organelles

What is cytology?

The study of cells.

Nucleus

Stores the cell's DNA.

Nucleolus

Makes ribosomes (inside the nucleus).

Ribosomes

Make proteins. Free ribosomes make proteins for use inside the cell; ribosomes on rough ER make proteins to leave the cell.

Rough ER

Studded with ribosomes. Site of protein synthesis; packages proteins.

Smooth ER

No ribosomes. Makes lipids (fats) and carbohydrates.

Mitochondria

Where cell respiration happens: sugars become ATP energy.

Lysosome

Breaks down large molecules: the garbage disposal.

Golgi apparatus

Processes, modifies, and sorts proteins and sends them to their final destination (the post office).

Cytoskeleton

Gives the cell structure and helps it move.

Cytoplasm

The jelly-like fluid that fills the cell and holds the organelles. Builds cells.

Cell membrane

Barrier between the cell and its environment; controls what gets in and out.

Centrosome / centriole

Organizes spindle fibers for cell division.

Vesicle and vacuole

Small sacs that carry or store materials. Vesicles move things in and out of the cell.