Cell Organelles

Cell Organelles

• 1.
  Let’s meet: THECELL ( a.k.a. The Basic Unit of Life)
• 2.
  Cell Organelles Whatis an organelle? Let’s take a closer look and find out!
• 3.
  The Nucleus (the“brain” of the cell) The nucleus is usually very easy to notice and is one organelle you may have already heard about. Why is it important? The nucleus contains DNA which is a chemical that controls cell function and helps to make proteins. The nucleus directs all cellular activities such as movement, growth, and other functions.
• 4.
  The Mitochondria (The“Powerhouse” of the cell) We often call the mitochondria the powerhouse of the cell because it produces ALL the energy a cell needs to function normally! Why is it important? The mitochondria “powers the cell” by converting food energy into ATP, a chemical energy that the cell can use.
• 5.
  The big thingto remember about Mitochondria is that they are the cell’s little powerhouses. Their whole purpose is to break down food molecules so that the cells have energy to live.
• 6.
  The Cell Membrane(the “doorway” of the cell) Why is it important? The cell membrane surrounds all animal and plant cells. It allows some things in the cell, like nutrients or other needed materials and it keeps some things outside of the cell, like toxins or other materials that are not needed by the cell. It also lets waste materials out of the cell. It also gives structure to the cell.
• 7.
  Vacuoles (the “storagerooms” of the cell) Nutrients, water and other substances are stored in the vacuoles which look like water filled sacs. Why are they important? They act like storage tanks for food and other materials. They can also store waste products. When the vacuoles are full of water, a cell may look swollen. Plant cells have ONE LARGE vacuole, animal cells have a few smaller ones, if any at all.
• 8.
  Cytoplasm (the “kitchen”of the cell) Cytoplasm is the gel-like material inside the cell membrane and outside the nucleus. Why is it important? Cytoplasm contains a large amount of water, nutrients and other chemicals that carry out the life processes in the cell. Cytoplasm constantly moves or streams.
• 9.
  The Cell Wall(the “frame of the cell”) Cell walls are ONLY found in plant cells! Why are they important? Cell walls provide support so that plants can grow tall. They allow water, oxygen, and carbon dioxide to pass through it.
• 10.
  Chloroplasts (the “solarpanels” of the cell) Chloroplasts are ONLY found in plant cells. Why are they important? Chloroplasts are important because they are responsible for photosynthesis. Chloroplast contain the pigment CHLOROPHYLL which makes most plants appear GREEN!!
• 11.
  Homework: On apiece of loose leaf answer the following questions (to be handed in): What is an organelle? Why does the cytoplasm move? Why do you think animal cells don’t need cell walls? C&R p. 109, #3