Cell Structure & Division
Cell Structure:
Every living thing is made up of cells. But not all cells are identical. We can sort them into two
main categories:
The Big Difference: Prokaryotes vs. Eukaryotes
Prokaryotes (The "Easier" Ones): They don’t have a nucleus. Their DNA just hangs out in a
place called the "nucleoid". For example: Bacteria.
Eukaryotes (The "More Complicated" Ones): They have a safe nucleus and organelles that are
surrounded by membranes. Examples include Animals, Plants, and Fungi.
The Organelle (Functions):
Organelle Nickname Function
Nucleus The Control Center Holds DNA and tells
the cell what to do
Mitochondria Powerhouse Converts nutrients
(glucose) into energy
(ATP)
Ribosomes Protein Machines Small dots that build
proteins
Endoplasmic The Highway Rough ER (with
Reticulum (ER) ribosomes) ships
proteins; Smooth ER
makes lipids
Golgi Apparatus Post Office Packages and labels
items to be sent out of
the cell.
Lysosomes Trash Crew Contains enzymes to
break down waste/old
cell parts
Cell Structure:
Every living thing is made up of cells. But not all cells are identical. We can sort them into two
main categories:
The Big Difference: Prokaryotes vs. Eukaryotes
Prokaryotes (The "Easier" Ones): They don’t have a nucleus. Their DNA just hangs out in a
place called the "nucleoid". For example: Bacteria.
Eukaryotes (The "More Complicated" Ones): They have a safe nucleus and organelles that are
surrounded by membranes. Examples include Animals, Plants, and Fungi.
The Organelle (Functions):
Organelle Nickname Function
Nucleus The Control Center Holds DNA and tells
the cell what to do
Mitochondria Powerhouse Converts nutrients
(glucose) into energy
(ATP)
Ribosomes Protein Machines Small dots that build
proteins
Endoplasmic The Highway Rough ER (with
Reticulum (ER) ribosomes) ships
proteins; Smooth ER
makes lipids
Golgi Apparatus Post Office Packages and labels
items to be sent out of
the cell.
Lysosomes Trash Crew Contains enzymes to
break down waste/old
cell parts
