The Cell - Parts & Their Functions

Cell Membrane

Semipermeable, controls what goes into & out of the cell.

Nucleus

Controls cell activities, involved with reproduction & protein synthesis.

Cytoplasm

Fluid of the cell, allows organelles to float & move in the cell.

Nuclear Membrane

Controls what goes into & out of the nucleus.

Nucleoplasm

Fluid in the nucleus.

Nucleolus

Makes RNA, important for protein synthesis.

Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)

Allows materials to move through the cell quickly (Smooth & Granular)

Ribosomes

Site of protein synthesis (On the granular ER or in the cytoplasm)

responsible for making proteins.

Golgi Body (Apparatus)

Packages materials for the cell.

Vacuoles

Fluid filled sacs, store wastes or food, larger in plant cells.

Mitochondria

Powerhouse of the cell, site of respiration, where energy is released (more in animal cells).

Plastids

Contain pigments, food making, food storage.

Chloroplast

Contains the pigment chlorophyll, site of photosynthesis where food is made.

Cell Wall

Protects and supports the cell (only in plant cells)

Cell Diagram

Lysosomes

breaking down and recycling cellular waste, including worn-out organelles and foreign substances.

Centrosome

organize microtubules, which are essential for forming the mitotic spindle during cell division, ensuring the correct segregation of chromosomes to daughter cells.