plasma membrane

The plasma membrane of the plant cell is depicted as a dark shade of green here, lining the cell wall.

Acts as a barrier between the organelles and the outside environment. It also facilitates the passage of oxygen, nutrients and water to service the cell, as well as communication and signalling between other cells.

cell wall

Animal cells don't have cell walls.

Like the plasma membrane, it’s the framework of the cell but it provides a thicker barrier for the cell which prevents overexpansion . This thickness also regulates diffusion and prevents water loss in the cell.

ribosome

The organelle in charge of protein formation needed for different cell processes. Its location determines its function, although both are structurally identical and interchangeable. Most ribosomes are suspended in the cytosol, known as free ribosomes, while some are attached to the Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum, now classified as a bound ribosome. These bound ribosomes are proteins destined for membrane inclusion, packaging with certain organelles, and export.

nucleus

This is the region where the majority of the cell’s genetic material is contained. Usually known as the ‘brain’ of the cell. In eukaryotes, this is called the nucleus which contains a nuclear envelope, nuclear lamina and chromatin which are all designed for protection of and/or transportation of signals from and to the nucleus.

smooth endoplasmic reticulum

Functions in metabolic processes like lipid synthesis, carbohydrate metabolism, and drug and poison detoxification.

rough endoplasmic reticulum

Functions like the Smooth ER but has additional duties like the formation of secretory proteins that depart from the organelle and become transport vesicles for the cell. This is also the main site of protein synthesis due to the abundance of ribosomes. It also stores secretory proteins different from the proteins produced by free ribosomes.

vacuole

The main organelle that regularly performs homeostasis. In prokaryotes and animals, they have food vacuoles where they store food from phagocytosis before being digested by the lysosome.

mitochondrion

The site of cellular respiration that produces ATP, the energy that the cell can use. Popularly known as the ‘powerhouse of the cell’

golgi apparatus

Acts as the “factory” of the cell, which manufactures, stores, sorts and transports the vesicles made by the Rough ER. It can also produce certain macromolecules and organelles by itself, like lysosomes.

lysosome

Performs intracellular digestion, most frequently phagocytosis. It also digests macromolecules through hydrolysis. As well as regularly performs autophagy, the recycling of one’s own materials

peroxisome

The oxidative organelle that oxidizes fatty and amino acids in the cell . It also produces hydrogen peroxide (where the name of the cell originates) as well as a catalase that counteracts its toxicity. It also produces a phospholipid precursor that starts the synthesis of lipids and carbohydrates, which then goes to the SER for further synthesis. Lastly, like the lysosome, the peroxisome also regularly performs autophagy.

chloroplast

Animal cells don't have chloroplast.

The site of photosynthesis where plants get their food, and works hand in hand with the mitochondria to efficiently extract energy from sunlight, water and oxygen (ingredients of photosynthesis).