Cell Organelles and their Functions

Cytoplasm

Fluid between the cell membrane and the nucleus. helps protect organelles.

Nucleus

A part of the cell containing hereditary information and is responsible for growth and reproduction; the "command center" of the cell.

Ribosome

A small particle in the cell that can make proteins.

Endoplasmic Reticulum

A cell structure that forms a maze of passageways in which proteins and other materials are carried from one part of the cell to another.

Golgi Apparatus

A cell structure that helps make and package materials to be transported out of the cell or for storage inside the cell.

Lysosome

Cell organelle filled with enzymes needed to break down certain materials in the cell, such as large food particles or old parts of the cell. May be found only in animal cells.

Vacuole

Saclike storage structure in the cell. can store water, nutrients, and even toxic substances.

Mitochondrion

An organelle containing enzymes responsible for producing energy. (Metabolism/respiration)

Chloroplast

An organelle found in the cells of plants and some other organisms that captures the energy from sunlight and converts it into chemical energy (photosynthesis).

Cytoskeleton

Cellular structures that help the cell maintain shape and/or move.

Cilia

Hair-like projections on the cell surface usestructuresmotion or the movement of fluid over a cell.

Flagellum

Most often a single whip-like projection on the cell surface that allows a cell to move.

Cell Membrane

The thin, flexible barrier around a cell; controls what enters and leaves the cell.

Cell Wall

The structure outside of the cell membrane that is used to provide support and protection. Present in plants, algae, fungi, and many prokaryotes.

Centriole

A cellular structure in an animal cell that helps to organize cell division.