Cell Organelles and Structures Review

A vocabulary review covering basic cellular organelles and structures, their functions, and related medical conditions based on the Amoeba Sisters lecture.

Cell membrane

An external structure found in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells that controls what enters and exits the cell, serving an essential role in homeostasis.

Cell wall

An external structure found in most prokaryotic cells and some eukaryotic cells, such as plant cells, that provides structure, helps maintain shape, and offers additional protection.

Centrioles

Eukaryotic structures found in animal cells (two per centrosome) that are involved in cell division and associate with spindle fibers during mitosis.

Chloroplast

An organelle found in eukaryotic plant cells that carries out photosynthesis to produce sugar.

Cytoplasm

A cellular component found in all cells; in a eukaryotic cell, it encompasses everything inside the cell except the nucleus.

Cytosol

The jelly-like fluid portion of the cytoplasm that, along with the cytoskeleton, supports the cell organelles.

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER)

A folded eukaryotic organelle that acts like a highway to transport and process molecules, sending assembled items in vesicles to the Golgi apparatus.

Rough ER

A type of endoplasmic reticulum studded with ribosomes that functions in making protein.

Smooth ER

A type of endoplasmic reticulum without ribosomes that makes lipids and is involved in detoxification.

Golgi apparatus

A eukaryotic packaging facility named after a scientist that modifies, sorts, and packages materials received from the endoplasmic reticulum for delivery.

Lysosome

A eukaryotic organelle containing enzymes that break down and digest substances, functioning like a destructive tool against pathogens.

Mitochondrion

A eukaryotic organelle found in plant and animal cells that produces ATP, the energy currency of the cell, through cellular respiration.

Nucleus

A eukaryotic organelle that houses the cell's DNA and controls cell activities.

Ribosome

A protein-making organelle found in all cells.

Vacuole

A eukaryotic organelle that stores materials such as water, proteins, or waste depending on the type of cell.

Central vacuole

One large vacuole typically found in plant cells that functions in storing materials.

Ribosomopathies

Disorders that result from the dysfunction of ribosomes.