1. Instructor: Lindsay Peluso

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3. This tutorial will teach you the characteristics of the parts of the cell. Before we learn about the
functions of the cell, let‟s learn about the history of the cell. In 1665, the English
scientist, Robert Hooke, first noted the existence of cells. This discovery was founded when Hooke
placed a thin slice of cork though his microscope. When looking through a microscope he noticed
there were many small boxes, which reminded him of cells in a monastery. From here, the genesis
of the naming the „cell‟ was born.
The Cell Theory consists of three basic points: all living things are made of cells, the cell is the
smallest living thing that can perform all the functions of life, and all cells must come from
preexisting cells. (Source) Understanding cells are the key to learning about life itself, because
cells are the most basic unit of life.

4. There are two types of cells: animal and plant. There are many operational and physical
differences between the plant and animal cells. Moreover, they are both living things, so there
are basic functions are the same. Throughout this tutorial, you will be learning about the
characteristics of the cell. Pay close attention because there will be a quiz to follow at the end
of the tutorial.
To help you make real world connections to a cell, this tutorial is going to compare it to a factory.
Imagine a factory designing the latest piece of technology, a new tablet, iPhone 10, or the iPad 8.
It does not matter what the factory makes, because the majority of them are set up the same
way. Every factory must have walls, production lines, an executive department for the CEO, and
a finishing department to prepare the product for shipping and packing. Along with the factory
sending out their products, they are also receiving materials.

5. The Plasma Membrane is the “shipping and receiving” department of the cell. It regulates what
enters and leaves the cell. In a factory, this would include the incoming or outgoing mail and
packages. These packages handlers would have to make contact with the external environment.
The receptionist workers would allow communication between all of the departments. The
receptionist is also the face of the factory because they are the first person an individual notices
when they enter the building. Located all around the cell, or factory would be the security
workers checking IDs, and determining who is admitted into the factory and who is not allowed
into the factory. In a cell all of these jobs are performed by the Plasma Membrane.

6. The Nucleus would be the Chief Executive Officer or CEO of the factory. The nucleus controls
every aspect of the factory, and there are many responsibilities. The CEO would have to keep
track of all the blueprints, tell the workers which products to build, and when to build them.
The nucleus controls all cell activity along with determining what proteins will be made. The
blueprints in the factory have been around ever since the factory was created. Many of the
blueprints will be out of date and it is the CEO‟s job to find the precise plans, replicate
them, and make sure they are sent out to the assembly line at the proper time.

7. The Cytoplasm is where all of the vigorous physical work takes place, because it
happens on the cell‟s factory floor. The work of the cytoplasm falls underneath many
categories, such as production, maintenance, and energy transformation. There are
many members of this production team. Continue the tutorial to meet all of the
other factory jobs. Cytoplasm refers to everything among the cell membrane and the
nuclear membrane.

8. Let’s practice a few of the definitions we learned:
What cell organelle acts as the shipping/receiving department? Other
characteristics of it include regulating what enters and leaves the cell and
where the cell makes contact with the external environment
A. Plasma membrane
B. Nucleus
C. Cytoplasm

9. I am sorry that answer was incorrect. Please select the home button and
review the previous slides.

10. Correct! Please proceed with the tutorial

11. The Endoplasmic Reticulum or ER are workers who are greatly experienced
tradespeople, and they receive a higher salary than their co-workers. These
workers are able to depict the blueprints the CEO has given to them, so they
do not create the designs.
The ER expands from the nuclear membrane to the plasma membrane. It
functions as an alleyway through the cytoplasm, as a support structure for
the addition of other organelles, and as a workplace for the ribosomes.

12. The Ribosomes are the factory workers who build the proteins, and they
are manufactured by the nucleolus. The ribosomes are the workers in the
assembly line. The ribosomes are attached to the rough ER. Continue the
tutorial to find out how the final handling takes place.

13. The Golgi Apparatus is the department where all the finishing touches are
made to the products built on the assembly line. These workers must be
very meticulous when inspecting the products for flaws. They may make
minor adjustments or clean any additional material. This would be the
finishing and packaging department.

14. Lysosomes are an essential cell organelle produced by the Golgi
apparatus, which contains powerful digesting enzymes. In a factory, their
job would be the maintenance crew. Lysosomes are responsible for
breaking down and absorbing materials taken in by the cell. Just as a
maintenance worker would take apart old machinery and replace it. If
someone is able to sneak past security, the lysosomes are able to catch
them, and kick them out! They do not have the most glamorous role, but
they serve a vital role.

15. The Cytoskeleton maintains the cell shapes, just as supporting
beams, walls, ceilings, and floors would do. Numerous protein fibers act as
support structures.

16. Quiz Time!
What organelle prepares proteins for use or export?
A. Lysosomes
B. Golgi apparatus
C. Cytoskeleton

17. I‟m sorry that choice was incorrect. Please click here to review

18. Well done! Please continue the tutorial

19. Power is a necessity for all factories to maneuver. Most factories have
power plants in which generators burn fuel to produce heat. The heat is
used to make steam, which is then used to make electricity.
Building proteins are the main function of cells, but in order for this to
operate; a cell must have an energy source in a form which the cell can use.
Mitochondria and Chloroplasts are responsible for transforming one form
of energy into another. This would be the power plant of the factory.

20. Now it is time for your quiz. Please refer to the following link: Quiz