Cell organelles and their jobs
Each organelle has one main job — match the part to the function.
The common mistake
Saying the cell wall controls what enters (that's the membrane) or that animal cells have chloroplasts.
Instead: Membrane: controls entry/exit. Nucleus: holds DNA. Mitochondria: respiration. Ribosomes: make proteins. Plants add cell wall, chloroplasts and a large vacuole.
Worked example with Guide me
Which organelle would a muscle cell have lots of, and why?
- Sugar · What does a muscle need a lot of?Student · Energy.
- Sugar · Which organelle releases energy?Student · Mitochondria.
Answer: Mitochondria — for respiration to power contraction.
Try 3 practice questions
1. Which part makes proteins?
Show answer
Ribosomes
2. Name one structure plant cells have that animal cells don't.
Show answer
Cell wall, chloroplasts or a large permanent vacuole
3. What controls what enters and leaves the cell?
Show answer
The cell membrane
Quick answers
- What is the most common mistake with cell organelles and their jobs?
- Saying the cell wall controls what enters (that's the membrane) or that animal cells have chloroplasts.
- How do I get cell organelles and their jobs right?
- Membrane: controls entry/exit. Nucleus: holds DNA. Mitochondria: respiration. Ribosomes: make proteins. Plants add cell wall, chloroplasts and a large vacuole.
- Can you show a worked example?
- Which organelle would a muscle cell have lots of, and why? Mitochondria — for respiration to power contraction.
Related concepts
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