Cells are the basic units of life 1.

There are many different kinds of cells, but all can be categorized
as one of two major types: prokaryotic cells and eukaryotic cells.
Both bacteria and Archea are prokaryotes. They generally are single-celled, but can form colonies
that function as a group. Eukaryotes are generally larger than prokaryotes and more complex  2.
Eukaryotes can be unicellular or can be composed of millions of different cells.

What is the basic structure of a cell?

All cells have certain features in common, such as a cell membranes, DNA and RNA, cytoplasm,

and ribosomes 2. In addition all cells are organized and have different organelles that, like your
internal organs, each play a distinctive role 3.

The membrane that encircles the entire cell is called the cell membrane. However, many organelles,
likeindividual cells, have membranes around them that separate their interiors from the outside
environment. These organelles are called membrane bound organelles. Membranes are crucial to the
organization of a cellbecause they structure the cell into compartments.

Membranes consist of a double layer of phospholipids and embedded proteins and function to
control what goes in and out of a cell or organelle 4. Some organelles do not need a membrane for
proper functioning and are called non-membrane bound organelles. Prokaryotic cells (bacteria) are
entirely organized by non-membrane bound organelles.

What are the main organelles in a eukaryotic cell?

This is a picture of a basic animal eukaryotic cell. Each number points to a
different organelle inside the cell(see text for description of organelles).

(1, 2) The nucleus (2) is the control center of the cell. It controls the activities of the cell by
regulating geneexpression 5. It is a membrane-bound organelle that contains DNA and proteins (e.g.
histones). Thenucleolus (1) is not confined by a membrane; it is an area inside
the nucleus where DNA is read to make ribosomes (3).

(3) Ribosomes are miniature “protein factories.” These non-membrane bound proteins translate

messengerRNA (mRNA) into proteins. Ribosomes can be found free inside the cytoplasm or
attached to the rough ER. They can make up to 25% of a cell’s mass (excluding water) 1,4.

(4) Vesicles are small membrane-enclosed sacks that store, transport and digest cellular products
and waste 6.

(5) Rough ER: The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a large membranous labyrinth that can uptake
the space of half of the cell 7. It can be distinguished in two different regions: rough ER and smooth
ER (8). The rough ER is rough in texture because it has ribosomes attached to it. Its primary
function is protein synthesis and transport. However, the rough ER also makes its one membrane
phospholipids 7. It is a non-membrane bound organelle.
(6) The Golgi apparatus or Golgi complex is a non-membrane bound organelle that is composed of
membranous sacs where newly-made proteins develop and become functional 3. It is like a center of
manufacturing, warehousing, sorting, and shipping 7.
 (7) The cytoskeleton is a network of connected filaments and tubules 2. It provides shape, strength,
and movement of the cell and AIDS in the movement of materials in and out of the cell 3.

(8) The smooth ER is the second region of the ER. The smooth ER is fairly smooth in texture
because there are no ribosomes attached to it. It is involved in different processes; an important one
is lipid synthesis and neutralization of toxins 3.

(9) Mitochondria are membrane bound organelles that serve as the cell’s power plants 3. They
convert food into a molecule called ATP 3. ATP can be thought of as an “energy currency” that
each organelle must have in order to “pay” for its actions. mitochondria are large organelles that
have a double-layered membrane with inner folds called cristae 1,4. They also have their own
ribosomes and DNA and are therefore able to produce a small amount of their own proteins.

(10) Peroxisomes are membrane bound organelles that are located close to mitochondria and

chloroplasts, because peroxisomes help these organelles fulfill certain metabolic functions.
Peroxisomes can also detoxify poisonous substances that could harm the cell. For instance in liver
cells, peroxisomes help detoxify alcohol and are part of the reason why people can be sober a few
hours after excessive drinking.

(11) The cytoplasm is the region outside the nucleus, in which organelles and biological molecules
are located4.

(12) Lysosomes are the cell’s digestive organelles; they digest excess or worn-out organelles and
food particles, as well as engulf viruses, bacteria and substances that could harm the cell 8.
Lysosomes are membrane bound organelles and are formed by the Golgi apparatus 2.

(13) A centriole is a cylindrical, barrel-shaped organelle that is involved in cell division 4. Two

centrioles form the core of the centrosome. 
 

What organelles are different in animal and plant cells?

 Vacuoles are membrane-bound organelles that are present in all plant cells, but only some
animal cells9. The vacuole stores chemicals and breaks down macromolecules 8. It normally takes
up most of the space in a plant cell.
 Chloroplasts are organelles that are only found in plant cells and are the site
where photosynthesisoccurs 3. They contain the plant cell’s chlorophyll, which gives the plant its
green color.
 A cell wall occurs in bacteria, fungi and plant cells (also in some unicellular eukaryotes
called protists)7. A cell wall maintains the integrity of the cell 2. In plants, it also controls the uptake
of water. The components of the cell wall differ from species to species, but the main component of
the cell wall in plants is cellulose, in fungi chitin and in bacteria peptidoglycans 7. cell walls encase
the cells and are extremely elastic but also tough 4.

This is a picture of a basic plant cell. As you can see, plant cells contain a cell wall, a
large vacuole, and achloroplast. None of these three things are normally found in animal cells. Try
to name the rest of the organelles in the cell based on what you already know from the first picture
in this leaf.

References: 
1. cell (biology). http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cell_(biology). June 23, 2011. 
2. cell nucleus. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cell_nucleus. June 24, 2011. 
3. Machalek AZ. “An Owner's Guide to the Cell”. Inside the cell. National Institutes of Health,
Bethesda, MD. 2005. http://publications.nigms.nih.gov/insidethecell/chapter1.html#1. 
4. __. cell Structures and Function. Cellular Biology. Oracle ThinkQuest Education
Foundation. http://library.thinkquest.org/12413/structures.html. 
5. lysosome. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lysosomes. June 24, 2011. 
6. centriole. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Centriole. June 23, 2011. 
7. cell nucleus. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cell_nucleus. June 24, 2011. 
8. vacuole. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vacuole. June 23, 2011. 
9. vesicle (biology and chemistry). http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vesicle_(biology). June 23, 2011. 
10. cell (biology). http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cell_(biology). June 23, 2011. 
11. Farabee MJ. “An online Biology book”.
2001.http://www2.estrellamountain.edu/faculty/farabee/biobk/BioBookCELL2.html#The%20Cell
%20Wall. 
12. Campbell N. “Biology, fourth edition”. Benjamin Cummings. 1996.