Cell Organelles and Their Functions

Flashcards about cell organelles and their functions based on lecture notes.

Cell

The fundamental unit of structure and function of living things, responsible for initiating, regulating, and directing life-sustaining reactions.

Cytology

The study of the different structures and functions of cells.

Levels of Organization

Cells --> Tissues --> Organ --> Organ System --> Organism

Cell Membrane

Also known as the plasma membrane; a double-layered membrane that encloses the cell.

Protoplasm

A jellylike material enclosed by the plasma or cell membrane.

Cytoplasm

The protoplasm lying outside the nucleus within a cell.

Karyoplasm (Nucleoplasm)

The protoplasm inside the nucleus.

Mitochondria

Microscopic rod-shaped bodies in the cytoplasm, the centers of cellular respiration.

Ribosomes

Small granular structures made of RNA and proteins, involved in protein synthesis.

Endoplasmic Reticulum

Membranous structure forming a network of canals where proteins and other molecules are transported.

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (rER)

The organelle where most ribosomes are attached, aiding in protein transport.

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum (sER)

A branching canal (without ribosomes) that transports large molecules; also produces some steroids.

Golgi Bodies

Sorts modified molecules and packages them into vesicles.

Lysosome

Organelles rich in hydrolytic enzymes that break down and destroy cellular constituents.

Vacuoles

Membrane-bound organelles for the storage of food, enzymes, and waste materials needed by the cell.

Centrosome

A region located near the nucleus where centrioles grow out.

Centrioles

Part of the cytoplasm that duplicates and forms at the center for spindle fiber formation during cell division.

Cytoskeleton

Network of thin and fibrous elements serving as the 'bones and muscles' of cells.

Nucleus

The control center of the cell, containing the genetic material (DNA).

Chromatin

Materials containing hereditary information of the cells.

Nucleolus

A structure involved in the protein synthesis process.

Peroxisome

A vesicle that is involved in fatty acid metabolism.

Cell Wall

A rigid outer layer that protects and supports plant, fungi, and some single-celled organisms.

Primary Cell Wall

The outer layer of the cell wall that expands as the cell grows.

Secondary Cell Wall

A cell wall layer develops inside the primary cell wall and adds strength to the wall

Middle Lamella

A layer composed of a jellylike polysaccharide called pectin.

Cellulose

A tough, fibrous, and water-insoluble polysaccharide that keeps the structure of plant cell walls stable.

Lignin

Complex organic compound that adds hardness and rigidity to cell walls.

Chloroplasts

The site of photosynthesis in plant cells, converting light energy to chemical energy.

Chromoplasts

Plastids containing the green pigment called chlorophyll.

Leucoplasts

Colorless plastids that serve as food storehouses in many plant cells.