Cell Parts & Functions
Cells are made up of small organ-like structures called organelles. Each organelle has
a specific function that helps the cell function as a whole. Plant and animal cells are
similar, but they have different structures specific to their needs & functions.
Name of
organelle Function Where found
nucleus
-control center for cell activities
-contains genetic information in chromosomes
(DNA) that determine which traits are passed to
offspring
plant & animal cells
cytoplasm
-clear thick jelly-like fluid between the inside the
cell membrane
-contains & supports the organelles
plant & animal cells
mitochondria -provides energy for the cell
-โpower houseโ of the cell
-site of cellular respiration which releases
energy by breaking the chemical bonds of food
plant & animal cells
vacuole -stores water, wastes & other materials
-helps provide shape & structure in plant cells
-larger in plant cells since they may have to go
for long periods without rain
plant & animal cells
cell membrane -controls what moves in & out of the cell (takes in
food/ gases & removes wastes)
-outermost layer of an animal cell
-inside the cell wall of plant cells
plant & animal cells
cell wall
-rigid, outermost layer of the plant cell
-shapes, protects & supports the cell
*plant cells only
chloroplast
-contains chlorophyll, a green pigment, that
traps sunlight
-site of photosynthesis
*plant cells only
TEKS 7.12D differentiate between structure and function in plant and animal cell organelles including cell membrane, cell wall,
nucleus, cytoplasm, mitochondrion, chloroplasts and vacuole
