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Plant Cell: Structures and Organelles
The following are examples of structures and organelles that can be found in typical plant cells:
Cell (Plasma) Membrane - a thin, semi-permeable membrane that surrounds the cytoplasm of a cell, enclosing its contents.
Cell Wall - outer covering of the cell that protects the plant cell and gives it shape.
Chloroplast - the sites of photosynthesis in a plant cell. They contain chlorophyll, a green pigment that absorbs energy from sunlight.
Cytoplasm - gel-like substance within the cell membrane containing water, enzymes, salts, organelles, and various organic molecules.
Cytoskeleton - a network of fibers throughout the cytoplasm that helps the cell maintain its shape and gives support to the cell.
Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) - extensive network of membranes composed of both regions with ribosomes (rough ER) and regions without ribosomes (smooth ER).
Golgi Complex - responsible for manufacturing, storing and shipping certain cellular products.
Microtubules - hollow rods that function primarily to help support and shape the cell.
Mitochondria - this organelle generates energy for the cell.
Nucleus - membrane bound structure that contains the cell's hereditary information.
Nucleolus - structure within the nucleus that helps in the synthesis of ribosomes.
Nucleopore - tiny hole within the nuclear membrane that allows nucleic acids and proteins to move into and out of the nucleus.
Peroxisomes - tiny structures bound by a single membrane that contain enzymes that produce hydrogen peroxide as a by-product. These structures are involved in plant processes such as photorespiration.
Plasmodesmata - pores or channels between plant cell walls that allow molecules and communication signals to pass between individual plant cells.
Ribosomes - consisting of RNA and proteins, ribosomes are responsible for protein assembly.
Vacuole - structure in a plant cell that provides support and participates in a variety of cellular functions including storage, detoxification, protection, and growth. When a plant cell matures, it typically contains one large liquid-filled vacuole.
Animal Cells: Organelles and Components
The following are examples of structures and organelles that can be found in typical animal cells:
Cell (Plasma) Membrane - thin, semi-permeable membrane that surrounds the cytoplasm of a cell, enclosing its contents.
Centrioles - cylindrical structures that organize the assembly of microtubules during cell division.
Cilia and flagella - specialized groupings of microtubules that protrude from some cells and aid in cellular locomotion.
Cytoplasm - gel-like substance within the cell.
Cytoskeleton - network of fibers throughout the cell's cytoplasm that gives the cell support and helps to maintain its shape.
Endoplasmic Reticulum - extensive network of membranes composed of both regions with ribosomes (rough ER) and regions without ribosomes (smooth ER).
Golgi Complex - also called the Golgi apparatus, this structure is responsible for manufacturing, storing and shipping certain cellular products.
Lysosomes - sacs of enzymes that digest cellular macromolecules such as nucleic acids.
Microtubules - hollow rods that function primarily to help support and shape the cell.
Mitochondria - cell components that generate energy for the cell and are the sites of cellular respiration.
Nucleus - membrane bound structure that contains the cell's hereditary information.
Nucleolus - structure within the nucleus that helps in the synthesis of ribosomes.
Nucleopore - tiny hole within the nuclear membrane that allows nucleic acids and proteins to move into and out of the nucleus.
Peroxisomes - enzyme containing structures that help to detoxify alcohol, form bile acid, and break down fats.
Ribosomes - consisting of RNA and proteins, ribosomes are responsible for protein assembly.
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