Organelle Trading Card Directions
 Your assignment is to make a “trading card” for each cell organelle. The trading card will
feature a picture of the organelle on one side and information about it on the other.
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
Each card should be 3X5 inches in size (a note card would be preferable)
Front of the card: Picture of organelle (do not place the name of the organelle on the
front of the card)-this must be drawn by hand and in color. (colored pencils)

Back of the Card:
 Name of Organelle
 Where is it found in the cell?
 Is it found in plant cells, animal cells, or both?
 What is the function of the organelle?
 List something that performs the same function in our school.
Cell Organelles
Organelles Found in Both Animal and Plant Cells:
Cell Membrane – The outer portion of a cell. It surrounds the cell and helps keep the contents inside. The
membrane also controls what enters or leaves a cell.
Cytoplasm – All the material between a cell membrane and the nucleus; it includes the various organelles
which help a cell to function.
Cytoskeleton – Provides shape and support to the cell.
Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) – A series of interconnected
membrane tubes and channels in the cytoplasm; moves
material through the cell. There are two types – Rough ER
and Smooth ER.
• Rough ER – Transports ribosomes around the
cell.
• Smooth ER – Makes most of the fats used by
the cell membrane.
Golgi Body (Apparatus) – Stores, packages, and distributes
proteins and fats made by the ER.
Lysosome – Digests food in the cell; packages and removes
waste from the cell.
Mitochondria – Power plant of the cell.
Sample Trading Card
Nucleolus – Located in the nucleus; manufactures ribosomes.
Nucleus – The control center of a cell. It contains genetic information that regulates how a cell functions.
Ribosomes – Makes the proteins needed by the cell.
Vacuole – Stores food and waste products; removes waste from the cell; provides support for the cell.
Cell Organelles Found ONLY in Plant Cells
Cell Wall – The outermost part of a plant cell. It is found outside of the cell's membrane. It is quite rigid
and helps maintain the shape of the plant.
Chloroplast – A green structure found inside a plant cell. This structure changes sunlight into a usable
form of energy for the plant. Works in conjunction with the mitochondria to produce energy.
Plastids – Helps with photosynthesis; stores pigments (colors); stores starch for winter use.