Cell Structure and Function
Cells are the most basic unit of life on earth. There are two major types of cells. plant cells and animal cells. Even though they have something in common, they also have differences that enable them to work in their functions in a specific way. Let's take a look!
1. Plant vs. Animal Cells
Plant Cells:
Cell Wall: An outer rigid layer that provides the plant cell with shape.
Chloroplasts: Have chlorophyll so that the plant can manufacture its own food using sun light.
Large Central Vacuole: A large store that retains water and other materials that support the strength of the plant.
Animal Cells:
Cell Membrane: An outer shell that regulates what is brought into, and sent out of the cell, in a flexible manner.
Smaller Vacuoles: Miniscule food, water, and waste storage.
Centrosomes: Help with cell division.
2. Key Organelles and Their Functions
Nucleus: The hub of the cell that contains the DNA and instructs the cell on what to do: the control center of the cell.
Mitochondria: The prime mover of the cell and that produces energy.
Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER):
Rough ER: Makes proteins.
Smooth ER: Synthesizes fats and also helps in the detoxification of the cell.
Golgi Apparatus: Packages and sends proteins and other contents to other parts of the cell.
Ribosomes: Make proteins for the cell.
Lysosomes: Degradise waste and old parts of the cell.
By knowing what cell animals and plants have, we can observe how wonderful and complicated the living organisms are!