Functions of the Cell - Eukaryotic (Animal)

A hopefully concise study guide for the different structures of the animal cell and their functions.

nucleus

the hub of activity in the cell. enclosed by a nuclear envelope, this aids the cell in activities such as reproduction, metabolism, and cell growth. this contains the chromosomal DNA that is replicated to make proteins.

nuclear envelope

space that surrounds the nucleus and separates it from the other membrane-bound organelles and activities happening in the cell.

endoplasmic reticulum (ER)

structure made up of rough and smooth ER that handle protein and lipid synthesis, detoxification of alcohol or drugs, and calcium storage.

rough ER

ribosome-embellished part of the ER that produces proteins by folding them and exporting them to the Golgi.

smooth ER

structure of the ER that aids in lipid and steroid synthesis and breaking down toxic lipid drugs.

Golgi apparatus

receives proteins from the rough ER and focuses on packing them, processing them, and modifying them, and then exporting them outside of the cell.

ribosome

found in either the rough ER or freely throughout the cytosol. aid in the production of proteins. the free ribosomes receive mRNA from the nucleus which they then read the codons on the way to tRNA and later use to create the peptide bonds.

lysosome

structure that aids in the cell’s digestion and repair (autophagy) by breaking down cellular waste and debris.

mitochondria

the spot where cellular respiration occurs to produce ATP from glucose from food. also aids in storing calcium and the production of heme in hemoglobin. this structure is double-membraned, with Cristae folds.

vacuole

stores nutrients and fluids. vesicles that import and export things into or out of the cell through endocytosis and exocytosis (transportation).

centrioles

organizes microtubules, aids in cell division, and figures out where the location of the nucleus and other organelles should be.

cytoplasm

the jelly fluid that surrounds the cell. acts as a medium for the cell to perform its activities. houses the organelles, aids in the transportation of things into and out of the cell, and provides the cell with structure.

cell membrane

semi-permeable membrane that grants the cell the ability to transport certain things in and out. it maintains the cell’s internal environment and its interactions with the outside world.