1. Cell Structure Stations

2. Cell Theory All living things are made of cells
Cells are the basic unit of structure and function in living things
New cells are made from existing cells

3. Organelle
specialized structure that performs important cellular functions within the cell; literally “little organs”

5. Cell Membrane
The Cell Membrane is like the bouncer at the party in the cell. It determines what is allowed in and out of the cell. It is made up of a phospholipid bilayer and it has transport proteins that help move molecules from one side of the cell to the other. Its main jobs include to regulate what enters and leaves the cell. It protects and supports the cell and helps to maintain homeostasis in the cell. Cell membranes are found in all cells, prokaryotes and eukaryotes.

6. Nucleus

7. Nucleus
The nucleus is the control center of the cell. It contains the DNA. It has a nuclear envelope with nuclear pores. These pores are small and will only allow RNA to leave the nucleus, not DNA. Remember only eukaryotic cells have a nucleus. The DNA in a prokaryotic cell is found floating in the cytoplasm.

8. Ribosomes

9. Ribosomes
The main role of the ribosome is to make proteins. They act as small factories that take an “order” from the DNA and make proteins. Ribosomes can either be free floating in the cytoplasm or attached to the rough ER. Ribosomes are the only organelle found in prokaryotic cells and they are in eukaryotic cells.

10. Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)

11. Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)
The rough ER is involved in protein synthesis. It is called rough because it has ribosomes on its surface that make it “bumpy”. Its main job is to transport proteins to the golgi apparatus. The ribosomes on the surface make the proteins. Rough ERs are found in eukaryotic cells.

12. Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)

13. Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)
The smooth ER is “smooth” because it does not have ribosomes on it. It is a system of double membranes that carries materials throughout the cell. The smooth ER is important for the synthesis (making) of lipids and carbohydrates. Smooth ERs are found in eukaryotic cells.

14. Cytoplasm
(The blue stuff)

15. Cytoplasm
The cytoplasm is the portion of the cell outside of the nucleus. It is a gel (or jello) like fluid that holds all the cell organelles. All cells have cytoplasm.

16. Golgi Apparatus

17. Golgi Apparatus
The Golgi apparatus looks like a stack of flattened membranes (I think of pancakes). The Golgi apparatus modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and other for storage in the cell or release outside the cell. It receives materials from the endoplasmic reticulum. It acts like the post office of the cell. All eukaryotic cells have a Golgi apparatus.

18. Vacuoles

19. Vacuoles
The main job of the vacuole in a cell is to store materials like water, salt, proteins, and carbohydrates. Plant cells usually have one large vacuole that stores water. Animal cells have several smaller vacuoles that store and move materials throughout the cell.

20. Chloroplast

21. Chloroplast
The chloroplast is only found in plant cells. It is filled with the pigment chlorophyll, which gives it its green color. The main job of the chloroplast is to capture energy from the sun and convert it into food, through the process called photosynthesis.

22. Mitochondria

23. Mitochondria
The main role of the mitochondria is to convert chemical energy stored in food into compounds that are more convenient for the cell to use. It breaks down sugar into energy (ATP). This is the main cite of cellular respiration. Mitochondria have two membranes, an inner and outer membrane to create more surface area for energy to be made. All eukaryotic cells have a mitochondrion.

24. Centrioles

25. Centrioles
Centrioles are located near the nucleus and help organize cell division. Centrioles are found only in animal cells.

26. Cell Wall

27. Cell Wall
Cell walls are only found in plant cell not animal cells. However, they are also found in many prokaryotes. Their main role is produce a strong supportive and protective layer around the cell membrane.

28. Lysosomes

29. Lysosomes
Lysosomes are smaller vesicles that break down and recycle macromolecules. These are the trash can of the cell. Lysosomes are only found in animal cells.