Functions of the Cell Parts

Nucleus

acts as control center of cell, stores DNA, directs cell activities

Nucleolus

produces ribosomes, plays role in protein synthesis

Ribosomes

makes proteins by linking amino acids

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum

makes & transports proteins

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum

makes lipids & helps detoxify the cell

Golgi Apparatus

modifies, sorts, and packages proteins & lipids, prepares them for use inside the cell or export them outside

Lysosomes

breaks down waste, old organelles & foreign substances

Vacuoles

stores water, nutrients & waste

in plants: large central vacuole helps maintain shape & turgor pressure

Chloroplasts

site of photosynthesis —> converts sunlight into chemical energy

Centrioles

organizes spindle fibers during cell division

Mitochondria

converts glucose & oxygen through cellular respiration

Cytoskeleton

provides shape, support, reproduction, & movement, helps move organelles within cell

Cell Wall

provides protection, structure, & support

Cell Membrane

protects, supports, and controls what goes in & out of cell

Cytoplasm

holds the organelle in place