Basic Cell Parts & Functions

Basic Cell Parts & Functions

1. The cell is the smallest unit of life. It is the building block from which all living things are made.

   • Cells are so small that you need to use a microscope to see  them.   Every human, animal and plant is made up of trillions of cells.

2. Inside each cell there are tiny parts called organelles. Each organelle has a specific job to do in the cell.

   • The cell has many organelles. Five of these organalles are: Cell Membrane, Nucleus, Vacuole, Mitochondrion and Cytoplasm
     • The cell has many more organelles, all of which are just as important. A few other major organelles are: (1) nucleolus (2) ribosome (3) vesicle (4) rough endoplasmic reticulum (5) Golgi apparatus (6) cytoskeleton (7) smooth endoplasmic reticulum (8) cytosol (9) lysosome (10) centriole. 
     • Cell Membrane - is a protective barrier for the cell. It  provides structure for the cell and controls what can enter or leave the cell.
       • Cell membrane - You can think of the cell membrane like the "skin" of the cell.
     • Nucleus - controls the activities of the cell.
       • Nucleus - You can think of the nucleus like the "brain" of the cell. 
     • Vacuole - holds water and food in the cell. It also holds waste that might hurt the cell.
       • Vacuole - You can think of the vacuole like a "storage compartment" of the cell. 
     • Cytoplasm - a gel-like (jelly-like) substance that fills the cell and holds all the cell parts in place.
       • Cytoplasm - You can think of the cytoplasm like the "glue" of the cell. 
     • Mitochondrion - takes in nutrients and turns it into energy   for the cell. It also helps the cell to breathe.
       • Mitochondrion - You can think of the mitochondrion like the "powerhouse" of the cell. 

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