The Cell

An internet laboratory on the cell, created by Wendy M. Rounds 5/3/00

The Cell
Cells are the basic unit of life. Cells carryout all the necessary functions

for life such as: reproduction, taking in nutrients and excreting wastes. Cells are made up of chemicals and molecules. Human cells contain mostly water.

The Cell
Cells are classified as prokaryotic and

eukaryotic. Prokaryotic cells lack a well-defined nucleus and many organelles. Bacteria are prokaryotic cells. Eukaryotic cells include the protists, fungi, plant and animal cells. We will study these cells during this lab.

The Cell
Animal Cells Have centrioles Store glucose as glycogen Do not have a cell wall Contain mitochondria

Plant Cells Lack centrioles Store glucose as cellulose or starch Have a cell wall Have large vacuoles Contain chloroplasts as well as mitochondria

The Cell
Animal Cell Click on the cell to study it in more detail

Plant Cell

Click on the cell to study it in more detail

Animal Cell
Click on each organelle to learn its function. When you have finished click on the arrow button to study the plant cell.

Plant Cell
Click on each organelle to study its function. When you have finished click here to study the animal cell or here to continue this lab.

Cell Extensions

Two types of cellular extensions are cilia and flagella. Cilia are small hairlike projections which beat to move substances. The respiratory tract is lined with cilia which only beat in one direction to move substances up from the lungs. (then we swallow them) Flagella (flagellum is the singular) are cellular projections which help the cell to move. A flagellum is found on sperm cells and helps them to swim to fertilize the egg.

Lab Report
Once you have reviewed the organelles of

the animal and plant cells. Click here to go to the lab report section. You should complete the report and email back to me by Monday at 9:00 pm.

Nucleus

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The nucleus is the controller of the cell. It is surrounded by the nuclear envelope which controls what substances may exit/enter the nucleus. It contains DNA and the nucleolus. DNA is termed the genetic blueprint and directs all protein synthesis. The nucleolus makes ribosomes.

Nucleus-Plant

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The nucleus is the controller of the cell. It is surrounded by the nuclear envelope which controls what substances may exit/enter the nucleus. It contains DNA and the nucleolus. DNA is termed the genetic blueprint and directs all protein synthesis. The nucleolus makes ribosomes.

Ribosomes

Free floating and fixed:

Endoplasmic Reticulum

Ribosomes are protein factories. All protein synthesis occurs within the ribosome. They may be fixed (attached to the endoplasmic reticulum) or free floating in the cytoplasm They are composed of rRNA and proteins.

Cell

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Ribosomes-Plant

Free floating and fixed:

Endoplasmic Reticulum

Ribosomes are protein factories. All protein synthesis occurs within the ribosome. They may be fixed (attached to the endoplasmic reticulum) or free floating in the cytoplasm They are composed of rRNA and proteins.

Cell

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Endoplasmic Reticulum

The endoplasmic reticulum or ER is a network of channels which assist in the synthesis and transport of cellular products. There are two types: smooth ER which is involved in the synthesis of lipid products such as steroid hormones. Rough ER which has ribsosomes attached to it & is involved in protein synthesis.

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Endoplasmic Reticulum-Plant

The endoplasmic reticulum or ER is a network of channels which assist in the synthesis and transport of cellular products. There are two types: smooth ER which is involved in the synthesis of lipid products such as steroid hormones. Rough ER which has ribsosomes attached to it & is involved in protein synthesis.

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Golgi Apparatus

This organelle consists of tubular channels which function to assemble, and check proteins coming from the rough ER. The golgi apparatus also ensures that the completed proteins go to the appropriate area of the cell. (that proteins for the cell membrane get to the membrane, proteins hormones exit the cell etc.)

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Golgi Apparatus-Plant

This organelle consists of tubular channels which function to assemble, and check proteins coming from the rough ER. The golgi apparatus also ensures that the completed proteins go to the appropriate area of the cell. (that proteins for the cell membrane get to the membrane, proteins hormones exit the cell etc.)

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Lysosomes

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Lysosomes contain powerful digestive enzymes which break apart anything that gets inside it. They are important in protection (splitting bacteria) as well as, old organelles. Lysosomes are able to release the end products for reuse in the cell. It is important that the lysosome doesnt rupture or the enzymes would digest the cell.

Mitochondria

Mitochondria are the powerhouses of the cell. They are responsible for carrying out aerobic cellular respiration. This process forms ATP from the food we eat and requires oxygen.

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Mitochondria-Plant

Mitochondria are the powerhouses of the cell. They are responsible for carrying out aerobic cellular respiration. This process forms ATP from the food we eat and requires oxygen.

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Cytoskeleton

The cytoskeleton functions as the muscles and bones of the cell. It consists of: Microfilaments: which help the cell to move (muscle contraction) Intermediate Filaments: which prevent the cell from being pulled apart. Microtubules: function in maintaining the cell shape.

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Cell Wall
Only found in plant cells
Surrounds cell membrane Composed of lignin and cellulose Function to strengthen and protect plant

cells.

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Central Vacuole
Large organelle
Comsists of mostly water, plant pigments,

and toxins. Functions for storage of nutrients and pigments, and retains waste products. The pigments which give a flower its color are stored in the vacuole.
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Chloroplasts
Contain green pigment termed chlorophyll. Function in photosynthesis

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