Cells & Organelles function

Organelles and their structure

where DNA is replicated & transcribed to form mRNA

nucleus

synthesises proteins for secretion from the cell.

Rough ER

synthesises lipids, phospholipids and steroids. special sERs stores calcium ions.

Smooth ER

processes proteins brought in vesicles to the plasma membrane for secretion

golgi apparatus

contain digestive enzymes, which can be used to break down digested food in vesicles.

can also break down organelles or whole cells.

lysosome

produce ATP by aerobic respiration. fat is digested here (if used as a energy source in cell)

mitochondria

synthesise proteins, release them to work in cytoplasm, as enzymes or else.

ribosome

produce glucose and a variety of other organic compounds by photosynthesis. sometimes contain starch grains.

chloroplast

(in some animals:) foods are digested inside vacuoles. (unicellular organisms:) expel excess water

vacuoles

form an anchor point for microtubules during cell division and also for microtubules inside cilia and flagella.

centrioles

project from cell surface, used for locomotion, also used to create a current in the fluid of the cell.

cilia & flagella