BIO - Cellular Structures

Plasma Membrane

Separates cell from external environment; controls passage of organic molecules, ions, water, oxygen, and wastes into and out of the cell

Cytoplasm

Provides structure to cell; site of many metabolic reactions; medium in which organelles are found

Nucleoid

Location of DNA

Nucleus

Cell organelle that houses DNA and directs synthesis of riobosomes and proteins.

Ribosomes

Protein synthesis

Mitochondria

ATP production/cellular respiration

Peroxisomes

Oxidizes and breaks down fatty acids and amino acids, and detoxifies poisons

Vesicles and vacuoles

Storage and transport; digestive function in plant cells

Centrosome

Unspecified role in cell division in animal cells; organizing center of microtubules in animal cells

Lysosomes

Digestion of macromolecules; recycling of worn-out organelles

Cell wall

Protection, structural support and maintenance of cell shape

Chloroplasts

Photosynthesis

Endoplasmic reticulum

Modifies proteins and synthesizes lipids

Golgi apparatus

Modifies, sorts, tags, packages, and distributes lipids and proteins

Cytoskeleton

Maintains cell’s shape, secures organelles in specific positions, allows cytoplasm and vesicles to move within the cell, and enables unicellular organisms to move independently

Flagella

Cellular locomotion

Cilia

Cellular locomotion, movement of particles along extracellular surface of plasma membrane, and filtration