Plant and Animal Cells Word Bank
Organelle – the structure in plant and animal cells that perform specific
functions
Cytoplasm – a clear, jellylike substance that holds the organelles in
place
Chloroplasts – organelles, found only in plant cells, in which sugar is
made during photosynthesis
Photosynthesis – is the process in which plant cells convert water and
carbon dioxide in the presence of sunlight to sugar and water, releasing
oxygen
Cell Membrane – A protective layer surrounding the cell that controls
what enters and leaves the cell. (both plant and animal cell have this)
Cell wall – a stiff outer layer that surrounds a plant cell, protects it, and
gives it its shape
Nucleus – the control center of a cell that directs the cell’s activities
Chromosomes – structures in the nucleus that contain an organism’s
genetic information and regulate the cell’s activities
DNA – the abbreviation for deoxyribonucleic acid, the chemical that
provides detailed instructions for cells
Mitochondria – a bean shaped organelle that goes through a process
which releases energy in order for the cell to complete all its activities
Vacuole – a storage place for nutrients, wastes, and water. A plant cell
has a much larger vacuole than an animal cell because it stores more
water and sugars
Ribosome – small organelles located in the nucleus where proteins are
constructed
Lysosome – small round structures located in the cytoplasm that are
responsible for breaking down large food particles into smaller
substances needed for cell function
Endoplasmic Reticulum – passage ways in the cytoplasm that transport
proteins throughout the cell