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NGSS Cell Function Student Version Ek

The document discusses the structure and function of cells. It compares prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, noting that eukaryotic cells, like animal and plant cells, have membrane-bound organelles that carry out specialized functions. The main organelles of eukaryotic cells are then described, including the nucleus that controls the cell, mitochondria that produce energy, and the Golgi complex, endoplasmic reticulum, chloroplasts and more. Students are asked to create a labeled diagram of a cell showing each organelle and its function.

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LOUIE SOLMAYOR
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51 views3 pages

NGSS Cell Function Student Version Ek

The document discusses the structure and function of cells. It compares prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, noting that eukaryotic cells, like animal and plant cells, have membrane-bound organelles that carry out specialized functions. The main organelles of eukaryotic cells are then described, including the nucleus that controls the cell, mitochondria that produce energy, and the Golgi complex, endoplasmic reticulum, chloroplasts and more. Students are asked to create a labeled diagram of a cell showing each organelle and its function.

Uploaded by

LOUIE SOLMAYOR
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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More than just the sum of its parts: An investigation into cell structure and

function

Background
Cells are the tiny workhorses that hold all of the biological machinery necessary for life. There
are numerous types of cells, each of which perform very different functions. Have you ever
thought about what is inside of a cell? Or what cells really do? Today we’ll be taking a much
closer look at these questions while learning about the structure and function of cells.

There are two main groups of cells – prokaryotic cells and eukaryotic cells. Let’s take a look at
these two cell groups.

Characteristic Prokaryotes Eukaryotes

Example of Cell

Organisms Bacteria Protists, Fungi, Plants, Animals


Nucleus No membrane bound nucleus Membrane bound nucleus
Cell Wall Made of peptidoglycan If present, made of cellulose or chitin
Organelles No membrane bound organelles Membrane bound organelles
DNA Single circular chromosome Multiple linear chromosomes
Number of Cells Always unicellular Can be unicellular or multicellular

Think of the human body for a moment. We have one body with many organs inside, each
performing a different function. Eukaryotic cells have a similar structure; each cell has many
organelles inside that all perform unique tasks. Let’s take a moment to learn about these
organelles.

Activity
Take some time to familiarize yourself with the organelles of eukaryotic cells. Today you will
be creating a diagram of a cell that will help you remember the organelles and their functions.

Make a diagram of a plant or animal cell and be sure to include all of the appropriate organelles.
Next to each organelle add a picture that symbolizes the function of that organelle (e.g. next to
the nucleus you may choose to draw a brain because the nucleus is the control center of a cell).
Organelle Example Function
Controls what comes into and out of a cell;
found in plant and animal cells
Cell Membrane

Ridged outer layer of a plant cell


Cell Wall

Gel-like fluid where the organelles are found


Cytoplasm

Produces the energy a cell needs to carry out


its functions
Mitochondria

Uses chemicals to break down food and worn


out cell parts
Lysosome

Stores food, water, wastes, and other materials


Vacuole

Receives proteins & materials from the ER,


packages them, & distributes them
Golgi complex

Captures energy from the sunlight and uses it


to produce food in a plant cells
Chloroplast

Has passageways that carry proteins and other


materials from one part of the cell to another
Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)

Assembles amino acids to create proteins


Ribosome

Contains DNA, which controls the functions of


the cell and production of proteins
Nucleus

Found inside the nucleus and produces


ribosomes
Nucleolus

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