Cell Parts and Their Functions Nucleus - Large Oval body near the centre of the cell.

- The control centre for all activity. - Surrounded by a nuclear membrane. Nucleoplasm - is the protoplasm in the nucleus. - contains genetic material ---> CHROMOSOMES (DNA) Nucleolus - is found in the nucleus. - contains more genetic information (RNA) Cell Membrane - the outer boundary of the cell. - it separates the cell from other cells. - it is porous ---> allows molecules to pass through. Cell Wall ( Plant Cells Only ) - non living structure that surrounds the plant cell. - protects + supports the cell. - made up of a tough fibre called cellulose. Cyto Plasm - cell material outside the nucleus but within the cell membrane. - clear thick fluid. - contains structures called organelles. Vacuoles - are clear fluid sacs that act as storage areas for food, minerals, and waste. - in plant cell the vacuoles are large and mostly filled with water. This gives the plant support. - in animal cells the vacuoles are much smaller. Mitochondria - power house of the cell. - centre of respiration of the cell. - they release energy for cell functions. Chloro Plasts ( Plant cells only ) - contains a green pigment known as chlorophyll which is important for photosynthesis. Ribosomes - tiny spherical bodies that help make proteins. - found in the cyto plasm or attached to the endo plasmic reticulum. Endo Plasmic Reticulum ( ER ) - systems of membranes throughout the cyto plasm. - it connects the nuclear membrane to the cell membrane. - passageway for material moving though the cell. Golgi Bodies - tube like structures that have tiny sacs at their ends. - they help package protein.

Lysosomes - " suicide sacs " - small structures that contain enzymes which are used in digestion. - if a lysosome were to burst it could destroy the cell. Parts of a Cell Cell (plasma) membrane Cell wall Chlorophyll Chloroplasts Chromosomes Cytoplasm Endoplasmic reticulum Golgi bodies Lyosome mircotubule Mitochondria Nuclear membrane Nucleolus Nucleus Plastid Ribosomes Vacuole Part Function - controls entry into and out of cell - shapes and supports a plant cell - traps light and is used to produce food for plants - food for plant cells is made here - contains code which guides all cell activities - jellylike substance within cell - surface for chemical activity -stores and releases chemicals - digestion center - hollow cylinder that supports and shapes cell - "powerhouse" of cell - holds nucleus together - spherical body within nucleus - chromosomes are found here - stores food or contains pigment - where proteins are made - contains water and dissolved minerals

We all know that the basic and the smallest unit of life is a cell. From the day life came into existence, cells have been broadly classified as; prokaryotic cells and eukaryotic cells. The terms come from the Greek word "karyon" which means "nucleus"; "pro" meaning "before" and "eu" meaning "true". Thus, prokaryotic cells have no nucleus and are supposed to be primitive in nature which means that eukaryotic cells have evolved from the former and show the presence of a nucleus. Animal cell is a form of eukaryotic cell that makes up the body tissues and thus organs. The animal cell, though, is pretty distinct from a plant cell due to the absence of cell walls and chloroplast. All the animal cells are not of the same shape, size or function but the main cellular mechanism is same which helps in proper functioning of the body. There are various animal cell parts which make up an animal cell, so let's get an insight of the parts of an animal cell and what they do. The labeled animal cell diagram below will make an evident impact and help in better understanding.

Parts of an Animal Cell and their Functions Cell Membrane: The cell membrane is the outer most part of the cell which encloses all the other cell organelles. The cell membrane function is to control the influx of the nutrients and minerals in and out of the cell. Cell Cytoplasm: Cytoplasm is supposed to be the matrix or gel like substance/fluid present inside the cell. It is mainly made up of water and protein material. The cytoplasm is the key site wherein all life processes occur. Read structure and functions of cytoplasm to know more on this cell organelle. Nucleus: Cell nucleus is supposed to be the brain or the control center of the cell and thus one of the most important animal cell parts. It contains the genetic material i.e. the DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid) and the chromosomes. The DNA is made up of nucleotides which eventually help in protein formation by the process of transcription and translation. Nucleolus: Nucleolus is a dark stained area inside the nucleus mainly responsible for the protein formation using RNA (Ribonucleic acid). Nuclear Membrane: This is the porous, protective sheath that covers the nucleus which allows influx of substances and is one of the distinctive characteristics of an animal cell. Read more on nuclear membrane function. Nucleoplasm: This dense fluid inside the nucleus contains chromatin fibers, which condense to form chromosomes and genes which carry hereditary information.

Mitochondria: Mitochondria are among the largest cell organelles also known as the engine house of the cells. Oxygen combines with glucose to form energy (ATP) required for metabolism and cellular activities in this organelle. It is an independent organelle having its own Mitochondrial DNA, RNA and ribosomes owing to self replication and duplication. Ribosomes: As I mentioned previously, protein synthesis (transcription and translation) takes place in ribosomes. These organelles could be bound to the endoplasmic reticulum or free floating in the cytoplasm. Lysosomes: These are membrane bound sacs containing enzymes needed to break down unnecessary parts of the cell for reuse. It mainly helps phagocytosis and promotes intracellular digestion. Centrosomes: These small organelles surrounded by the microtubules or the centrosphere, contain the centrioles which are responsible for the initiation of cell division. Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER): The animal cell model clearly suggests ER to be the second largest cell organelle after mitochondria since these form a series of interconnecting flattened tubular tunnels; rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) and smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER). The RER is mainly responsible for holding onto the proteins formed in the ribosomes, thus being rough in appearance. Golgi Apparatus: The proteins formed and bounded by the ER need to be processed so as to perform normal functions. Golgi, membranous sacs associated chiefly with the endoplasmic reticulum, do that to release the protein chains. Vacuoles: Smaller gas and membrane vacuoles filled with fluids and water are present in animal cells. Their main function is storage. Plant cells like animal cells are eukaryotic, i.e. they contain membrane bound nuclei and cell organelles. A plant cell differs from an animal cell in having certain distinctive structures - cell wall, vacuoles, plasmodesmata and plastids. On the contrary, plant cells lack centrioles and intermediate filaments, which are present in animal cells. Despite these, plant and animal cells share several similarities in structure, parts and their roles. Different Parts of a Plant Cell Plant cells are classified into three types, based on the structure and function, viz. parenchyma, collenchyma and sclerenchyma. The parenchyma cells are living, thin-walled and undergo repeated cell division for growth of the plant. They are mostly present in the leaf epidermis, stem pith, root and fruit pulp. Mature collenchyma cells are living, and provide stretchable support to the plant. Lastly, sclerenchyma cells (e.g. fiber cells) are hard, non-living and give mechanical support to plants. Now, let us see the different parts of a plant cell with their significant roles. Cell Wall Cell wall is the outermost tough and rigid layer, which comprises cellulose, hemicellulose, pectin and at other times, lignin. As expected, it remains connected with the cell walls of other cells. The prime functions of cell wall are protection, giving structural support and helping in the filter mechanism. Cell Membrane Cell membrane, also called plasma membrane, is present inside the cell wall and surrounds the cytoplasm. It connects the intracellular components (organelles and cytoplasm) with the extracellular environment, and helps in protection and transportation. The cell membrane is permeable to specific substances only. Plasmodesmata Plasmodesma (plural plasmodesmata) is a small opening, which connects plant cells with each other. Present only in some types of algal cells and plants cells, this connecting channel enables transport of materials and allows communication between the cells. In a single plant cell, about 1,000-100,000 plasmodesmata are present. Nuclear Membrane The nuclear membrane and the nuclear envelope mean one and same thing. As the name reveals, it is the outer covering of the nucleus. It separates the cytoplasmic contents from the nuclear contents. Nonetheless, minute pores (nuclear pores) are present for exchanging materials between the nucleus and cytoplasm. Nucleus

Nucleus is a specialized organelle, which contains the plant's hereditary material i.e. DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid). Inside the nucleus, a dense, spherical body called nucleolus is present. The nucleus contains structures, which regulates the cell cycle, growth, protein synthesis and reproductive function. Vacuole Vacuoles are large membrane-bound compartments, which store water and compounds. They function as storage, excretory and secretory organelles. The membrane surrounding a vacuole is called tonoplast. A mature plant cell has a single vacuole at the near center of the cell (central vacuole), which contributes to about 30-80 percent of the cell's volume. Cytoplasm Cytoplasm is filled up by cytosol, which is a gelatinous and semitransparent fluid. All the organelles of the plant cell are present in this cytoplasm. This part of the plant cell is the site for cell division, glycolysis and many other cellular activities. Also, the cytoskeleton elements (microtubules and microfilaments) are present in the cytosol. Plastid (Chloroplast) Plastids are organelles responsible for photosynthetic activity, manufacturing and storage of chemical compounds in plants. Chloroplast is an important form of plastid containing chlorophyll pigment, which helps in harvesting light energy and converting it to chemical energy. Likewise, chromoplast and other plastids are present in a plant cell. Mitochondria Mitochondria (singular mitochondrion) are oblong shaped organelles, which are also known as 'the powerhouse of the cell'. They are responsible for breaking down complex carbohydrate and sugar molecules to simpler forms, which the plants can use. Other than this, mitochondria are crucial for cell signaling, cycle, division, growth and death. Endoplasmic Reticulum The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) organelle plays a major role in manufacturing and storage of chemical compounds, like glycogen and steroids. It is also involved in translation and transportation of protein. ER is also connected to the nuclear membrane, so as to make a channel between the cytoplasm and the nucleus. Golgi Apparatus Golgi apparatus also known as golgi complex and golgi body. It is an organelle responsible for processing of macromolecules (like carbohydrates, proteins and fats) and packaging them into membrane-bound vesicles for transportation purposes. Golgi bodies are present near to the nucleus of the plant cell. Ribosome Ribosomes are organelles, which are made up of 60% RNA (Ribonucleic Acid) and 40% protein, and play an important role in protein translation. It won't be wrong to say that the main site of protein synthesis is ribosome. Endoplasmic reticulum having ribosomes is referred to as rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER). Microbodies Microbodies are single, membrane-bound, globular shaped organelles, which are found in the cytoplasm. They range in size from 0.5-1 micrometer, and contain degradative enzymes. Many kinds of microbodies are present in a plant cell, of which the two most common types are peroxisomes and glyoxysomes. Microtubules Microtubules are straight, hollow, tubular cylinders, which are major elements of the cytoskeleton. These plant cell structures are involved in synthesizing cell wall. Function wise, they are crucial for structural support, cell division and transport of vesicles. Microtubules in a plant cell are simpler, as compared to those of an animal cell. Microfilaments Microfilaments are thin, filament like structures found in the cytosol, which contain actin subunits. These along with the microtubules make up the cytoskeleton of plants cells. Similar to the microtubules, the microfilaments are responsible for giving structural support, flexibility and shape to the cell. In the overall functioning of a plant cell, the above cell parts coordinate in a specific manner. As you have seen, lysosomes are absent in plant cells. While vacuole is large and single in a plant cell, the animal cell houses smaller vacuoles in larger numbers. Likewise, for understanding the differences between plant and animal cells, you can study the cells separately along with the types of organelles present in them.

Differences between plant and animal cells are summarized in the following table. Characteristics Plant Cell Cell Size Cell Shape Vacuoles Large Rectangular A single centrally located vacuole. It takes up almost 90% of the cell volume. The vacuole stores water and maintains turgidity of the cell. Animal Cell Smaller than plant cells Circular If any, there are a number of small vacuoles spread throughout the cytoplasm that store water, ions and waste materials.

Cell Wall

A rigid cell wall (made of cellulose) is present around Cell wall is absent. This allows animal cells to a plant cell that helps it maintain its shape. adopt different shapes. Present. Chlorophyll is the pigment that traps sun's energy which is utilized by plants to make food through the process of photosynthesis. This pigment is present in the chloroplasts. Absent. As animals lack this pigment, they cannot make their own food.

Chloroplasts

Cell Division

Animal cells divide with the formation of a Cell division takes place by the formation of cell plate cleavage furrow. This is formed as the in the center of the dividing cell. This becomes the chromosomes move to the ends of the cell wall between the two daughter cells. microtubule spindle formed by the centrioles. Present only in lower forms. Plants instead have microtubule organizing centers (MTOC) that produce the microtubules. Absent. Instead two small clear areas called polar caps are present. Absent In place of golgi bodies, its sub units known as dictyosomes are present. Present. Centrioles help in division of animal cells by creating microtubule spindles that pull the chromosomes to opposite ends for cell division to occur. Present Present. Lysosomes are vesicles that contain enzymes that destroy dead cell organelles and other cells debis. Complex golgi bodies are present close to the nucleus.

Centrioles

Centrosome

Lysosomes

Golgi Bodies

Cell Sturcture & functions Chromosomes Usually in the form of chromatin Contains genetic information Composed of DNA Thicken for cellular division Set number per species (i.e. 23 pairs for human)

Nuclear membrane - Surrounds nucleus - Composed of two layers - Numerous openings for nuclear traffic

Nucleolus - Spherical shape - Visible when cell is not dividing - Contains RNA for protein manufacture

Centrioles Paired cylindrical organelles near nucleus Composed of nine tubes, each with three tubules Involved in cellular division Lie at right angles to each other

Chloroplasts - A plastid usually found in plant cells - Contain green chlorophyll where photosynthesis takes place

Cytoskeleton - Composed of microtubules - Supports cell and provides shape - Aids movement of materials in and out of cells

Endoplasmic reticulum Tubular network fused to nuclear membrane Goes through cytoplasm onto cell membrane Stores, separates, and serves as cell's transport system Smooth type: lacks ribosomes Rough type (pictured): ribosomes embedded in surface

Golgi apparatus - Protein 'packaging plant' - A membrane structure found near nucleus - Composed of numerous layers forming a sac

Lysosome Digestive 'plant' for proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates Transports undigested material to cell membrane for removal Vary in shape depending on process being carried out Cell breaks down if lysosome explodes

Mitochondria Second largest organelle with unique genetic structure Double-layered outer membrane with inner folds called cristae Energy-producing chemical reactions take place on cristae Controls level of water and other materials in cell Recycles and decomposes proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, and forms urea

Ribosomes Each cell contains thousands Miniature 'protein factories' Composes 25% of cell's mass Stationary type: embedded in rough endoplasmic reticulum Mobile type: injects proteins directly into cytoplasm

Vacuoles - Membrane-bound sacs for storage, digestion, and waste removal - Contains water solution - Contractile vacuoles for water removal (in unicellular organisms)

Cell wall Most commonly found in plant cells Controls turgity Extracellular structure surrounding plasma membrane Primary cell wall: extremely elastic Secondary cell wall: forms around primary cell wall after growth is complete

Plasma membrane - Outer membrane of cell that controls cellular traffic - Contains proteins (left, gray) that span through the membrane and allow passage of materials - Proteins are surrounded by a phospholipid bi-layer.

Plant cell

Animal Cell