Biology Cells

Nucleus

acts as the control center of the eukaryotic cell, housing the cell's DNA and directing activities like growth, protein synthesis, and division

Ribosomes

Found in all living cells, are non-membrane-bound structures that serve as the site of protein synthesis by decoding genetic instructions from mRNA.

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulumis

is a network of membranes studded with ribosomes that folds and modifies newly synthesized proteins before sending them to their next destination.

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum

Lacking ribosomes, functions as a manufacturing hub for lipids and phospholipids, while also detoxifying harmful chemicals and metabolizing carbohydrates.

Golgi Apparatus

Operating as the cell's post office, receives proteins and lipids from the endoplasmic reticulum to modify, sort, and package them into vesicles for transport.

Mitochondria

Known as the powerhouses of the cell, generate ATP through cellular respiration to supply the cell with chemical energy.

Chloroplasts

Found in plants and algae, capture solar energy and convert it into chemical energy stored in glucose through the process of photosynthesis.

Lysosomes

Containing powerful digestive enzymes, break down cellular waste, worn-out organelles, and foreign invaders within animal cells.

Vacuoles

function as cellular storage compartments, with plants featuring a large central vacuole that maintains cell pressure and stores water and nutrients.

Cell Membrane

is a selective phospholipid bilayer that controls the movement of substances in and out of the cell to maintain internal balance.

Cell Wall

Located outside the cell membrane in plants, fungi, and prokaryotes, provides a rigid outer layer that offers structural support and protection.

Cilia

Short, hair-like projections on the cell surface that move in synchronized waves to sweep fluids, mucus, and particles across the cell exterior or enable cell movement.

Flagella

Long, whip-like tail structures (typically only one or two per cell) that propel the entire cell forward, such as the tail on a human sperm cell.

Microvilli

Tiny, finger-like extensions of the plasma membrane that increase the cell's surface area to maximize nutrient absorption, commonly found in gut lining cells.

Cytoskeleton

A internal network of protein filaments (microtubules, microfilaments, and intermediate filaments) that provides structural shape, aids in intracellular transport, and anchors organelles.

Centrosomes and Centrioles

Microtubule-organizing centers that form the mitotic spindle during cell division to help separate chromosomes evenly into daughter cells.

Peroxisomes

Specialized metabolic microbodies that contain enzymes to break down fatty acids and neutralize toxic cellular byproducts like hydrogen peroxide.