Cells contain various organelles, each with specific functions. Here's a list of some key organelles, what they do, and whether they are found in plant cells, animal cells, or both:
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Nucleus:
- Function: Contains the cell's genetic material (DNA) and controls cellular activities.
- Found in: Both plant and animal cells.
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Mitochondria:
- Function: Produce energy (ATP) through cellular respiration.
- Found in: Both plant and animal cells.
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Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER):
- Rough ER: Studded with ribosomes and involved in protein synthesis and processing.
- Smooth ER: Involved in lipid synthesis and detoxification.
- Found in: Both plant and animal cells.
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Golgi Apparatus:
- Function: Modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids for transport or secretion.
- Found in: Both plant and animal cells.
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Ribosomes:
- Function: Sites of protein synthesis (translation of mRNA).
- Found in: Both plant and animal cells (can be free in cytoplasm or bound to rough ER).
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Lysosomes:
- Function: Contain digestive enzymes to break down waste and cellular debris.
- Found in: Mainly animal cells; present but less common in plant cells.
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Peroxisomes:
- Function: Break down fatty acids and detoxify harmful substances.
- Found in: Both plant and animal cells.
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Cytoskeleton:
- Function: Provides structural support, shape, and aids in cell movement.
- Found in: Both plant and animal cells.
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Centrioles:
- Function: Involved in cell division and the formation of cilia and flagella.
- Found in: Animal cells; not typically found in higher plant cells.
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Vacuoles:
- Function: Store substances (like nutrients, waste, and water); maintain turgor pressure.
- Found in: Large central vacuole in plant cells, smaller vacuoles in animal cells.
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Chloroplasts:
- Function: Conduct photosynthesis, converting light energy into chemical energy (glucose).
- Found in: Plant cells and some protists; not found in animal cells.
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Cell Wall:
- Function: Provides structure and protection; limits cell volume.
- Found in: Plant cells (made of cellulose), fungi (chitin), and some bacteria; not found in animal cells.
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Plasma Membrane:
- Function: Protects the cell, controls movement of substances in and out, and communicates with other cells.
- Found in: Both plant and animal cells.
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Nucleolus:
- Function: Produces ribosomal RNA and assembles ribosomes.
- Found in: Both plant and animal cells (inside the nucleus).
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Microvilli:
- Function: Increase surface area for absorption and secretion.
- Found in: Primarily in certain animal cells (e.g., intestinal epithelial cells).
This list includes the most common organelles, their functions, and their occurrences in plant and animal cells. The presence of certain organelles can vary significantly between different types of cells and organisms.