Cell Structure & Organelles – Study
Guide
Part A: Key Concepts
1. Cells are the basic units of life.
2. Two main types of cells:
- Prokaryotic: No nucleus, simple (example: bacteria).
- Eukaryotic: Has a nucleus and organelles (examples: plant and animal cells).
Part B: Organelles and Their Functions
• Nucleus – Control center of the cell; stores DNA.
• Mitochondria – Produces energy (ATP); 'powerhouse of the cell.'
• Ribosomes – Build proteins.
• Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER): Rough ER – Transports proteins; Smooth ER – Makes lipids.
• Golgi Apparatus – Packages and ships proteins.
• Lysosomes – Digest and break down waste (mainly in animal cells).
• Vacuoles – Store water, nutrients, and waste (larger in plant cells).
• Chloroplasts – Carry out photosynthesis (plant cells only).
• Cell Membrane – Controls what enters and exits the cell; selectively permeable.
• Cell Wall – Rigid structure providing support (plant cells only).
• Cytoplasm – Jelly-like substance where organelles are found.
Part C: Practice Questions
1. Which organelle is the site of protein synthesis?
2. What is the function of the mitochondria?
3. Which two organelles are found only in plant cells?
4. What does the Golgi apparatus do?
5. Which organelle digests waste inside the cell?
6. What is the difference between smooth ER and rough ER?
7. Which organelle controls what enters and leaves the cell?
8. Why are vacuoles larger in plant cells compared to animal cells?
9. What structure supports and protects the plant cell?
10. Which organelle converts sunlight into glucose during photosynthesis?
Part D: Label the Organelles
Directions: On a blank diagram of an animal cell and a plant cell, label the following:
- Nucleus
- Mitochondria
- Ribosomes
- Rough ER
- Smooth ER
- Golgi Apparatus
- Lysosome
- Vacuole
- Chloroplast (plant cell)
- Cell Membrane
- Cell Wall (plant cell)
- Cytoplasm
✅ Tip for Students: Review this guide daily, quiz yourself with the questions, and practice
labeling until you can do it from memory.
