Download Virtual Cell

Names _________________________________________________________
Date ____________
Per. _____
Virtual Cell
This activity will serve as an introduction to the parts of a cell, by getting a close-up view of several organelles in 3-D. You
will gain a basic understanding of the structure, function and location of organelles in the cell.
Website:
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Go to http://www.ibiblio.org/virtualcell/tour/cell/cell.htm
Click on the organelle to read information about it
Follow the cues to dissect the organelles, and click the BLUE ARROWS to the left of the diagram to
continue to the next step
Cell Tour:
1. Mitochondria (singular = mitochondrion)
a. Describe the structure and appearance of the outer mitochondria.
b. Describe the structure and appearance of the inner mitochondria.
c. Why is the inner membrane of the mitochondria ruffled?
d. How might have mitochondria become part of the cell? Why?
2. Centrioles
a. Describe the physical arrangement of microtubules (protein fibers) that compose the centrioles.
3. Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum
a. Describe the appearance of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum.
b. Where is the smooth endoplasmic reticulum located?
4. Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum
a. Describe the appearance of the rough endoplasmic reticulum.
b. What are the things that make this part of the endoplasmic reticulum “rough”?
c. Where is the rough endoplasmic reticulum located?
5. Lysosomes
a. Describe the structure and appearance of lysosomes.
b. What are the functions of lysosomes?
6. Golgi Bodies (Golgi Apparatus)
a. What function does the Golgi body perform?
b. Describe the process through which it completes this function.
7. Nucleus
a. Describe the outer membrane of the nucleus.
b. Describe the contents of the nucleus.
c. Describe the appearance of the nucleolus.
d. How is the nucleolus different from the nucleus?
8. Cell Membrane
a. What are two functions of the cell membrane?
b. What is embedded in the cell membrane but can drift around the membrane?
9. Ribosomes
a. On what organelle are some of the ribosomes embedded?
b. What do ribosomes manufacture?
c. How many parts do ribosomes have?
d. What are these parts made of?