Cell Biology, Organelles, and Membrane Transport

Organelles

Organized or specialized structures within a living cell that work in conjunction toward goals that promote homeostasis.

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum

Part of the endoplasmic reticulum with attached ribosomes that serves as the site of protein synthesis and protein modification.

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum

Part of the endoplasmic reticulum lacking attached ribosomes that manufactures lipids, stores calcium, and does not modify peptide strands.

Cisternae

Interior spaces within the endoplasmic reticulum or Golgi apparatus that are isolated from the rest of the cytoplasm.

Golgi Apparatus

Stacked, flattened membrane sacs that modify, package, and distribute proteins and lipids for secretion or internal cell use.

Lysosomes

Membrane-bound vesicles formed by the Golgi apparatus containing digestive enzymes that fuse with incoming vesicles to break down unwanted biomolecules and external materials.

Peroxisomes

Small membrane-bound organelles containing enzymes that break down fatty acids and amino acids, generating hydrogen peroxide as a by-product.

Proteasomes

Large protein complexes containing several enzymes that break down and recycle proteins in the cell.

Cilia

Motile cell surface appendages found in the respiratory tract, middle ear, and uterine tubes that function to move materials across the cell surface.

Flagella

Long cell surface appendages (typically one per cell, such as on a sperm cell) that move the cell itself in a wave-like fashion.