The Cell — Life's Tiny Factory
Prokaryotes vs eukaryotes, the key organelles and their jobs, and what makes plant cells different.
By the PadhoDost Team · 📖 6 min read · Updated 4 August 2026
Part of NEET (Medical) prep🧠 A cell is a factory
Think of a cell as a tiny factory. The nucleus is the manager's office (holds the instructions — DNA), the mitochondria are the power generators, the ribosomes are the assembly machines (make proteins), and the cell membrane is the security gate controlling what enters and leaves.
Two types of cells
- ✓Prokaryotic — NO true (membrane-bound) nucleus. e.g. bacteria.
- ✓Eukaryotic — HAS a true nucleus + membrane-bound organelles. e.g. plant, animal & fungal cells.
Key organelles & their jobs
| Organelle | Job |
|---|---|
| Nucleus | Holds DNA; controls the cell |
| Mitochondria | Powerhouse — makes energy (ATP) |
| Ribosome | Makes proteins |
| Cell wall | Rigid support (plants only) |
| Chloroplast | Photosynthesis (plants only) |
💡 Plant cell = animal cell + cell wall + chloroplasts + a large central vacuole. That difference is a favourite exam question.
⚡ Quick check
Which organelle is called the 'powerhouse of the cell'?
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