This simple cartoon shows general similarities and differences between eukaryote and prokaryote cells.
Image courtesy of Windows to the Universe

Organelles of Eukaryotic Cells

Below is a list of organelles that are commonly found in eukaryotic cells.

Organelle Function
Nucleus The “brains” of the cell, the nucleus directs cell activities and contains genetic material called chromosomes made of DNA.
Mitochondria Make energy out of food
Ribosomes Make protein
Golgi Apparatus Make, process and package proteins
Lysosome Contains digestive enzymes to help break food down
Endoplasmic Reticulum Called the "intracellular highway" because it is for transporting all sorts of items around the cell.
Vacuole Used for storage, vacuoles usually contain water or food. (Are you are thirsty? Perhaps your vacuoles need some water!)
Plant cells also have:
Chloroplasts Use sunlight to create food by photosynthesis
Cell Wall For support
Last modified April 13, 2004 by Lisa Gardiner.

You might also be interested in:

Traveling Nitrogen Classroom Activity Kit

Check out our online store - minerals, fossils, books, activities, jewelry, and household items!...more

Photosynthesis

Photosynthesis is the name of the process by which autotrophs (self-feeders) convert water, carbon dioxide, and solar energy into sugars and oxygen. It is a complex chemical process by which plants and...more

The Domain Eubacteria

Eubacteria, also know as “true bacteria”, are microscopic organisms that have prokaryotic cells. Because of their prokaryotic cells, they have a rigid cell wall but no mitochondria or other large organelles,...more

Chromosomes, DNA and Genes: Tiny Things That Have a Huge Effect on Who We Are!

Do you look a bit like your siblings? Do you and your siblings look a bit like your parents? The similarities are because, unless you were adopted, you and the other members of your family have genetic...more

Can there be Life in the Environment of Jupiter?

Jupiter's atmospheric environment is one of strong gravity, high pressure, strong winds, from 225 miles per hour to 1000 miles per hour, and cold temperatures of -270 degrees to +32 degrees (freezing temperature)....more

The possible discovery of Life on Mars

In July, 1996, it was announced that Dr. David McKay, along with a team of scientists at Johnson Space Center (a division of NASA), had discovered possible fossils of bacteria in an ancient rock from Mars....more

The Environment of Saturn

Saturn's atmospheric environment is one of strong gravity, high pressure, strong winds, from 225 miles per hour to 1000 miles per hour, and cold temperatures of -270 degrees to +80 degrees. With winds...more

The Environment of Titan, can there be Life?

Titan's atmosphere is a lot like the Earth's, except that it is very cold, from -330 degrees to -290 degrees! Like the Earth, there is a lot of Nitrogen and other complex molecules. There also may be an...more

Windows to the Universe, a project of the National Earth Science Teachers Association, is sponsored in part is sponsored in part through grants from federal agencies (NASA and NOAA), and partnerships with affiliated organizations, including the American Geophysical Union, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Earth System Information Partnership, the American Meteorological Society, the National Center for Science Education, and TERC. The American Geophysical Union and the American Geosciences Institute are Windows to the Universe Founding Partners. NESTA welcomes new Institutional Affiliates in support of our ongoing programs, as well as collaborations on new projects. Contact NESTA for more information. NASA ESIP NCSE HHMI AGU AGI AMS NOAA