Major Organelles and Their Functions

Nucleus

Contained genetic material for the cell

Ribosomes

Small complex proteins that assemble proteins from mRNA

Golgi Apparatus

Packages proteins into membrane-bound vesicles for excretion from the cell

Endoplasmic reticulum

Synthesizes cellular materials (SER & RER)

Nucleolus

Substructure of nucleus that synthesizes ribosomal RNA

Mitochondria

Powerhouse of the cell that performs cellular respiration

Vacuoles

Empty “bags” within the cell

Vesicles

Packages of cell membrane that contain materials for transport into or out of the cell

Cytoskeleton

A scaffolding of Microtubules providing internal support for the cell

Flagella/cilia/pili

Protein filaments that allow cells to move

Cell wall (only plants)

Cellulose structure supporting the cell

Chloroplast (only plants)

Photosynthesizing organelles

Central vacuole (only plants)

Large water filled sac in the middle of plant cells

Lysosomes (only animals)

Structures containing enzymes that break down unwanted materials

Centrosomes (only animals)

Organelle containing centrioles