1. 2 NUCLEUS Time: 3-5 min Directions:
Use the information below to fill in investigation handout.
Microscopic image of a nucleus
Description:
All eukaryotic cells have a nucleus, including plant and animal cells. The nucleus is an organelle that holds the organism’s genetic information (or DNA). The genetic information carries all the information needed to build all the parts of the cell and the whole organism. The nucleus also directs the functions of the structures within the cell.
Analogy: The nucleus is like the capitol building in Austin, which contains all the information needed to run the state of Texas.
Plant Cell
Animal Cell

2. 3 MITOCHONDRIA Mitochondria Time: 3-5 min Directions:
Use the information below to fill in investigation handout.
Microscopic image of a mitochondrion
Description:
Mitochondria are organelles found in eukaryotic cells. They provide energy for the cell so it can perform its function. When you eat foods containing sugar or other organic compounds, mitochondria transform these compounds into other organic compounds that the cell uses for energy.
Analogy: Mitochondria are like chefs who take food and use it to prepare meals.
Plant Cell
Animal Cell

3. 4 CYTOPLASM Time: 3-5 min Directions:
Use the information below to fill in investigation handout.
Microscopic image of a mitochondrion
Description:
The cytoplasm is watery material inside the organelles and in-between them. The cytoplasm is mostly water that inflates the cell like water in a waterbed. The pressure created by the water inside the cell is known as Turgor pressure. If the Turgor pressure is to high (too much water), then the cell might burst. The cytoplasm is where most of the chemical reactions occur inside the cell.
Analogy: The cytoplasm is like jell-o that holds all of the fruit.
Plant Cell
Animal Cell

4. 5 CELL MEMBRANE Time: 3-5 min Directions:
Use the information below to fill in investigation handout.
Microscopic image of a cell membrane
Description:
The cell membrane wraps around the cell and separates the inside of the cell from the outside. In plants, the cell membrane is located just under the cell wall. All material entering or leaving the cell must pass through the cell membrane. It only allows some things to enter the cell, like water and sugar, and protects the cell from harmful invaders like bacteria and viruses.
Analogy: The cell membrane is like a balloon. It soft and able to stretch and flex.
Plant Cell
Animal Cell

5. 6 CELL WALL Time: 3-5 min Directions:
Use the information below to fill in investigation handout.
Microscopic image of a cell wall.
Description:
Plant cells, not animal cells, have a cell wall. The cell wall is more firm and rigid than the cell membrane. For plants, the cell wall provides physical support and protection. Plants do not have a skeleton like us, so they need something else to support their weight. The wall is built from sugar molecules, which are organic compounds.
Analogy: The cell wall is like the rubber on a car tire. It is both firm and bendable and protects the softer tube inside.
Plant Cell
Animal Cell

6. 7 LARGE VACUOLE Time: 3-5 min Directions:
Use the information below to fill in investigation handout.
Microscopic image of a plant vacuole
Description:
Most plants cells contain a large vacuole. This organelle used to store water, waste, and other organic and inorganic compounds. Sometimes, it is so large that it takes up 80% of the space inside the cell. When the vacuole is full, it pushes on the cell wall and provides more support. When the vacuole is empty, the cell becomes weak and unable to support its weight. This is why plants droop when they are not given enough water. The pressure inside the cell created by water is known as Turgor pressure.
Analogy: The vacuole is like a water balloon that becomes firm when it is filled with water.
Plant Cell
Animal Cell

7. 8 CHLOROPLAST Time: 3-5 min Directions:
Use the information below to fill in investigation handout.
Microscopic image of a chloroplast
Description:
Chloroplasts are organelles found in plant cells but not animal cells. Most plants do not eat food like animals, and they must generate their own food using photosynthesis. During photosynthesis, chloroplasts use two inorganic compounds, carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O), plus sunlight to build the organic compound glucose. Chloroplasts provide the sugar (glucose) needed by mitochondria to create usable energy for the organism.
Analogy: Chloroplasts are like farmers that grow food, which is later used by the chef (a mitochondrion).
Plant Cell
Animal Cell

8. 10 PROTEIN SYNTHESIS ORGANELLES Time: 3-5 min Directions:
1) Summarize the information below on the back of your chart. Include AT LEAST these terms in your summary: protein, function, ribosomes.
Description:
Proteins are large organic compounds that can perform many different functions. For example, collagen is a protein found in your skin tissue that allows it to bend and stretch. Myosin proteins allow your muscle cells to contract, allowing you walk and lift objects. One major function of the cell is to synthesize proteins.
Ribosomes use the cell’s genetic information to synthesize (create) proteins. Proteins that will remain in the cell are made by ribosomes in the cytoplasm. Proteins that will leave the cell are made by ribosomes on the endoplasmic reticulum. Proteins made in the endoplasmic reticulum are then moved by the Golgi apparatus where they are sorted and shipped out of the cell. These three organelles are found in both plant and animal cells.
Golgi Apparatus
Endoplasmic Reticulum
Ribosomes