Nucleus
| The nucleus is the center of the cell
that controls all the cell's major functions. It stores information that tells the cell
what to do and when. It is surrounded by a double membrane that lets cell chemicals move
between the nucleus and the cytoplasm. The nucleus is the most important part of the cell
because it contains genetic information, called DNA which is organized into chromosomes.
It is also involved in cell division. In most species, the nucleus contains round bodies,
called nucleoli which are made up of RNA and proteins. |
 nucleus
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Cytoplasm
The cytoplasm is a jelly-like material found
throughout the cell, where all the nutrients are absorbed, transported, and processed. The
cytoplasm stores the waste that the cell produces until it is disposed of. It also holds
the organelles found throughout the cell.
Cell
Membrane
The cell membrane is a thin wall that surrounds the
cell. It is made of protein and liqid (fat) molecules. It's job is to hold the contents of
the cell in place and allow nutrients to pass into the cell and waste materials to pass
out of it.
Flagellum
| Some animal cells have a flagellum, which is a
whip-like tail that helps them move. |
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Cell Wall
The cell wall is a thin wall found only in plant
cells that surrounds the cell membrane. It's job is to protect and support plant cells and
let gases, water, and some minerals to pass through small openings found in the cell wall.
Plastids
Plastids are small organelles that are responsible
for the production and storage of food. These are only found in plant cells.
Chloroplasts
| Chloroplasts are plastids that contain a green
pigment called chlorophyll, which is used in the process of photosynthesis in plants. |
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Vacuole
The vacuole is a large part of the cytoplasm which
consists of water, sugar, minerals and protiens. Both plant and animal cells have
vacuoles, but they are much smaller in animal cells.
Mitochondria
| Mitochondria are small, oval shaped organelles which
provide energy to the cells. The mitochondria are the centers of cell respiration, which
is why they are often referred to as the "power house" |
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