Cell Structures: Basics
- Cytoplasm is found inside the cell and contains all the other cell structures
- The large nucleus is surrounded by a nuclear membrane to separate it from the cytoplasm
- The cell membrane surrounds the cell
- The cell wall is made of cellulose and surrounds the cell membrane in plant cells
- Chloroplasts are organelles found in the cytoplasm that are packed with the pigment chlorophyll and so are green in colour
- Vacuoles are large vesicles that take up a large part of the interior of plant cells
An animal and plant cell as seen under a light microscope
Cell Structures
Within the cytoplasm, the following organelles are visible in almost all cells except prokaryotes when looking at higher magnification (ie using an electron microscope):
- Mitochondria (singular: mitochondrion) are organelles found throughout the cytoplasm
- Ribosomes are tiny structures that can be free within the cytoplasm or attached to a system of membranes within the cell known as Endoplasmic Reticulum
- Endoplasmic reticulum studded with ribosomes looks rough under the microscope; this gives rise to its name of Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (often shortened to R.E.R.)
- Vesicles can also be seen using a higher magnification – these are small circular structures found moving throughout the cytoplasm
Structures in an animal cell visible under a light microscope and an electron microscope
Structures in a plant cell visible under a light microscope and an electron microscope
Functions of Cellular Structures: Basics
Functions of Subcellular Structures
