Model Cell Systems - Middle School Life Science

Organelles work together; outputs of one become inputs of another. Emphasizes interdependence and material flow between parts.

Chloroplast, carbon dioxide, water, and light energy. These components interact to convert light into chemical energy.

Central vacuole. Fills with water to push against cell wall for support.

Mitochondrion. Has double membrane with inner folds for cellular respiration.

Golgi apparatus. Modifies proteins from ER and sorts them into vesicles.

Provides rigid support and protection outside the membrane. Made of cellulose in plants; absent in animal cells.

Provides structure and helps move organelles and materials. Network of protein fibers acts as cell's highway system.

Breaks down wastes and worn-out cell parts with enzymes. Contains digestive enzymes to recycle cellular materials.

Stores water, nutrients, and wastes; supports plant cells. Large central vacuole in plants provides turgor pressure.

Converts light energy to sugars by photosynthesis. Contains chlorophyll to capture light for making glucose from CO₂.

Produces ATP by cellular respiration. Breaks down glucose to generate energy currency for cell work.

Sorts, packages, and ships proteins and lipids in vesicles. Acts as the cell's post office for protein and lipid distribution.

Synthesizes lipids and helps detoxify harmful substances. Lacks ribosomes, allowing specialized functions like lipid production.

Modifies and transports proteins made by attached ribosomes. Studded with ribosomes that make proteins for export or membranes.

Stores DNA and controls cell activities via gene expression. Acts as the control center by regulating which genes are active.

Gel-like fluid where organelles are suspended and reactions occur. Provides the medium for cellular processes and organelle movement.

Controls what enters and leaves; maintains homeostasis. Acts as a selective barrier to protect the cell's internal environment.

Cell membrane (selective barrier for gas exchange). Membrane controls gas entry for photosynthesis.

Breaks down wastes and worn-out cell parts using enzymes. Contains digestive enzymes for cellular cleanup.

Gel-like interior where organelles are suspended and reactions occur. Provides medium for cellular processes and organelle movement.

Stores DNA and controls cell activities by regulating gene expression. Acts as control center directing all cellular functions.

Site of protein synthesis (builds proteins from amino acids). Translates genetic code into functional proteins.

Modifies and transports proteins made by attached ribosomes. Has ribosomes on surface for protein production and processing.

Synthesizes lipids and helps detoxify certain chemicals. Lacks ribosomes, specializes in lipid metabolism.