Cells are the basic unit of all living organisms, like a brick in a brick wall. They make up every single thing in this world even inside us! The cells inside our body work together to provide us with nutrients, oxygen and energy. The human body is composed of trillions of cells. They provide structure for the body, take in nutrients from food, convert those nutrients into energy, and carry out specialised functions. Cell biology is the study of cell structure and function, and it revolves around the concept that the cell is the fundamental unit of life. Focusing on the cell permits a detailed understanding of the tissues and organisms that cells compose.

Cell Membrane

In both types of cells. Controls what goes in and out of the cell.

Chloroplast

In a plant cell. Captures energy from sunlight. Uses energy to produce cell food, which is sugar. Process called photosynthesis.

Cytoplasm

In both types of cells. Houses gel-like fluids that support cell organelles.

Endoplasmic Reticulum

In both types of cells. Carries substances, like proteins, to various parts of the cell.

Golgi Body/Complex

In both types of cells. Receives materials from endoplasmic reticulum, distributes materials.

Large Vacuole

In a plant cell. Stores water, food, waste and more for a plant cell.

Lysosome

In an animal cell. Contain chemicals that break down certain materials. Breaks down dead cells.

Mitochondria

In both types of cells. Organelle that produce most of the cells energy, which is ATP.

Nuclear Envelope

In both types of cells. Protects the Nucleus. Lets things in and out of the Nucleus.

Nucleolus

In both types of cells. Makes Ribosomes.

Nucleus

In both types of cells. Directs all cell actions, including reproduction.

Ribosome

In both types of cells. Produces proteins.

Small Vacuole

In an animal cell. Transport and stores materials, including waste.

Cell Wall

In a plant cell. Helps protect and support the cell. Gives a plant cell a shape.