cell structure

• Cell membrane

  • Controls movement of substances into and out of the cell.
  • Partially permeable, allows only certain molecules to pass through
  • visible under light and electron microscope
• Nucleus

  • Controls all cell activities including cell growth and repair and cell division.
  • contains genetic material (DNA).
  • Visible under light and electron microscope.
• Cytoplasm

  • Site where most chemical reactions in a cell take place.
  • Jelly-like substance composed of mostly water.
  • Visible under light and electron microscope.
• Ribosome

  • Site of protein synthesis.
  • Can be found in the cytoplasm.
  • Visible under electron microscope only.
• Mitochondria

  • Releases energy for the cell during aerobic respiration.
  • Rod shaped structure that is bound by a double membrane. More abundant in cells that require a lot of energy to carry out their functions.
  • Visible under an electron microscope only.
• Cell wall (plant cells only)

  • Provides structural support to keep the plant firm.
  • Fully permeable structure, made up of cellulose.
  • Visible under light and electron microscope.
• Chloroplasts (plant cells only)

  • Traps light for photosynthesis in plant cells.
  • Contains chlorophyll, bound by a double membrane.
  • Visible under a light and electron microscope.