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Cellular Components
There are two types of cells; Prokaryotic cells, and Eukaryotic cells. Eukaryotic cells are found in humans, plants, animals, fungi, and protists. Prokaryotic cells are found in bacteria.

Eukaryotic Cells
Animal cells contain many cellular components such as the plasma membrane, cytoplasm, nucleus, ribosomes, mitochondria, peroxisomes, and other components.

The plasma membrane is made up of lipids, and proteins. This forms a boundary between the inside, and the outside of the cell. The membrane protects the cellular components. The cytoplasm is the jelly like fluid that is found within the area of the plasma membrane. The cytoplasms suspends the organelles. The Nucleus is the largest organelle in Eukaryotic cells! The nucleus contains the cells, genetic information. Within the nucleus is the nucleolus. The nucleolus makes ribosomal subunits from proteins and ribosomal RNA. Ribosomes are composed or RNA and proteins, and are found floating in the cytoplasm, and attached to the endoplasmic reticulum. The function of ribosomes is protein synthesis. The endoplasmic reticulum is found wrapped around the outside of the nucleus. The ER can be smooth meaning it does not contain ribosomes, or rough meaning that it does contain ribosomes. The endoplasmic reticulum is important in the synthesis, folding, modification, and transport of proteins. The mitochondria is known as the powerhouse of the cell. The mitochondria generates energy in the form of ATP. The Golgi apparatus can be thought of as a post office. The Golgi receives proteins from the ER, and then sorts them, and ships them off to where they need to go. Peroxisomes are found within the cytoplasm. They contain enzymes that break down amino acids and fatty acids. Lysosomes are also found within the cytoplasm, and act as the cells immune defense. Lysosomes can break down and destroy viruses and bacteria.

Plant Cells are very similar to animal cells, with the exception of some organelles. Plant cells contain a cell wall. The cell wall gives the plant cell its shape. Plants cells also have chloroplast, which capture the sun light, and use it as energy for the cell.

Prokaryotic Cells
Prokaryotic cells are found in bacteria and archaea. Prokaryotic cells do not contain a nucleus. Prokaryotes contain ribosomes, cytoplasm, and plasma membrane.