Parts of the Cell

Cell Membrane

The outside covering of the cell, made of phospholipids. Controls what enters and leaves the cell.

Nucleus

The "control center" of the cell, containing the DNA

Ribosomes

The protein "factories" of the cell. Either free-floating in the cytoplasm, or on the surface of the rough ER.

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum

A maze-like network of membranes covered in ribosomes. Finishes protein synthesis for some proteins.

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum

A network of membranes connected to the rough ER, but without ribosomes. This is where new membrane is made.

Golgi

A stack of membrane-enclosed spaces that ships proteins to the outside of the cell, or to other parts of the cell.

Lysosome

The "recycling center" that digests old organelles or bacteria invaders.

Mitochondria

The "power plant" of the cell--site of cellular respiration where glucose and oxygen are used to make ATP.

Chloroplast

The "solar power plant" found in plants and some protists, but not in animals. Site of photosynthesis, where glucose is made.

Cell Wall

The "armor" outside of the cell membrane of plant, fungi, and many other cells. NOT found on animal cells.

Vacuole

The large, central water storage "tank" for plant cells.

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (Picture)

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum (Picture)

Nucleus (Picture)

Mitochondria (Picture)

Chloroplast (Picture)

Ribosomes (Picture)

Golgi (Picture)