Cell Structure and Function Notes

Life Processes

  1. made of cells
  1. use energy; obtain food (metabolism)
  1. grow and develop
  1. reproduce
  1. respond to their environment or move
  1. made of the same chemicals (organic compounds)

The Cell – Notes

Robert Hooke – an English scientist who discovered the cell in 1665. He observed cells in a thin piece of cork by using a microscope.

Cell Theory

  • All living things are composed of one or more cells
  • Cells are the basic units of structure and function in living things
  • New cells are produced from existing cells

Cells

  • The cell is a factory that produces proteins.
  • Specialized structures that perform specific functions in the cell are called organelles (little organ).
  • Come in a variety of shapes; not flat; some are boxlike; some are spherical; all cells have some thickness.
  • Some cells are microscopic; others can be seen with a naked eye

Part of Cell / Function
1 / Cell Membrane / controls what enters and leaves the cell (fence)
2 / Cytoplasm / all of the living material outside the nucleus and inside the cell membrane (shop area)
3 / Nucleus / controls all the activities of the cell - growth and reproduction
chromosomes found in the nucleus – contain the blueprints of the cell (control center)
4 / Vacuole / storage area for food, water and waste products (storage area)
5 / Mitochondria / uses food to make high energy compounds for the cell (power plant)
6 / Cell Wall / only found in plant cells; supports and protects the cell; made of cellulose (non-living)
7 / Chloroplasts / only found in plant cells; uses energy from sunlight to make food molecules through photosynthesis (cafeteria)

Plant Cell

Key Cell Parts and Functions

Brown / Cell membrane: controls movement of materials into and out of cell
Blue / Vacuole: storage compartment for water and other substances
Red / Mitochondrion: releases the chemical energy from food
Green / Chloroplast: produces food for the cell by photosynthesis
Purple / Nucleus: controls activities of the cell and contains DNA
Yellow / Cytoplasm: fills the cell with a jellylike substance
Orange / Cell wall: provides rigid support for the plant cell

Animal Cell

Key Cell Parts and Functions

Brown / Cell membrane: controls movement of materials into and out of cell
Blue / Vacuole: storage compartment for water and other substances
Red / Mitochondrion: releases the chemical energy from food
Purple / Nucleus: controls activities of the cell and contains DNA
Yellow / Cytoplasm: fills the cell with a jellylike substance