- Chloroplast: Plants, NOT ANIMALS. Uses the energy from sunlight to form glucose molecules from CO₂ and H₂O. Glucose is an energy STORAGE molecule.
- Nucleus: All Eukaryotes. Protective container for the cell's DNA. DNA never leaves the nucleus, but messages (mRNA) can be sent to other parts of the cell.
- Ribosomes: ALL CELLS. Smallest organelle found in ALL cells. Builds proteins by putting together long chains of Amino Acids according to the mRNA message (a copy of a piece of DNA). Thousands in each cell.
- Mitochondria: ALL CELLS. Powerhouse of the cell. Converts glucose into ATP, an energy molecule used in almost every reaction the cell does.
- Cell Membrane: ALL CELLS. Controls what molecules are allowed in and out of the cell. Also called the Plasma Membrane. Made of a sea of phospholipids molecules that together form the outer barrier of the cell.
- Cytoplasm (A.K.A. Cytosol): ALL CELLS. The liquid that fills the cell. Contains lots of proteins and dissolved ions that are involved in many cell reactions.
- Vacuole: All Eukaryotes. Basically, a membrane enclosed sac that can be filled with anything the cell needs to keep separate. Stores food, water, etc. In plants the vacuole also helps the cell maintain its rigidity.
- Golgi Body: All Eukaryotes. Receives products from the ER and adds final modifications. It also sorts these products and sends them to their final destinations.
- Lysosomes: All Eukaryotes. A membrane enclosed bag of digestive juices. Breaks down large molecules and old cell parts into their components that can be recycled to build new cell parts.
- Rough ER: All Eukaryotes. Large folded membrane system studded with ribosomes. Ribosomes build proteins and the ER helps fold or modify them. Products are shipped to the Golgi.
- Smooth ER: All Eukaryotes. Large folded membrane system. Puts together lipids and is important in making new membranes.
- Microtubules & Microfilaments: All Eukaryotes. Long tubes or cord-like structures that provide the cell’s internal structure and allow movement. Other organelles are anchored to this network called the cytoskeleton. Work together in muscle contraction, and the motion of cilia and flagella.
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of cells and their organelles worksheet.
