Cell Parts and Their Functions

Nucleus
- Large Oval body near the centre of the cell.
- The control centre for all activity.
- Surrounded by a nuclear membrane.

Nucleoplasm
- is the protoplasm in the nucleus.
- contains genetic material ---> CHROMOSOMES (DNA)

Nucleolus
- is found in the nucleus.
- contains more genetic information (RNA)

Cell Membrane
- the outer boundary of the cell.
- it separates the cell from other cells.
- it is porous ---> allows molecules to pass through.

Cell Wall ( Plant Cells Only )
- non living structure that surrounds the plant cell.
- protects + supports the cell.
- made up of a tough fibre called cellulose.

Cyto Plasm
- cell material outside the nucleus but within the cell membrane.
- clear thick fluid.
- contains structures called organelles.

Vacuoles
- are clear fluid sacs that act as storage areas for food, minerals, and waste.
- in plant cell the vacuoles are large and mostly filled with water. This gives the plant support.
- in animal cells the vacuoles are much smaller.

Mitochondria
- power house of the cell.
- centre of respiration of the cell.
- they release energy for cell functions.

Chloro Plasts ( Plant cells only )
- contains a green pigment known as chlorophyll which is important for photosynthesis.

Ribosomes
- tiny spherical bodies that help make proteins.
- found in the cyto plasm or attached to the endo plasmic reticulum.

Endo Plasmic Reticulum ( ER )
- systems of membranes throughout the cyto plasm.
- it connects the nuclear membrane to the cell membrane.
- passageway for material moving though the cell.

Golgi Bodies
- tube like structures that have tiny sacs at their ends.
- they help package protein.

Lysosomes
- " suicide sacs "
- small structures that contain enzymes which are used in digestion.
- if a lysosome were to burst it could destroy the cell.

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