AP Biology Cell Parts

Cell Membrane

selective barrier that allows sufficient passage of oxygen, nutrients, and waste to service the volume of the cell

Nucleus

contains the genes and is usually the most conspicuous organelle

Nuclear Envelope

encloses the nucleus, separating it from the cytoplasm

Chromatin

fibrous threadlike complex of DNA

Chromosomes

compacted, coiled up chromatin

Nucleolus

dense, spherical region in the nucleus, packages ribosomal subunits

Cytoplasm

supports organelles

Mitochondria

site or respiration, creates ATP

Ribosomes

site of protein synthesis, made of RNA and proteins

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum

makes proteins or modifies them (folding them into tertiary structure)

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum

synthesizes lipids, phospholipids, and steroids, also participates in carbohydrate metabolism and can also detoxify drugs and poison

Golgi Apparatus

modifies productions of the ER, sorts and packages materials

Lysosomes

responsible for intracellular digestion, recycles the cell's own organic material, can also destroy the cell

Cytoskeleton

organizes the cell's structures and activities, composed of three types

Microtubules

the thickest of the three components of the cytoskeleton

Microfilaments

the thinnest of the three components of the cytoskeleton

Intermediate Filaments

fibers with diameters in a middle range, one of the three components of the cytoskeleton

Cilia

shorter and found in greater numbers then Flagella, wave like motion used to sweep extra cellular material over/away from the cell

Flagella

longer than Cilia and found singly or in pairs, used to propel a cell

Peroxisomes

converts/detoxifies hydrogen peroxide to water

Centrioles

Involved in pinching contraction during cell division

Small Vacuoles/Vesicles

storage and or transport in animal cells

Central Vacuole

absorbs water and elongates the cell, also stores water-soluble organic compounds found in plant cells

Cell Wall

semirigid structure outside of the cell membrane in plant cells, consists of cellulose fibers, provides support, and limits cell size

Tonoplast

a membrane that encloses the central vacuole in plant cells

Chloroplast

contain chlorophyll, site of photosynthesis, contains thylakoids and stroma

Plasmodesmata

channels through the cell wall that allows water and small solutes (and sometimes RNA) to pass between cells