Download Looking Inside Cells

Science Starter
 10/13 What is one difference between a
plant cell and an animal cell?
 10/15 What is the “powerhouse” of the cell?
Looking Inside Cells
Tiny structures called cell
organelles carry out specific
functions inside the cell.
Enter the Plant Cell
 A plant’s cell wall helps
to protect and support
the cell.
 The cell membrane
controls what
substances come into
and out of a cell.
 All cells have a cell
membrane.
The Nucleus
 The nucleus is the
cell’s control center,
directing all of the
cell’s activities.
 Instructions that guide
the cell’s activities are
contained in the DNA.
 DNA is found in the
nucleus of the cell.
Organelles in the Cytoplasm
 The region between the cell membrane and
the nucleus is called the cytoplasm.
 The cytoplasm is made of a clear, thick gellike substance that is constantly moving.
 Many cell organelles are found in the
cytoplasm.
The Mitochondria
 Mitochondria are
known as the
“powerhouses” of the
cell because they
convert energy in food
molecules to energy
that the cell can use to
carry out its functions.
 Site of cellular
respiration
Endoplasmic Reticulum
 The endoplasmic
reticulum’s
passageways carry
proteins and other
materials from one part
of the cell to another.
 Tube-like structures
that serve as a track to
carry stuff to the
membrane and back.
Ribosomes
 Ribosomes function as
factories to produce
proteins.
Golgi Bodies
 The Golgi bodies
receive proteins and
other newly formed
materials from the
endoplasmic reticulum,
package them, and
distribute them to other
parts of the cell.
 The cell’s mailroom
Chloroplasts
 Chloroplasts capture
energy from sunlight
and use it to produce
food for the cell.
 The site of
photosynthesis
 Chloroplasts contain
chlorophyll which gives
plants their green
color.
Vacuoles
 Vacuoles are the
storage areas of the
cell.
 Most plant cells have
one large vacuole.
 Some animal cells do
not have vacuoles,
others do.
Lysosomes
 Lysosomes are small,
round structures
containing chemicals
that break down
certain materials in the
cell.
 They digest food and
break down waste
products.
Differences Between Plant Cells and
Animal Cells
 Plant cells have a cell wall.
 Only plant cells contain chloroplasts.
 Plant cells have one large vacuole. An
animal cell can have several vacuoles and
some animal cells do Not have any
vacuoles.