Cell Biology: Cell Structure

• Animal Cells: Eukaryotic

  • Cell Membrane: Controls what substances can enter and exit the cell
  • Nucleus: Contains all the genetic material/DNA of the cell
  • Cytoplasm: This is where all the chemical reactions take place
  • Mitochondria: This is where respiration happens in the cell and it provides cells with the energy they need to function
  • Ribosomes: This is where new proteins are made or the site of protein synthesis
• Plant Cells: Eukayotic

  • Cell Wall: Made of cellulose. It supports the cell structure and makes it more rigid
  • Vacuole: Contains cell sap (a mixture of water, salts and sugars)
  • Chloroplasts: This is where the process of photosynthesis occurs.
  • Also has cell membrane, mitochondria, ribosomes, nucleus and cytoplasm
• Bacteria Cells: Prokaryotic

  • No nucleus
  • No mitochondria
  • Flagella: Propels the bacteria
  • Plasmids: Extra genes (antibiotic resistance)
  • Circular strands of DNA: Genes they need to survive and reproduce. Also called circular chromosome or nucleoid
  • Also has cell membrane, cell wall, cytoplasm and ribosomes
• What does unicellular mean?


  Only a one cell organism
• What does eukaryotic mean?


  Eukaryotic refers to cells or organisms that have a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles.
• What does prokaryotic mean?


  Prokaryotic means lacking a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles.
• What does multicellular mean?


  Having multiple cells.
• Animal cells do not contain chloroplasts because they cannot make their own food through photosynthesis. They get all the energy they need from eating plants or other animals.