The cell as a tiny factory
A cell runs like a busy factory: the nucleus is the manager with the blueprints, mitochondria are the power plant, and the membrane is the security gate deciding what enters and leaves. Each organelle has a job that keeps the whole plant running.
The cell's parts
- Nucleus — stores DNA and directs the cell
- Mitochondria — release energy (the 'powerhouse')
- Cell membrane — controls what enters and leaves
- Chloroplast — captures light for photosynthesis (plants only)
Plant vs animal
Plant cells additionally have a rigid cell wall and chloroplasts; animal cells do not.