Cell Structure
& Function
http://koning.ecsu.ctstateu.edu/cell/cell.html
A Pretty Cool Video about
Cells…
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gFuEo2
ccTPA
Learner Outcomes
• I can list the three parts of the cell theory.
• I can compare and contrast eukaryotic and
prokaryotic cells.
• I can describe key characteristics of both
prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
Definition of Cell
A cell is the smallest unit of life
that is capable of performing life
functions.
Key Terms
• Cytoplasm: jelly-like substance that
contains all parts of the cell.
• Organelles: structures within a cell that are
specialized to perform certain functions.
Discovery of Cells
• The first cell was seen in 1665 by Robert
Hooke using a simple light microscope.
• He was looking at cork, the tough outer
bark of a certain species of oak trees.
– The plant cells he observed were dead and
looked like small rooms so he called them
cells.
Cell Theory: work of several
scientists
• All living things are made up of cells.
• Cells are the most basic units of all living
things.
• All cells come from preexisting cells
through cell division.
The Weird History of the
Discovery of the Cell!
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4OpByl
wH9DU
Examples of Cells
Amoeba Proteus
Plant Stem
Bacteria
Red Blood Cell
Nerve Cell
Two Main Types of Cells
•Prokaryotic
•Eukaryotic
Prokaryotic
• Do not have a
nucleus or other
membrane-bound
organelles.
• DNA is found
floating in the
cytoplasm.
• All prokaryotes are
bacteria.
http://library.thinkquest.org/C004535/prokaryotic_cells.html
Eukaryotic
• Have a nucleus and other organelles surrounded by membranes
• All living organisms except bacteria.
• Can be single-celled or multi-celled.
Plant
Animal
http://library.thinkquest.org/C004535/eukaryotic_cells.html
“Typical” Animal Cell
http://web.jjay.cuny.edu/~acarpi/NSC/images/cell.gif
“Typical” Plant Cell
http://waynesword.palomar.edu/images/plant3.gif
Cell Parts
Organelles
Learner Outcomes
• I can describe the function of the following
organelles:
– Mitochondria
– Cell membrane
– Ribosomes
– Nucleus
– Golgi Apparatus
– ER
– Nucleolus
– Lysosomes
-Vesicles
Surrounding the Cell
Cell Membrane
• Outer membrane of cell
that controls movement
in and out of the cell
• Double layer
http://library.thinkquest.org/12413/structures.html
Cell Wall
• Most commonly found
in plant cells &
bacteria
• Supports & protects
cells
http://library.thinkquest.org/12413/structures.html
Inside the Cell
Nucleus
• Directs cell activities
• Separated from cytoplasm by nuclear
membrane
• Contains genetic material - DNA
Nuclear Membrane
• Surrounds nucleus
• Made of two layers
• Openings allow
material to enter and
leave nucleus
http://library.thinkquest.org/12413/structures.html
Chromosomes
• In nucleus
• Made of DNA
• Contain instructions
for traits &
characteristics
http://library.thinkquest.org/12413/structures.html
Nucleolus
• Inside nucleus
• Contains RNA to build
proteins
http://library.thinkquest.org/12413/structures.html
Cytoplasm
• Gel-like mixture
• Surrounded by cell membrane
• Contains hereditary material
Endoplasmic Reticulum
• Moves materials around
in cell
• Smooth type: lacks
ribosomes
• Rough type (pictured):
ribosomes embedded in
surface
http://library.thinkquest.org/12413/structures.html
Ribosomes
• Each cell contains
thousands
• Make proteins
• Found on ribosomes
& floating throughout
the cell
http://library.thinkquest.org/12413/structures.html
Mitochondria
• Produces energy through
chemical reactions –
breaking down fats &
carbohydrates
• Controls level of water and
other materials in cell
• Recycles and decomposes
proteins, fats, and
carbohydrates
http://library.thinkquest.org/12413/structures.html
Golgi Bodies
• Protein 'packaging
plant'
• Move materials within
the cell
• Move materials out of
the cell
http://library.thinkquest.org/12413/structures.html
Lysosome
• Digestive 'plant' for
proteins, fats, and
carbohydrates
• Transports undigested
material to cell
membrane for removal
• Cell breaks down if
lysosome explodes
http://library.thinkquest.org/12413/structures.html
Vacuoles
• Membrane-bound
sacs for storage,
digestion, and waste
removal
• Contains water
solution
• Help plants maintain
shape
http://library.thinkquest.org/12413/structures.html
Chloroplast
• Usually found in plant
cells
• Contains green
chlorophyll
• Where
photosynthesis takes
place
http://library.thinkquest.org/12413/structures.html