Mitochondria are organelles that have an unusual double membrane. An out membrane surround the entire organelle, and a second, inner membrane contains numerous folds, called cristae. Cristae increase the surface area exposes to the matrix of mitochondria.

The plasmalemma (plasma membrane) has a complex structure composed of phospholipids, proteins, glycolipids, and cholesterol. The phospholipids form two distinct layers that don't allow dissolved ions and water-soluble compounds to cross the plasmalemma. This makes the plasmalemma effective in isolating the cytoplasm from the surrounding fluid environment.

Mitochondia produce energy (ATP) required by the cell, if a cell has large amounts of mitochondria this implies the cell has a high energy requirement.

Only lysosomes remove damages organelles or pathogens. Peroxisomes degrade fats and other organic compounds as well as neutralize toxic compounds.

The ER has four major functions: Synthesis, storage, transport, and detoxification.

Synthesis - ER membrane contains enzymes that manufacture carbohydrates, steroids, and lipids.

Storage - ER holds synthesized molecules absorbed from the cytosol.

Transport - Substances travel from place to place within the cell inside the ER.

Detoxification - Cellular toxins are absorbed by ER and neutralized by enzymes in ER membrane.

The mitochondria is the "powerhouse" of the cell and converts chemical energy (sugars) into ATP during cellular respiration.

Plant cells have chloroplasts, which is the organelle where photosynthesis takes place, but animal cells do not. Plant cells contain both a cell membrane and a cell wall, but animal cells only have a cell membrane. Plant cells have a large vacuole and animal cells have small vacuoles. Animal cells have centrioles, but plant cells do not. All other organelles are found in both plant and animal cells.

Ribosomes manufacture proteins, the smooth endoplasmic reticulum transports materials within the cells, the rough endoplasmic reticulum transports ribosomes which are made in the nucleolus to other parts of the cell, and the cytoplasm is the living material that cushions the cell and allows chemical reactions to occur.

There are two fundamental sections of the cell cycle: mitosis and interphase. The M phase denotes mitosis, during which the cell divides. Interphase is composed of several subsections during which the cell grows, organelles replicate, and the cell prepares for division.

Interphase can be divided into the subsections G1, S, and G2. While G1 and G2 are dedicated to the growth of the cell and organelle replication, the S phase is when cellular DNA is replicated.

Passive transport processes move ions or molecules across the plasmalemma without any energy expenditure by the cell whereas active transport processes involve the cell spending energy.

During diffusion a molecule moves from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration. Movement is achieved following the concentration gradient and no energy is spent by cell.