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Dec 4, 2025
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Exploring Cell Structures and Their Functions
Yujun Ge
@yujunge_jflh
1 / 3
Cell Control Center and Energy Factories
The nucleus serves as the control center of eukaryotic cells. It contains the cell's chromosomes (DNA) and directs all cellular activities. While eukaryotes have nuclei, prokaryotes (bacteria) don't—their DNA floats freely in the cytoplasm. The nucleus consists of a nuclear envelope (double membrane), nuclear pores (regulating what enters and exits), and the nucleolus (produces ribosomes).
Mitochondria are the powerhouses of the cell, creating energy (ATP) through cellular respiration. These remarkable structures are semi-autonomous, containing their own DNA and ribosomes. Their effectiveness comes from their structure: the folded inner membrane (cristae) increases surface area, while the matrix is the fluid-filled interior.
The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) comes in two varieties: Smooth ER (SER) and Rough ER (RER). The SER manufactures lipids, while the RER produces and transports proteins. Those little dots that make the rough ER "rough" are actually ribosomes! Both types include a storage space called the lumen.
💡 Think of mitochondria as tiny power plants within your cells—the more active a cell is, the more mitochondria it needs! Muscle cells, for example, are packed with mitochondria to power your movements.
Ribosomes are protein factories, responsible for protein production through a process called translation. They're essential for building everything from enzymes to structural proteins.
Cellular Transport and Maintenance Systems
Ribosomes come in two forms: free ribosomes floating in the cytoplasm and bound ribosomes attached to the rough endoplasmic reticulum. These tiny protein factories are themselves made of proteins and rRNA.
The Golgi apparatus works like the cell's shipping department. It packages materials and sends them to their correct destinations, either within the cell or outside it. The Golgi uses vesicles—tiny bubble-like structures—to transport these materials.
Lysosomes are the cleanup crew of the cell. They contain powerful digestive enzymes that break down old cell parts, foreign materials, and even harmful bacteria. Think of them as the cell's recycling and waste management system!
The cytoskeleton gives the cell its shape and structure, while also creating highways for transporting materials. It includes microfilaments and microtubules (the thickest fibers). Special extensions of the cytoskeleton include cilia and flagella . Centrioles help with cell division in animal cells.
🔍 All the organelles we've covered so far exist in both plant and animal cells. The next page covers organelles found only in plant cells!
Plant-Specific Cell Structures
Chloroplasts are the food factories of plants, producing glucose through photosynthesis. Like mitochondria, they're semi-autonomous with their own DNA and ribosomes. Their structure includes thylakoids (think pancakes), grana (stacks of thylakoids), and stroma (the surrounding fluid—like syrup on pancakes).
The plant vacuole is an impressive storage unit that can occupy up to 80% of a cell's volume! It stores water, food, and wastes. Plant cells typically start with several small vacuoles that merge into one large central vacuole as the cell matures.
The cell wall provides essential protection and support for plant cells. Located outside the cell membrane, it keeps harmful substances out and prevents cells from bursting when they take in water. Bacteria also have cell walls, though they differ in composition from plant cell walls.
🌱 The next time you eat a vegetable, remember that you're consuming millions of chloroplasts! These amazing structures convert sunlight into the energy that powers nearly all life on Earth through photosynthesis.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
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4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
Exploring Cell Structures and Their Functions
Yujun Ge
@yujunge_jflh
Dive into the microscopic world of cells where tiny structures work together to keep organisms alive. Cell organelles are specialized compartments that perform specific functions, and understanding them is key to grasping how all living things function.
Cell Control Center and Energy Factories
The nucleus serves as the control center of eukaryotic cells. It contains the cell's chromosomes (DNA) and directs all cellular activities. While eukaryotes have nuclei, prokaryotes (bacteria) don't—their DNA floats freely in the cytoplasm. The nucleus consists of a nuclear envelope (double membrane), nuclear pores (regulating what enters and exits), and the nucleolus (produces ribosomes).
Mitochondria are the powerhouses of the cell, creating energy (ATP) through cellular respiration. These remarkable structures are semi-autonomous, containing their own DNA and ribosomes. Their effectiveness comes from their structure: the folded inner membrane (cristae) increases surface area, while the matrix is the fluid-filled interior.
The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) comes in two varieties: Smooth ER (SER) and Rough ER (RER). The SER manufactures lipids, while the RER produces and transports proteins. Those little dots that make the rough ER "rough" are actually ribosomes! Both types include a storage space called the lumen.
💡 Think of mitochondria as tiny power plants within your cells—the more active a cell is, the more mitochondria it needs! Muscle cells, for example, are packed with mitochondria to power your movements.
Ribosomes are protein factories, responsible for protein production through a process called translation. They're essential for building everything from enzymes to structural proteins.
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Cellular Transport and Maintenance Systems
Ribosomes come in two forms: free ribosomes floating in the cytoplasm and bound ribosomes attached to the rough endoplasmic reticulum. These tiny protein factories are themselves made of proteins and rRNA.
The Golgi apparatus works like the cell's shipping department. It packages materials and sends them to their correct destinations, either within the cell or outside it. The Golgi uses vesicles—tiny bubble-like structures—to transport these materials.
Lysosomes are the cleanup crew of the cell. They contain powerful digestive enzymes that break down old cell parts, foreign materials, and even harmful bacteria. Think of them as the cell's recycling and waste management system!
The cytoskeleton gives the cell its shape and structure, while also creating highways for transporting materials. It includes microfilaments and microtubules (the thickest fibers). Special extensions of the cytoskeleton include cilia and flagella . Centrioles help with cell division in animal cells.
🔍 All the organelles we've covered so far exist in both plant and animal cells. The next page covers organelles found only in plant cells!
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Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Plant-Specific Cell Structures
Chloroplasts are the food factories of plants, producing glucose through photosynthesis. Like mitochondria, they're semi-autonomous with their own DNA and ribosomes. Their structure includes thylakoids (think pancakes), grana (stacks of thylakoids), and stroma (the surrounding fluid—like syrup on pancakes).
The plant vacuole is an impressive storage unit that can occupy up to 80% of a cell's volume! It stores water, food, and wastes. Plant cells typically start with several small vacuoles that merge into one large central vacuole as the cell matures.
The cell wall provides essential protection and support for plant cells. Located outside the cell membrane, it keeps harmful substances out and prevents cells from bursting when they take in water. Bacteria also have cell walls, though they differ in composition from plant cell walls.
🌱 The next time you eat a vegetable, remember that you're consuming millions of chloroplasts! These amazing structures convert sunlight into the energy that powers nearly all life on Earth through photosynthesis.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user