IGCSE Science/Section 2: Structures and functions in living organisms/Cell structure

thumb|300px|The organelles of an animal cell thumb|300px|The organelles of a plant cell Cell organelles: Small structure having definite shape and performing specific functions They are embedded in the cytoplasm, These structures are called cell organelles. Most cells have these organelles: Name Function Nucleus It regulates all important activities of the cell and plays an important part during cell division. Cytoplasm a place for chemical reactions to happen, and it contains enzymes which speed up these reactions Cell membrane It allows only certain substances to pass through small pores on it and protects the inner cell contents. Mitochondria It perform cellular respiration, referred as powerhouse of the cell. Plants cells have: Name Function Cellulose cell wall It gives a definite shapes to the cell , allows all substances to pass through it and protect the inner cell contents called protoplasm. Plastids They are of 3 types: i)Chloroplast- It can trap solar energy and covert it into chemical energy in the form of food through the process of photosynthesis. ii)Chromoplast-It contains coloured(red, yellow, orange)pigments that impart colour to flowers and fruits. iii)Leucoplast-It is colourless pigment that store food in the form of starch, proteins and fats. Vacuole It stores sugar ,mineral and water in the form of cell sap and maintain the shape of cell. Yeast cells have: Name Function Chitin cell wall to keep the structure of the cell Vacuole to store nutrients and food Animal cells only have the basic organelles, but plants have all the basic organelles and some more: a cell wall, chloroplasts and a vacuole: nolines|left|850px|Diagram showing the parts of animal and plants cells. Plant-only organelles are shown in green.