Activity 1: The Cell Organelles Reading and Graphic Organizer
Purpose: To find out about the function of each of the cell organelles
Task: As you read, complete the graphic organizer on the opposite.
Outcome: Identify the cell organelles and their functions
The Cell Organelles
Cells are the basic unit of life. We rely on our cells to metabolize food, reproduce, pass on genes, and maintain homeostasis. All cells
have organelles (smaller parts) inside that help them carry out these complex tasks.
All Cells Share a Basic Structure
There are two main types of cells: prokaryotic cells and eukaryotic cells. All cells share a basic structure: they are all surrounded by a
plasma membrane. The plasma membrane controls what enters and exits the cell. Inside the membrane is the cytoplasm – the fluid filling
of the cell. All cells have ribosomes – tiny, circular structures that synthesize (make) proteins. Lastly, all cells have DNA.
The Nucleus
In prokaryotes (bacteria), the DNA is loose in the middle of the cell. But all eukaryotic cells (plants, animals, protists, and fungi) have a
nucleus in the middle of the cell. The nucleus is an organelle that contains the organisms DNA. Because the DNA has the genetic
instructions that control all the cell’s activities, the nucleus is often called “the brain of the cell.”
Chloroplasts and Mitochondria
The chloroplast and mitochondria are organelles that help the cell get energy. Chloroplasts are only found in plant cells. Chloroplasts have
a special chemical inside them – chlorophyll – that makes them green and allows them to make food using energy from sunlight.
Mitochondria are found in all eukaryotic cells. Mitochondria convert food into energy for the cell.
The Endoplasmic Reticulum, Golgi Body, Vacuoles, and Lysosomes
In order for molecules to move around the eukaryotic cell, they travel through the endoplasmic reticulum(ER). The rough endoplasmic
reticulum has lots of ribosomes attached to it, so a lot of proteins are made in and travel through the rough ER. The smooth ER is not
covered with ribosomes. This is where a lot of lipids are made.
The Golgi Body packages molecules for transport (movement) outside the eukaryotic cell. Once it has been packaged at the Golgi Body, a
molecule can leave the cell through the cell membrane.
When the eukaryotic cell needs to store stuff, like water or food, it uses vacuoles. In plant cells, there is usually one big vacuole. In animal
cells, there are usually lots of smaller vacuoles. Sometimes these storage organelles also help move stuff around the cell and are called
vesicles.
The lysosomes help the cell breakdown waste, like old molecules and cell parts. Animal cells and some plant cells have lysosomes.
The Cell Wall
Both prokaryotes and plant cells have a cell wall outside of their plasma membrane. The cell wall gives the cell extra support and
protection, and helps the cell maintain its shape.
Eukaryotes
Cell Organelles Graphic Organizer
Cell Organelle
Plasma / Cell
Membrane
Cytoplasm
Ribosome
Nucleus
Chloroplast
Mitochondrion
Endoplasmic
Reticulum
(ER)
Golgi Body/
Apparatus
Structure
Function
Controls what enters
and exits the cell
Prokaryotes?
Plants?
Animals?
Vacuole
Lysosome
Cell Wall
Activity: Concept Mapping
Directions: Cut out and paste all the organelles into the correct box on the concept map below. Ask your teacher to check your work
before gluing it down!
ALL CELLS
ONLY PROKARYOTES
ONLY EUKARYOTES
ONLY PLANTS
ONLY ANIMALS
ORGANELLE CUT-OUTS
Chloroplast
Mitochondria
Vacuole (small)
Lysosome
ER
Golgi Body
Large, Central
Vacuole
Cell Wall -cellulose
Cell Wall
Capsule