Bio: cell structures

cell wall

a tough, rigid outer covering that protects and gives shape to bacterial, plant and fungal cells

nucleus

directs all the cell's activities through instructions located in the DNA

chloroplast

found in plant cells; captures the energy of the sun through the chlorophyll pigment

Endoplasmic Reticulum

series of membranes forming a network, used to move proteins and other materials around in the cell

cell membrane

the cell's protective covering; allows food molecules, water and wastes to move in and out of the cell

lysosomes

contain digestive enzymes used in the breakdown and recycling of wastes and worn-out cell parts

ribosomes

site of protein synthesis or production

nucleolus

site of ribosome synthesis or production

mitochondrion

powerhouse of the cell; produces the chemical energy the cell needs to fuel its activities

golgi apparatus/golgi body

one set of stacked, flattened membranes; sit of protein sorting and packaging into vesicles for transport both within and outside of the cell

prokaryote

type of cell lacking a nucleus or any other internal membrane-bound structures

eukaryote

type of cell having a nucleus and other membrane bound structures

organelles

general name for membrane-bound structure within the cytoplasm of a eukaryotic cell, each type having a specific function

cytoskeleton

rigid framework for three types of protein fibers that provide structural support and allow movement of cells

vesicle

a small, membrane-bound sac that pinches off a larger membrane system; used for intracellular support

central vacuole

large storage (water, ions, nutrients) organelle that takes up much of the volume of the plant cell

peroxidasis

vesicular organelle containing enzymes that break down fatty acids and hydrogen peroxide

microtubules

hollow cytoskeletal tubes composed of tubulin

microfilaments

solid rods composed of actin

intermediate filaments

medium sized fibers that reinforce cell shape

endomembrane system

series of internal membranes that are functionally connected either physically or through vesicles