Cell Organelles

Animal and plant cells have certain structures in common.

Function
Cytoplasm A jelly-like material that contains dissolved nutrients and salts and structures
called organelles. It is where many of the chemical reactions happen.
Nucleus Contains genetic material, including DNA, which controls the cell’s activities.
Cell membrane Its structure is permeable to some substances but not to others. It therefore
controls the movement of substances in and out of the cell.
Mitochondria Organelles that contain the enzymes for respiration, and where most energy is
released in respiration.
Ribosomes A tiny organelle where protein synthesis occurs.

Plant cells also have additional structures:

Function
Chloroplast Organelles that contains the green pigment, chlorophyll, which absorbs light
energy for photosynthesis. Contains the enzymes needed for photosynthesis.
Cell wall Made from cellulose fibres and strengthens the cell and supports the plant.
Permanent vacuole Filled with cell sap to help keep the cell turgid.
1) Mitochondria

Power station of the cell. It produces energy by reacting glucose sugar with oxygen to produce
ATP energy molecules, H2O and CO2

Metabolize means to change sugars (in the form of Glucose) into energy, in a
chemical reaction using enzymes.

ATP (adenosine triphosphate), is an energy-carrying molecule found in the cells of

all living things. ATP captures chemical energy obtained from the breakdown of
food molecules and releases it to fuel other cellular processes.

2) Mitosis
Mitosis is a process where a single cell divides into two identical daughter cells (cell
division).
• During mitosis one cell divides once to form two identical cells.
• The major purpose of mitosis is for growth and to replace worn out cells.
• If not corrected in time, mistakes made during mitosis can result in changes in
the DNA? that can potentially lead to genetic disorders

Mitosis is divided into five phases:

1. Interphase:
• The DNA in the cell is copied in preparation for cell division, this results in two
identical full sets of chromosomes?.
• Outside of the nucleus? are two centrosomes, each containing a pair of centrioles,
these structures are critical for the process of cell division.
• During interphase, microtubules extend from these centrosomes.
2. Prophase:
• The chromosomes condense into X-shaped structures that can be easily seen under
a microscope.
• Each chromosome is composed of two sister chromatids, containing identical
genetic information.
• The chromosomes pair up so that both copies of chromosome 1 are together, both
copies of chromosome 2 are together, and so on.
• At the end of prophase the membrane around the nucleus in the cell dissolves away
releasing the chromosomes.
• The mitotic spindle, consisting of the microtubules and other proteins, extends
across the cell between the centrioles as they move to opposite poles of the cell.
3. Metaphase:
• The chromosomes line up neatly end-to-end along the centre (equator) of the cell.
• The centrioles are now at opposite poles of the cell with the mitotic spindle fibres
extending from them.
• The mitotic spindle fibres attach to each of the sister chromatids.
4. Anaphase:
• The sister chromatids are then pulled apart by the mitotic spindle which pulls one
chromatid to one pole and the other chromatid to the opposite pole.
5. Telophase:
• At each pole of the cell a full set of chromosomes gather together.
• A membrane forms around each set of chromosomes to create two new nuclei.
• The single cell then pinches in the middle to form two separate daughter cells each containing a
full set of chromosomes within a nucleus.
3) Golgi Apparatus definition
• The Golgi apparatus or the Golgi body is an organelle found in most of the cells of the
eukaryotic organisms.
• It is referred to as the shipping centre or postal service of the cell.
• Golgi receives protein molecules and enzymes from other parts of the cell (smooth & Rough
ER) then packages them up before they are sent to their destination.
• Golgi apparatus was discovered in the year 1898 by an Italian biologist Camillo Golgi. In
plant it is called Dictyosome.
4) Overview of Ribosomes

Amino
acid
Amino
acid chain (protein)
tRNA

Large
subunit

Small subunit
Codon mRNA

A ribosome is basically a protein factory/assembly line. They consists of two pieces that are a large
and a small subunit. The two subunits come together around an mRNA molecule that forms a
complete ribosome during translation. The ribosome moves forward codon by codon (groups of 3
proteins) on the mRNA and is translated (made) into a protein chain.

5) Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) is present as an interconnection of tubules that are

connected to the nuclear membrane in eukaryotic cells.
There are two types of ER based on the presence or absence of ribosomes on them:
• Rough ER (RER) with ribosomes attached on the cytosolic face of Endoplasmic
Reticulum and thus helps in manufacture of proteins
• Smooth ER (SER) has no ribosomes on it and is involved in making hormones and
lipids
6) Functions of Centriole
• During cell division, centrioles have a crucial role in forming spindle fibres which
assist the movement of chromatids towards their respective sides.
• They are involved in the formation of cilia and flagella.

7) Structure of Cilia and Flagella

• Cilia are hair-like projections of microtubules with a radial pattern that waft/waggle to move
water over the cell, usually to help with searching for food
• Flagella is a filamentous tail-like organelle which is usually used to move a single celled
organism (helps to move location and seek out food

8)
In plants and some algae, organelles known as chloroplasts serve as the site of
photosynthesis. Chloroplasts contain a pigment known as chlorophyll, which captures
the sun’s energy to transform water and carbon dioxide into glucose for food.
Chloroplasts allow autotrophic organisms to meet their energy needs without consuming
other organisms.

The internal (thylakoid) membrane vesicles are organized into stacks, which reside in a matrix
known as the stroma. All the chlorophyll in the chloroplast is contained in the membranes of the
thylakoid vesicles.