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