Cell structure
Description
Main function
Plant / Animal
/ Both
Cell membrane
(plasma membrane)
Phospholipid bilayer
with proteins
Selectively controls
movement in and out of
cell
Both
Cytoplasm
Cytosol plus organelles
Site of many metabolic
reactions; suspends
organelles
Both
Cell wall
Rigid outer layer made
mainly of cellulose in
plants
Support, protection,
prevents bursting
Plant
Nucleus
Control center
containing DNA
Controls gene expression
and cell activity
Both
Nuclear envelope
Double membrane
around nucleus
Separates nucleus from
cytoplasm
Both
Chromatin
DNA + proteins
Genetic material
Both
Nucleolus
Dense region in nucleus
Makes ribosomes
Both
Ribosomes
Small particles free or
attached to RER
Protein synthesis
Both
Endoplasmic
reticulum
Membrane network
Protein and lipid synthesis
Both
Golgi apparatus
Flattened sacs
Processing and packaging
Both
Mitochondria
Double-membrane
organelles
ATP production
Both
Chloroplasts
Green plastids with
chlorophyll
Photosynthesis
Plant
Central vacuole
Large fluid-filled sac
Storage and turgor
pressure
Plant
Tonoplast
Vacuole membrane
Controls movement into
and out of vacuole
Plant
Lysosomes
Enzyme-filled sacs
Intracellular digestion
Mainly animal
Peroxisomes
Oxidative organelles
Detoxification and fatty
acid breakdown
Both
Cytoskeleton
Internal protein
framework
Shape, movement,
intracellular transport
Both
Centrioles
Cylindrical microtubule
structures
Help in spindle formation
Animal
Plasmodesmata
Channels through plant
cell walls
Cell-to-cell transport and
communication
Plant
Cilia / Flagella
Hair-like or whip-like
extensions
Movement
Mainly animal;
some plant
gametes