Plant / Animal Cell Functions

Golgi Apparatus

Consists of a series of flattened sacs surrounded by several smaller vesicles. Its function is in packaging proteins for export and transporting lipids (fats) around the cell. Creates lysosomes

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum

Covered in ribosomes, it is often found close to the nucleus and golgi apparatus. It has a role in protein production and packaging

Vacuole

Empty areas for storage. Plants usually have a single large one and animal cells typically have a few small ones

Mitochondria

Found in both plant and animal cells, this organelle has a series of folded membranes which provide sites for glucose to be converted to the cells preferred source of energy (ATP)

Cell Wall

Found only in plants, it surrounds the plasma membrane and provides structure and support to the cell

Plasma Membrane

In both plant and animal cells this structure surrounds the entire cell and controls which substances can enter or leave the cell

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum

Not associated with ribosomes, this organelle has a role in the production of lipids (fats) including cholesterol

Chloroplast

Only in plants. They store chlorophyll which plants can use to trap energy from the sun and turn it into fuel

Ribosomes

Protein are made here

Cytoskeleton

Provides a structural framework to the cytoplasm for movement within the cell and by the cell

Cytoplasm

The clear, semi-solid substance of the cell that contains all cell organelles. It occupies the space outside of the nucleus but inside the cell membrane

Nucleus

The control center for the cell

Free Ribosomes

These structures on which proteins are assembles float freely in the cytoplasm

Lysosome

This organelle found primarily in animal cells contains strong digestive enzymes. They digest old and worn out organelles, viruses or bacteria and even the cell itself when it no longer functions properly

Nucleolus

This organelle is contained within the nucleus and is responsible for the production of ribosomes

Nuclear Membrane

This structure separates the contents of the nucleus from the cytoplasm of the cell