2-3 What are the main cell parts?
Three Main Parts
Most cells have three main parts. The three main of the cell are the cell membrane,
cytoplasm, and the nucleus. Each of these main cell parts has a special job to do.
Cell Membrane
The cell membrane is a thin structure that surrounds a cell. Sometimes, it tis called the
plasma membrane. The cell membrane has three important jobs. It protects the inside of a
cell. It supports and gives a cell its shape. The cell membrane also controls the movement
of materials into and out of a cell.
Food, water, and oxygen move through the cell membrane into the cell. Wastes move out of
the cell through the cell membrane.
Cytoplasm
Most cell parts are located in the cytoplasm. The cytoplasm is gel-like substance that is
constantly moving. Most of the activities in the cell take place in the cytoplasm.
Nucleus
The nucleus of a cell is round or egg shaped. Most cells have a nucleus is the control center
of a cell. It controls cell reproduction. The nucleus is separated from the cytoplasm by the
nuclear membrane. It is a thin structure that surrounds and protects the nucleus. The
nuclear membrane also controls the movement of materials into and out of the nucleus.
Onside the nucleus there are blueprints called DNA. DNA contains the instructions for
how the cell is supposed to function.
Checking Concepts
1. All the life processes of a cell are controlled by the __________________.
2. The three main parts of the cell are the nucleus, the cell membrane, and the
_______________.
3. The cell membrane controls the ________________.
4. Most cell parts are located in the _______________________.