NUCLEUS

1
2
Time 3-5 min
NUCLEUS

• Directions
• Use the information below to fill in
  investigation handout.

Microscopic image of a nucleus
Description All eukaryotic cells have a
nucleus, including plant and animal cells. The
nucleus is an organelle that holds the organisms
genetic information (or DNA). The genetic
information carries all the information needed to
build all the parts of the cell and the whole
organism. The nucleus also directs the functions
of the structures within the cell. Analogy The
nucleus is like the capitol building in Austin,
which contains all the information needed to run
the state of Texas.
Plant Cell
Animal Cell
2
3
Time 3-5 min
Mitochondria
MITOCHONDRIA

• Directions
• Use the information below to fill in
  investigation handout.

Microscopic image of a mitochondrion
Description Mitochondria are organelles found
in eukaryotic cells. They provide energy for the
cell so it can perform its function. When you
eat foods containing sugar or other organic
compounds, mitochondria transform these compounds
into other organic compounds that the cell uses
for energy. Analogy Mitochondria are like
chefs who take food and use it to prepare meals.
Plant Cell
Animal Cell
3
4
Time 3-5 min
CYTOPLASM

• Directions
• Use the information below to fill in
  investigation handout.

Microscopic image of a mitochondrion
Description The cytoplasm is watery material
inside the organelles and in-between them. The
cytoplasm is mostly water that inflates the cell
like water in a waterbed. The pressure created
by the water inside the cell is known as Turgor
pressure. If the Turgor pressure is to high (too
much water), then the cell might burst. The
cytoplasm is where most of the chemical reactions
occur inside the cell. Analogy The cytoplasm
is like jell-o that holds all of the fruit.
Plant Cell
Animal Cell
4
5
Time 3-5 min
CELL MEMBRANE

• Directions
• Use the information below to fill in
  investigation handout.

Microscopic image of a cell membrane
Description The cell membrane wraps around the
cell and separates the inside of the cell from
the outside. In plants, the cell membrane is
located just under the cell wall. All material
entering or leaving the cell must pass through
the cell membrane. It only allows some things to
enter the cell, like water and sugar, and
protects the cell from harmful invaders like
bacteria and viruses. Analogy The cell membrane
is like a balloon. It soft and able to stretch
and flex.
Plant Cell
Animal Cell
5
6
Time 3-5 min
CELL WALL

• Directions
• Use the information below to fill in
  investigation handout.

Microscopic image of a cell wall.
Description Plant cells, not animal cells,
have a cell wall. The cell wall is more firm and
rigid than the cell membrane. For plants, the
cell wall provides physical support and
protection. Plants do not have a skeleton like
us, so they need something else to support their
weight. The wall is built from sugar molecules,
which are organic compounds. Analogy The
cell wall is like the rubber on a car tire. It
is both firm and bendable and protects the softer
tube inside.
Plant Cell
Animal Cell
6
7
Time 3-5 min
LARGE VACUOLE

• Directions
• Use the information below to fill in
  investigation handout.

Microscopic image of a plant vacuole
Description Most plants cells contain a large
vacuole. This organelle used to store water,
waste, and other organic and inorganic compounds.
Sometimes, it is so large that it takes up 80
of the space inside the cell. When the vacuole
is full, it pushes on the cell wall and provides
more support. When the vacuole is empty, the
cell becomes weak and unable to support its
weight. This is why plants droop when they are
not given enough water. The pressure inside the
cell created by water is known as Turgor
pressure. Analogy The vacuole is like a water
balloon that becomes firm when it is filled with
water.
Plant Cell
Animal Cell
7
8
Time 3-5 min
CHLOROPLAST

• Directions
• Use the information below to fill in
  investigation handout.

Microscopic image of a chloroplast
Description Chloroplasts are organelles found
in plant cells but not animal cells. Most plants
do not eat food like animals, and they must
generate their own food using photosynthesis.
During photosynthesis, chloroplasts use two
inorganic compounds, carbon dioxide (CO2) and
water (H2O), plus sunlight to build the organic
compound glucose. Chloroplasts provide the sugar
(glucose) needed by mitochondria to create usable
energy for the organism. Analogy Chloroplasts
are like farmers that grow food, which is later
used by the chef (a mitochondrion).
Plant Cell
Animal Cell
8
10
PROTEIN SYNTHESIS ORGANELLES
Time 3-5 min
Directions 1) Summarize the information below on
the back of your chart. Include AT LEAST these
terms in your summary protein, function,
ribosomes.
Description Proteins are large organic
compounds that can perform many different
functions. For example, collagen is a protein
found in your skin tissue that allows it to bend
and stretch. Myosin proteins allow your muscle
cells to contract, allowing you walk and lift
objects. One major function of the cell is to
synthesize proteins. Ribosomes use the cells
genetic information to synthesize (create)
proteins. Proteins that will remain in the cell
are made by ribosomes in the cytoplasm. Proteins
that will leave the cell are made by ribosomes on
the endoplasmic reticulum. Proteins made in the
endoplasmic reticulum are then moved by the Golgi
apparatus where they are sorted and shipped out
of the cell. These three organelles are found in
both plant and animal cells.
Golgi Apparatus
Endoplasmic Reticulum
Ribosomes