Cellular structures

Plasma membrane

Outer boundary of the cell. The “gatekeeper” of the cell and is composed of phospholipid bilayer and some cholesterol molecules.

Cytoplasm

Jelly-like substance within the cell membrane that contains cytosol, cytoskeleton, and cell organelles. Primary site for metabolic reactions

nucleus

Houses genetic information of the cell and directs many cellular functions. These functions are carried out by DNA which combines with protein to from chromatin.

Nucleolus

Inside the nucleus and consist of proteins of chromosomes and therefore contain DNA and protein. They make RNA which form ribosomes

Nuclear Envelope

Double membrane that bounds the nucleus. Contains nuclear pores which allow material in or out of the nucleus.

Ribosomes

Smallest of the organelles and is non membranous. They produce proteins

Mitochondria

rod-shaped organelles with double membrane. Main function is to convert stored chemical energy in food molecules to stored chemical energy in molecules of ATP(adenosine triphosphate)

Rough Endoplasmic reticulum

Has attached ribosomes. Associated with the nucleus and produces proteins for transport and use outside the cell, also makes phospholipids and steroids of the plasma membrane.

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum

Distal extension of rough ER. Produces lipid compounds and detoxifies materials.

Golgi complex

Receives material from ER and other parts of the cytoplasm and serves as an assembly and packaging organelle. It has cisterns, flattened membranous sacs, that forms vesicles to transport the molecules it assembles.

centrioles

are barrel-shaped, microtubule-based organelles found in pairs within the centrosome of most animal cells. They are essential for organizing the mitotic spindle during cell division and forming basal bodies that produce cilia and flagella

Lysosome

Vesicles with digestive enzymes; engulfs foreign particles and removes old organelles

Peroxisomes

uses peroxidase that converts hydrogen peroxide to water and oxygen.

Microvilli

small extensions of plasma membrane of some cells that increase surface area of the cell.

Chromatin

Organizes DNA to fit in the nucleus