Cell Basics
This is the smallest unit of life.
Cell
These tiny structures manufacture proteins and are not surrounded by membranes.
Ribosomes
These short, hair‑like structures move a cell or move molecules around it.
Cilia
This organelle breaks down food and releases energy for the cell.
Mitochondria
These cells contain chloroplasts.
Plant
These cells do not contain membrane‑bound organelles.
Prokaryotic
These membrane‑bound sacs store water, food, and waste.
Vacuole
This tail‑like structure helps cells swim or create water currents.
Flagella
This energy‑carrying molecule is produced inside the mitochondria.
ATP
These cells usually contain one large vacuole for water storage.
Plant
This gel‑like material inside the membrane contains salts and molecules.
Cytoplasm
This organelle packages proteins into vesicles for transport.
Golgi Apparatus
This tough outer layer protects some cells from viruses and provides structural support.
Cell Wall
This organelle uses light energy to make glucose through photosynthesis.
Chloroplast
These cells often have many small vacuoles instead of one large one.
Animal
This cell structure controls cell activity and holds DNA.
Nucleus
These are long DNA‑containing structures found inside the nucleus.
Chromosomes
These protein‑based structures inside the cytoplasm give the cell shape and help with movement.
Cytoskeleton
These cells contain hundreds or even thousands of mitochondria because they require a lot of energy (example: heart cells).
Muscle Cells
Plants wilt because this structure loses water, causing the cells to shrink.
Large Vacuole
This flexible covering protects the inside of all cells.
Cell Membrane
This organelle is nicknamed “the brain of the cell.”
Nucleus
These cell appendages help create water currents that bring food to the cell.
Flagella
This sugary molecule is the main food produced during photosynthesis.
Glucose
Unlike animals, plants can make their own food because they have this organelle.
Chloroplast