The Cell: The smallest unit in living things that shows the characteristics of life; the basic building blocks of life.
What is a cell s function? Each cell contains information (DNA) that is used as instructions for growth, functioning, and development. These dictate the genetic outcome of the plant and determine the success of the plant without regard for environmental factors.
The two main types of cells are: Plant Cell Animal Cell
Why are plant cells different? Plant cells has several different organelles that are not found in the animal cell. These organelles assist the cell in obtaining nutrients or eating, which is called PHOTOSYNTHESIS. This allows plants to make their own food, or be called autotrophs. Animal cells lack these organelles because they use CELLULAR RESPIRATION. They are unable to make their own food. Therefore they are called heterotrophs because they cannot make their own food.
Nucleus Serves as the control centre for a cell. If it is removed the cell dies. Relays messages to other organelles within the cell itself or to other cells around it.
Nuclear membrane A double-layered, selectively permeable membrane that surrounds the nucleus.
Chromosomes Long thin strands of chromatin (DNA and protein wound together). The DNA in chromosomes is the hereditary material of the cell.
Nucleolus Dense, granular bodies within the nucleus that produce ribosomes.
Cytoplasm: The watery material lying within the cell between the cell membrane and the nucleus.
Lysosome Small, sac like structures that digest and break-down materials in the cell.
Mitochondrion Round or slipper shaped organelles that release energy for the cell.
Endoplasmic reticulum A system of fluid-filled canals that serve as paths for the transport of materials through the cell. Rough ER contains ribosomes on its surface. Smooth ER does not contain ribosomes.
Ribosome Small particles in the cell where protein is made. Proteins are important because they are the instructions for the cell and the instructions that go to other cells.
Golgi body Stacks of flattened membrane sacs that serve as processing, packaging and storage centers for the products released from the cell.
Cell membrane Separates the cell from its surrounding environment. Controls the movement of materials into and out of the cell.
Cell wall Rigid wall, that lies just outside the cell membrane and gives the cell its shape and provides protection. Allows for rigidly in structures such as roots, stems and leaves,
Chloroplast Found only in plant cells. Contain the green pigment chlorophyll. Site of photosynthesis.
Thylakoid Disk Disk-shaped membrane structures in chloroplasts that contain chlorophyll. Chloroplasts are made up of stacks of thylakoid disks.
Granum A stack of thylakoid disks within the chloroplast is called a granum.
Stroma part of the chloroplasts in plant cells, located within the inner membrane of chloroplasts, between the grana. A colourless liquid that is required for carbohydrate (sugar) formation in the cell.
Plastids They are the site of manufacture and storage of important chemical compounds used by the cell. Contain pigments used in photosynthesis, and the types of pigments present can change or determine the cell's color.
Types of Plastids Leucoplasts non pigmented, so they do not carry out photosynthesis. Mostly found in the roots where sunlight does not reach
Types of Plastids Chromoplast highly pigmented. Include pigments other than green so are usually found in fruits or flowers of plants.
Vacuole Fluid-filled organelles used for storage. Large in the plant cell. Depending on the function of the cell, it can take up the majority of the cell. Example sap cells in maple trees
Crash Course Plant Cells http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9uvlqavcoqy