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2.1 Cell Basics
Organelle: A specialized structure within a cell that performs a specialized function in
the cell.
Scientist have determined that even though there is no one, common cell, all plant and
animal cells have many common factors.
Animal Cell Structures
The entire cell is covered by a cell membrane. The membrane acts like a gatekeeper,
controlling the movement of materials into and out of the cell.
The nucleus of the cell acts as the control centre, directing all of the cell’s activities.
Genetic (hereditary) information is organized into threadlike structures called
chromosomes. Each chromosome contains many different genes. Genes are units of
genetic information that determine the specific characteristics of an individual.
The cytoplasm is the area of the cell where the work is done. Nutrients are absorbed,
transported, and processed within the cytoplasm.
The cytoplasm contains a number of different organelles which have a specific form and
function.
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Nucleolus: a spherical structure within the nucleus of some cells, probably involved in
the making of proteins
Ribosome: organelle that builds proteins essential for cell growth and reproduction
Mitochondrion: tiny, oval-shaped organelle that provides cells with energy
Endoplasmic reticulum: a series of “canals” that carry materials throughout the cell
Golgi apparatus: a structure that stores proteins until needed for use inside or outside
the cell
Lysosome: saclike structure, formed by the Golgi apparatus, that contains proteins that
can break down large molecules and other cell parts
Centriole: small protein structure critical to cell division, found only in animal cells
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Plant-Cell Structures
Plant cells contain all the organelles found in animal cells plus a few other structures.
The cell membrane of a plant cell is surrounded by a cell wall. Composed of a rigid
material called cellulose, cell walls protect and support plant cells. Gases, water, and
some minerals can pass through small pores (openings) in the cell wall.
Vacuoles in plants are normally much larger in plant cells than in animal cells.
Vacuole: fluid-filled space containing water, sugar, minerals, and proteins
Chloroplast (plastid): organelle containing chlorophyll used in photosynthesis
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Cell Movement
Outside the cell membrane, some cells have a flagellum (plural: flagella), a whip like
tail that helps the cell move. Some cells have many tiny hairs, called cilia, that either
move the cell or the environment surrounding the cell. The cilia usually work together.
Mitosis
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Organelle
Cell Membrane
Cytoplasm
Nucleus
Mitochondria
Golgi Apparatus
Endoplasmic
Reticulum
Ribosome
Lysosome
Centriole
Cilia
Flagella
Diagram
Function/Role
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Worksheet 2.1: Cell Basics
1. What is the function of
a. The cell membrane of a cell?
b. The cytosplasm?
2. Where in a cell is genetic information found?
3. Why is cell division important?
4. Why is the duplication of the nuclear material necessary during the cell cycle?
5. How do the new cells formed during cell division compare with the initial cell?
6. A normal human cell has 46 chromosomes. After the cell has undergone mitosis,
how many chromosomes would you expect to find in each cell?
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