Cell Organelle Functions

Plasma (cell) membrane

“Contains receptors for communication; forms intercellular connections; acts as physical barrier to enclose cell contents; regulates material movement into and out of the cell

Cytoplasm

“Place of many metabolic processes of the cell; stores nutrients and dissolved solutes”

Cytosol

“Provides support for organelles; serves as viscous medium through which diffusion occurs”

Inclusions

stores materials

Organelles

carries out specific metabolic activities in the cell

Nucleus

“Acts as cell control center; houses genetic information (DNA); site of ribosome subunit assembly”

Nuclear envelope

“Physical barrier that controls movement of materials between the nucleus and the cytoplasm”

Nucleoplasm

“ Houses dissolved solutes including nucleotides and proteins”

Nuclear pores

“Allow for passage of materials between nucleus and cytoplasm”

Nucleolus (or nucleoli)

“Synthesizes rRNA and assembles ribosomes in the nucleus”

Chromatin and chromosomes

“Site of genes in the DNA”

“Smooth endoplasmic reticulum (smooth ER)”

“Synthesizes lipids; metabolizes carbohydrates; detoxifies drugs, alcohol”

“Rough endoplasmic reticulum (rough ER)”

“Synthesizes proteins for secretion, new proteins for the plasma membrane, and lysosomal enzymes; transports and stores molecules”

Golgi apparatus

“Modifies, packages, and sorts newly synthesized proteins for secretion, inclusion in new plasma membrane, or lysosomal enzyme synthesis”

Lysosomes

“Digest materials or microbes ingested by the cell; remove old/damaged organelles; self destruct”

Peroxisomes

“Convert hydrogen peroxide formed during metabolism to water”

Mitochondria

“Synthesize most ATP during cellular respiration; “powerhouses of cell”

Ribosomes

Synthesizes proteins for secretion and use in the cell

Cytoskeleton

“Provides structural support; facilitates cytoplasmic streaming, organelle and cellular motility, transport of materials, chromosomal movement and cell division”

Microfilaments

“Maintain cell shape; aid in muscle contraction and intracellular movement; separate dividing cells”

Intermediate filaments

“Provide structural support; stabilize cell junctions”

Microtubules

supports cell, holds organelles in place, moves chromosomes during cell division

Centrosome

“Organizes microtubules; participates in spindle formation during cell division, made up of centrioles

Cilia

“Move fluid, mucus, and materials over the cell surface”

Flagellum

used for movement, propels sperm in the human male

Microvilli

“Increase membrane surface area for absorption and/or secretion”