Cell Organelles
Unit 4
What is an organelle?
• Remember, organelles are like “little
organs” that help a cell work.
Here are the important
organelles…
Nucleus
• FUNCTION:
– The nucleus is where DNA is located in Eukaryotic
cells
• WHERE IS IT LOCATED?
– The nucleus is in all eukaryotic cells, so both plant
and animal cells have a nucleus.
• ANALOGY:
– The nucleus is like the principal’s office because
that’s where all the important school information is
located.
Mitochondria
• FUNCTION:
– The mitochondria converts chemical energy stored in
food into smaller chemicals that are easier for the cell
to use
• WHERE IS IT LOCATED?
– The mitochondria is located in all eukaryotic cells, so
both plant and animal cells have mitochondrion.
• ANALOGY:
– The mitochondria is like the power in a school
because it gives energy to keep things going
Chloroplast
• FUNCTION:
– The chloroplast captures energy from the sunlight and
converts (changes) it into chemical energy through
photosynthesis
• WHERE IS IT LOCATED?
– The chloroplast is only found in plant cells.
• ANALOGY:
– The chloroplast is like the solar panels on a school
that absorb sunlight and turn it into energy.
Rough Endoplasmic
Reticulum and
Ribosomes
Ribosomes
• FUNCTION:
– The endoplasmic reticulum is the site of protein
synthesis (where proteins are made)
• WHERE IS IT LOCATED?
– The ER is located in all eukaryotic cells, so both plant
and animal cells have ER.
• ANALOGY:
– The endoplasmic reticulum is like the copy room in a
school where the copiers are putting papers together
for the students.
Golgi Apparatus
• FUNCTION:
– The golgi apparatus modifies (changes), sorts, and
packages proteins for storage or secretion
• WHERE IS IT LOCATED?
– The golgi apparatus is located in all eukaryotic cells,
so both plant and animal cells have a golgi apparatus.
• ANALOGY:
– The golgi apparatus is like the teacher in a school that
sorts and passes out the papers.
Cell Wall
• FUNCTION:
– The cell wall provides extra support
and protection for plant cells.
• WHERE IS IT LOCATED?
– The cell wall is only located in plant cells.
• ANALOGY:
– The cell wall is like the fence around the school.
Cell Membrane
• FUNCTION:
– The cell membrane protects and supports the cell and
regulates what enters and leaves
• WHERE IS IT LOCATED?
– The cell membrane is located in all eukaryotic cells,
so both plant and animal cells have a cell membrane.
• ANALOGY:
– The cell membrane is like the walls and doors in a
school. They let things in and out depending on size.
Vacuole
• FUNCTION:
– The vacuole stores water and nutrients for the cell
• WHERE IS IT LOCATED?
– The vacuole is located in most eukaryotic cells. Plant
cells have a HUGE vacuole while animal cells have
small vacuoles.
• ANALOGY:
– The vacuole is like the stockroom in a school where
supplies are stored for projects
Ribosome
• FUNCTION:
– The ribosome synthesizes (makes) the protein
• WHERE IS IT LOCATED?
– The ribosome is located in all eukaryotic cells, so both
plant and animal cells have a ribosome.
• ANALOGY:
– The ribosome is like the copier in the school who puts
the papers together for the students.
Cytoplasm
• FUNCTION:
– The cytoplasm is the portion of the cell outside of
the nucleus
• WHERE IS IT LOCATED?
– The cytoplam is located in all eukaryotic cells, so
both plant and animal cells have a cytoplasm.
• ANALOGY:
– The cytoplasm is like all the hallways in a school
where there is empty space.