Structure and Function of ANIMAL Cells

​Use this Lesson to complete Structure and Function of ANIMAL Cells

By Potomac Middle Life Science Department

​Content Objective: LS 2.b

Learning Target:

• identify cellular organelles (cell parts)

• relate organelles with the life processes they perform within a living cell

Language Objective: I can complete my notes by writing the missing information, and labeling a diagram

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

Multiple Choice

Which cell organelle converts energy from food to energy that the cell can use (ATP)?

• Mitochondria

• Ribosomes

• Cell Membrane

• Endoplasmic Reticulum

Multiple Choice

What organelle controls the materials that enter and exit the cell?

• cell membrane

• nucelolus

• mitochondria

• ribosomes

Multiple Choice

Which organelle transports proteins and other materials throughout the cell?

• cytoplasm

• lysosomes

• cell wall

• endoplasmic reticulum (ER)

Multiple Choice

Animal cells store water and other molecules in which organelles?

• mitochondria

• ribosomes

• vacuoles

• chloroplasts

Multiple Choice

Which organelle directs all cell activities through the DNA located there?

• ER

• nucleus

• ribosomes

• mitochondria

Multiple Choice

Select the gel-like substance that fills up the cell, surrounding all the organelles and giving the cell shape.

• cytoplasm

• cell membrane

• cell wall

• centrioles

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. 

Fill in the Blanks

Poll

How confident do you feel about your understanding of animal cells after today’s notes?

• I’m a cell expert!

• I get the basics.

• I need a bit more review.

• I am still figuring it out.