Biology Cell Organelles and Functions

Cell/Plasma Membrane

Description:
Made of lipids and proteins
Surrounds the cell
Function:
Controls the passage of substances in and out of the cell
Surrounds and protects the cell and its organelles

Nucleus

Description:
Center of cell
Surrounded by a nuclear membrane that protects it and separates it from the rest of the cell
Function:
Center of cellular activity
Controls cellular reproduction
Contains DNA and Chromatin

Nucleolus

Description:
Located inside the nucleus
Function:
Makes ribosomes

Lysosome

Description:
Contains many enzymes
Membrane bound
Animal cells only
Function:
Gets rid of useless, harmful, or dead cells
Helps digest food

Ribosome

Description:
Non-membrane bound
Small
Free-floating in cytoplasm or attached to Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum
Function:
They make proteins
Site for protein synthesis

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum

Description:
Network of transport channels
Contains ribosomes
Function:
Releases proteins

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum

Description:
Network of transport channels
Does not contain ribosomes
Function:
Helps break down toxins

Golgi Apparatus

Description:
Series of flattened sacs
Function:
Modifies, packages, sorts, and transports materials out of the cell
Secretes the products of the endoplasmic reticulum

Centriole

Description:
Rod-shaped organelles near the nucleus
Animal cells only
Function:
They form the spindle in cell division

Mitochondria

Description:
Bean-shaped
Function:
"Powerhouse" of the cell
Produces ATP, a high energy compound
Converts energy from food
Aids in cellular respiration

Chloroplast

Description:
Round, green structures that contain chlorophyll
Plant cell only
Function:
Uses photosynthesis to make food/energy

Vacuole

Description:
Located in cytoplasm
Mostly found in plant cells
Occasionally found in animal cells
Function:
Storage area for water, protein, and carbohydrates

Cell Wall

Description:
Surrounds the cell membrane
Plant cell only
Function:
Adds extra support and protection to the cell

Cytoplasm

Description:
Jelly-like substance
Function:
Holds all organelles in place

Eukaryote

A cell with a nucleus and membrane bound organelles. Plant and animal cells.

Prokaryote

A cell with no nucleus or membrane bound organelles. Bacterial cells.

Semipermeable

Partially able to move or pass substances.

Cytoskeleton

Cellular organelle composed of microfilaments, microtubules, and intermediate filaments that provide structure and shape for a cell and help the cell move.

Vesicle

Sac that carries newly synthesized proteins from Golgi apparatus to various parts of the cell.

Synthesis

Combining parts to form a whole

Enzymes

Complex proteins that initiate biochemical reactions

Cristae

Folds in the inner membrane of the mitochondrion

Self-replicate

Ability to reproduce without the aid of outside forces

DNA

(deoxyribonucleic acid) Hereditary instructions for a cell

Mitosis

Process of cell division that occurs in a series of steps: interphase, prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase