Parts of A CellParts of A Cell

Writing Across Curriculum Activity

Grade 5Grade 5The learner will be able to draw

and label the fundamental structures of animal and plant cells .

At the end of this activity you will:At the end of this activity you will:

Choose a part of the cell and write a paragraph about it.

What are cells?What are cells? Your body is divided into tiny sections

called cells. The cell is one of the most basic units

of life. Cells are group together in collections

called tissues.

CellsCells There are cells that are organisms

onto themselves, such as microscopic amoeba and bacteria cells. 

There are cells that only function when part of a larger organism, such as the cells that make up your body. 

Cell TypesCell Types

Bone Cell

Muscle Cell

Nerve Cell

Cartilage Cell

Blood Cell

Small IntestineCell

CellsCells Most cells are too small to be

observed with the naked eye. The structure of cells can mostly

only be studied with the aid of an optical microscope and specialized color techniques.

Cell AreasCell AreasAll cells have three main

areas: the cell membrane, the cytoplasm, and the nucleus.

Cell MembraneCell Membrane

The cell membrane surrounds the cytoplasm of the cell.

It acts as a boundary layer to contain the cytoplasm (fluid in cell).

It allows water, oxygen, and other materials to pass in and out of cells.

CytoplasmCytoplasm Cytoplasm is the material between the

cell’s nucleus and the cell membrane. It fills the entire cell. It contains a large variety of organelles

and nutrients. The cytoplasm consists of an outer

ectoplasm and an inner endoplasm. It stores nutrients.

NucleusNucleusThe nucleus is the cell’s

command center.The cell nucleus contains the

cell's DNA, the genetic code.

MitochondriaMitochondriaThe mitochondria provide

the energy for the cell.

OrganellesOrganelles OrganellesOrganelles are small structures that help

carry out the day-to-day operations of the cell.

Types of organelles: RibosomeRibosome are organelles which participate

in protein synthesis. MitochondrionMitochondrion, the power plants of the cell,

are organelles that produce energy. LysosomesLysosomes are organelles that contain

enzymes that aid in the digestion.

Cell ResourcesCell Resources Cells Alive Brain Pop Cell Parts Label the Animal Cell Parts Animal Cells Electron Microscope (scroll down)

Writing Activity Choose one part of the cell

discussed in this presentation. Write a paragraph about the cell

part you selected. Include 5 facts.