Y12 Cell organelles

Nucleus

Control center of the cell. Contains and protects the genetic material (DNA).

Cell membrane

The semipermeable membrane surrounding the cytoplasm of a cell.

Cytoplasm

A jellylike fluid inside the cell in which the organelles are supported and maintained. Also the site where many chemical reactions can take place/occur.

Mitochondria

Powerhouse of the cell, organelle that is the site of ATP (energy) production. It is the site of cellular respiration.

Vacuole

Cell organelle that stores materials such as water, salts, proteins, and carbohydrates (dissolved materials).

Animal vacuole

Small and peripheral.

•Membrane-bound sacs for storage, digestion, and waste removal

•Contains water solution

Plant vacuole

Large, fixed structure that stores water in plants. Controls the turgor pressure within the cell, pushing it against the cell wall.

Chloroplast

An organelle found in plant and algae cells where photosynthesis occurs

Cell wall

A rigid structure that surrounds the cell membrane and provides support to the cell. It is non-selective to what enters and leaves the cell.

Ribosomes

Site of protein synthesis. Can occur freely in the cytoplasm, more common around the rough ER.

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum

A series of folded membrane pathways spotted with ribosome. Together making new proteins and membranes of cells.

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum

No ribosomes on it and forms transport vesicles to help move things around the cell.

The Golgi body/ Golgi apparatus

Made up of saccules that package up things to be transported out the cell. Used for modification of molecules (e.g. proteins and lipids).

Lysosomes

vesicles that contain substances that digest excess or worn-out organelles and food particles. E.g. bacteria.

Centrioles

A minute cylindrical organelle near the nucleus in animal cells, occurring in pairs and involved in the development of spindle fibers in cell division.