Cell Biology Basics

Cell Wall

• A rigid layer found outside the cell membrane that provides structural support and protection, present in plant cells only.

• A flexible layer that surrounds the cell membrane, found in both plant and animal cells.

• A structure that controls the movement of substances in and out of the cell, found in all cell types.

• A component of the cytoskeleton that helps in cell division, present in animal cells only.

Cell Organelles

• Tiny structures found inside the cell that have a specific function.

• Large structures that store energy in the cell.

• Fluid-filled sacs that transport materials within the cell.

• The outer boundary of the cell that controls what enters and exits.

Plant Cell

• Plant cells have all the structures animal cells do but hey also have a cell wall and chloroplasts.

• Animal cells have a cell wall and chloroplasts.

• Plant cells do not have a cell wall.

• Animal cells have all the structures that plant cells do.

Cell Membrane

• Controls what enters and exits the cell.

• Provides structural support to the cell.

• Stores genetic information.

• Produces energy for the cell.

Nucleus

• It is the control center of the cell, responsible for regulating the activities of the cell and houses genetic material.

• It is the powerhouse of the cell, generating energy through respiration.

• It is the site of protein synthesis within the cell.

• It is the outer layer of the cell that protects it from the environment.

Mitochondria

• They are known as the powerhouses of the cell.

• They are responsible for protein synthesis.

• They store genetic information.

• They are involved in detoxifying harmful substances.

Vacuole

• stores water, food, waste products or other materials.

• is responsible for photosynthesis in plants.

• provides structural support to the cell.

• transports materials within the cell.

Cell

• A basic unit of structure and function of life. All living things are made of cells.

• A type of tissue found in plants.

• A small organelle within a larger cell.

• A form of energy used by living organisms.

Chloroplast

• Helps plants make food by capturing light energy and converting it into chemical energy stored in glucose.

• Is responsible for the respiration process in plants.

• Stores water and nutrients for the plant.

• Protects the plant from harmful UV rays.

Cytoplasm

• The gel-like substance that houses nutrients and organelles.

• A rigid structure that provides support to the cell.

• The control center of the cell that contains DNA.

• A membrane-bound organelle responsible for energy production.