Chloroplast

A Plant Cell

Cell Wall

Cell Membrane

Remember, vacuoles are structures that temporarily store water, wastes and other substances, and in cells. As we said, vacuoles in plant cells are usually much larger than those in animal cells.

Vacuole

Chloroplast

A Plant Cell

Cell Wall

Cell Membrane

Vacuoles Structures that temporarily store

water, other substances, and wastes in cells. Vacuoles in plant cells are usually much larger than

those in animal cells.

In summary, we’ll show you this diagram showing important organelles found in animal cells. With the exception of cilia and flagella, these organelles are also found in plant cells. You may want to pause the video, take a screen shot, and print a copy of this diagram.

Golgi Body

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum

Flagellum

NucleusRibosome

s

Cell Membrane

Vesicle

Free Ribosome

s

Lysosome

Mitochondrion

Vacuole

An Animal

Cell

Cytoplasm

Cilia

Here is the first page of a summary of these organelles. You may also want to pause the video here and make a copy of this.

Cell MembraneA layer that protects and

surrounds cells. It controls substances that flow in and out of

the cell.

CytoplasmA gel-like fluid inside the cell. It

contains water, other substances, and all the cell organelles.

NucleusControls activities in the cell and

cell reproduction. It contains deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA),

which determines traits that are passed on when a cell

reproduces.

MitochondrionThe plural is mitochondria. Here

the cell produces energy using the process of cellular respiration:

glucose + oxygen carbon dioxide + water + energy

Ribosomes These assemble or produce

proteins in the cell. Some are attached to the endoplasmic

reticulum and some float freely in the cytoplasm.

Endoplasmic Reticulum Folded membranes that act as

channels to transport proteins and other materials through the

cytoplasm.

Here is the second page of the summary of organelles.

Golgi Body Receives proteins from the

endoplasmic reticulum, sorts them, and packages them into little bag-

like structures called vesicles.

Vesicles Membrane covered structures that carry proteins, water, and nutrients

around the cell and in and out of the cell.

Vacuoles Structures that temporarily store

water, other substances, and wastes in cells. Vacuoles in plant cells are usually much larger than

those in animal cells.

Lysosomes Structures that contain digestive

chemicals like enzymes, which break down and recycle worn-out

organelles.Cilia

Tiny hair-like structures attached to the body of some cells. They can

move together in a wave-like fashion and help the cell move

around.

Flagellum A lash-like structure attached to the body of some cells. They can

whip back and forth to help the cell swim though a liquid.

Here’s a diagram showing that in addition to other organelles, plant cells have a cell wall and chloroplasts. Also, plants have larger vacuoles than animal cells. You could also make a copy of this.

Large Vacuole

Chloroplast

A Plant Cell

Cell Wall

And here is a summary of the cell wall and chloroplasts. A copy of this would also be useful to study from.

Cell Wall (in Plant Cells and Bacteria)

A tough layer outside of the cell membrane. It can be rigid,

which helps a plant cell hold its shape. It also protects the cell.

Chloroplasts (Only in Plant Cells) Carry out photosynthesis.

carbon dioxide + water + energy sugar + oxygen

"Animal cell structure en" by LadyofHats (Mariana Ruiz) - Own work using Adobe Illustrator. Image renamed from Image:Animal cell structure.svg. Licensed under Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Animal_cell_structure_en.svg#mediaviewer/File:Animal_cell_structure_en.svg_Slightly modified for this video.

Acknowledgements for Images Used

"Cell membrane detailed diagram 4" by derivative work: Dhatfield (talk)Cell_membrane_detailed_diagram_3.svg: *derivative work: Dhatfield(talk)Cell_membrane_detailed_diagram.svg: LadyofHats MarianaRuizCell_membrane_detailed_diagram_3.svg. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons . Simplified for this video.

"Blausen 0212 CellNucleus" by BruceBlaus. When using this image in external sources it can be cited as:Blausen.com staff. "Blausen gallery 2014". Wikiversity Journal of Medicine. DOI:10.15347/wjm/2014.010. ISSN 20018762. - Own work. Licensed under CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons - http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Blausen_0212_CellNucleus.png#mediaviewer/File:Blausen_0212_CellNucleus.png Simplified for this video by removing text.

Acknowledgements for Images Used

"Mitochondrion mini" by Kelvinsong - Own work. Licensed under CC0 via Wikimedia Commons - http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File: Mitochondrion_mini.svg#mediaviewer/File:Mitochondrion_mini.svg_Text removed for this video.

"Ribosome shape" by Vossman - Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons - http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ribosome_shape.png#mediaviewer/File:Ribosome_shape.png. Only part of the original image is used for this video.

"Blausen 0350 EndoplasmicReticulum" by BruceBlaus. When using this image in external sources it can be cited as:Blausen.com staff. "Blausen gallery 2014". Wikiversity Journal of Medicine. DOI:10.15347/wjm/2014.010. ISSN 20018762. - Own work. Licensed under CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons - http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Blausen_0350_EndoplasmicReticulum.png#mediaviewer/File:Blausen_0350_EndoplasmicReticulum.png

Acknowledgements for Images Used

"Golgi apparatus (borderless version)-en" by Kelvinsong - Own work. Licensed under CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons - http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Golgi_apparatus_(borderless_version)-en.svg#mediaviewer/File:Golgi_apparatus_(borderless_version)-en.svg

"Plant cell structure svg" by LadyofHats (Mariana Ruiz) - Self-made using Adobe Illustrator. (The original edited was also made by me, LadyofHats). Licensed under Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons - http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Plant_cell_structure_svg.svg#mediaviewer/File:Plant_cell_structure_svg.svg . In this video, the image has been modified by decreasing the thickness of the cell wall.

"Chloroplast II" by Kelvinsong - Own work. Licensed under CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons - http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Chloroplast_II.svg#mediaviewer/File:Chloroplast_II.svg. Simplified for this video.