Honors Bio Organelles

Nucleus

The control center of the cell that contains DNA and controls gene expression. It is located in the center of the cytoplasm and is only in eukaryotic cells. It helps with quality control over growth, metabolism, and reproduction. It looks like a large sphere with a double membrane (the nuclear envelope) that has pores. It works with ribosomes, the ER, and vesicles.

Nucleolus

Located in eukaryotic cells inside the nucleus. It creates ribosomes by making RNA and proteins, oversees quality control of ribosomes, and assembles new ribosomes.

Ribosomes

On the ER, they make proteins that are shipped out of the cell and translate the genetic code from messenger RNA (mRNA) into proteins. In prokaryotic cells, ribosomes free float, while eukaryotic cells have larger ribosomes, both free-floating and attached to the endoplasmic reticulum. They carry out genetic instructions for quality control.

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum (Smooth ER)

Found only in eukaryotic cells, located near the nucleus/rough ER. Its function includes lipid storage and synthesis, detoxifying harmful substances, hormone production, and carbohydrate digestion. It works with the Golgi apparatus, cytoskeleton, plasma membrane, and mitochondria. It has a tubular structure.

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (Rough ER)

Folds with embedded ribosomes, located in eukaryotic cells, attached to the nuclear envelope. Its function is to transport proteins and it works with the Golgi apparatus to do so.

Golgi Apparatus

Receives packages of transport proteins and transports them in/out of the cell, functioning like a mail room. Found in eukaryotic cells, located outside the nucleus and next to the ER. Responsible for folding proteins and determining their function/location.

Lysosomes

Found only in animal eukaryotic cells, located in the cytoplasm. They clean up the cell and destroy old cells for quality control.

Cilia

Move substances along the surface of the cell. Found outside the cell membrane, made of 9+2 microtubules, present in prokaryotic cells and some plant and animal cells. They are small and numerous.

Flagella

Move the entire cell. Found outside the cell membrane, made of 9+2 microtubules, present in prokaryotic cells and some plant and animal cells. They are long and large.

Cytoplasm

The medium for chemical reactions in the cell. Located inside the cell, found in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. It moves materials around the cell and interacts with all other organelles. It is an aqueous solution.

Nucleoid Region

Contains genetic material, regulates genes, and produces ribosomes. Located in the cytoplasm and found in prokaryotes.

Peroxisomes

Break down fats and assist in metabolic processes. Located in the cytoplasm, surrounded by the plasma membrane, and work with the mitochondria and the surrounding plasma membrane.

Capsule

Surrounds the outside of the cell to provide protection, act as a barrier, and keep the cell hydrated. Found only in prokaryotes and made of proteins and sugars.

Transport Vesicles

Carry proteins and lipids around the cell. Formed from the Golgi apparatus, located just outside the Golgi, and found in eukaryotic cells. Surrounded by a plasma membrane, they work with the ER, Golgi apparatus, lysosomes, and cell membrane to deliver materials.