animal cells

plasma membrane/cell surface membrane

• composed of a phospholipid bilayer with embedded proteins

• partially permeable - controls the movement of substances in and out of the cell via diffusion, osmosis, active transport & facilitated diffusion

nucleus

• enclosed by a nuclear envelope (double membrane) with nuclear poes

• contains chromatin (DNA + proteins) & a nucleolus, which synthesises ribosomes

• controls cell activities by storing genetic material (DNA)

• DNA codes for polypeptides

mitochondria

• double membrane - inner membrane is folded into cristae to increase the surface area for ATP production

• matrix contains enzymes for aerobic respiration

• mitochondria have their own circular DNA and their own 70s ribosomes

• produces ATP (energy carrier) via aerobic respiration

ribosomes

• small organelles composed of RNA & protein, found either free-floating in the cytoplasm or attached to the RER

• site of protein synthesis

Rough ER

• 3D system of sheet-like membranes spreading through the cell

• the membranes form a series of flattened sacs called cisternae

• has ribosomes attached to its surface, involved in protein synthesis

• RER has large surface area to synthesise proteins

• transports proteins & packages them into vesicles before they move to the golgi body

Smooth ER

• 3D system of sheet-like membranes spreading through the cell

• membranes form a series of flattened sacs called cisternae

• no ribosomes attached

• synthesises, stores and transports lipids & carbohydrates

golgi apparatus

• series of flattened sacs (similar to ER but more compact) that modify, sort and package proteins and lipids into vesicles for secretion

• modifies and processes proteins & lipids

lysosomes

• small vesicles containing digestive/hydrolytic enzymes

• breakdown of waste materials and cellular debris

centrioles

• found in pairs near the nucleus

• involved in cell division, helping to organise the mitotic spindle

cytoskeleton

• network of protein microtubules & microfilaments

• provides mechanical strength to the cell, supports organelles, & enables vesicle movement within the cell