Parts of A Cell Writing Across Curriculum Activity

Grade 5 The learner will be able to draw and label the fundamental structures of animal and plant cells.

At the end of this activity you will: Choose a part of the cell and write a paragraph about it.

What are cells? Your body is divided into tiny sections called cells. The cell is one of the most basic units of life. Cells are group together in collections called tissues.

Cells There are cells that are organisms onto themselves, such as microscopic amoeba and bacteria cells. There are cells that only function when part of a larger organism, such as the cells that make up your body.

Cell Types Bone Cell Muscle Cell Nerve Cell Cartilage Cell Blood Cell Small Intestine Cell

Cells Most cells are too small to be observed with the naked eye. The structure of cells can mostly only be studied with the aid of an optical microscope and specialized color techniques.

Cell Areas All cells have three main areas: the cell membrane, the cytoplasm, and the nucleus.

Cell Membrane The cell membrane surrounds the cytoplasm of the cell. It acts as a boundary layer to contain the cytoplasm (fluid in cell). It allows water, oxygen, and other materials to pass in and out of cells.

Cytoplasm Cytoplasm is the material between the cell’s nucleus and the cell membrane. It fills the entire cell. It contains a large variety of organelles and nutrients. The cytoplasm consists of an outer ectoplasm and an inner endoplasm. It stores nutrients.

Nucleus The nucleus is the cell’s command center. The cell nucleus contains the cell's DNA, the genetic code.

Mitochondria The mitochondria provide the energy for the cell.

Organelles Organelles Organelles are small structures that help carry out the day-to-day operations of the cell. Types of organelles: Ribosome Ribosome are organelles which participate in protein synthesis. Mitochondrion Mitochondrion, the power plants of the cell, are organelles that produce energy. Lysosomes Lysosomes are organelles that contain enzymes that aid in the digestion.

Cell Resources Cells Alive Brain Pop Cell Parts Label the Animal Cell Parts Animal Cells Electron Microscope (scroll down) Electron Microscope

Writing Activity Choose one part of the cell discussed in this presentation. Write a paragraph about the cell part you selected. Include 5 facts.