Cell Organelles & Functions

Cell Membrane

Controls what enters and leaves the cell; provides protection and support.

Cytoplasm

Jelly-like fluid that fills the cell and holds organelles in place

Nucleus

Control center of the cell; stores DNA and directs cell activities.

Nucleolus

Found inside the nucleus; makes ribosomes.

Nuclear Envelope

Double membrane surrounding the nucleus; controls movement in/out of nucleus.

Ribosomes

Make proteins; can be free

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (Rough ER)

Studded with ribosomes; modifies and transports proteins.

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum (Smooth ER)

Makes lipids, detoxifies drugs, stores calcium (in muscle cells).

Golgi Apparatus (Golgi Body)

Modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids for storage or transport.

Mitochondria

Powerhouse of the cell; converts glucose into ATP (energy).

Chloroplast

Found in plant cells; performs photosynthesis to make glucose.

Vacuole

Storage sac for water, nutrients, and waste; large central vacuole in plant cells.

Lysosome

Breaks down waste, food, and worn

Peroxisome

Breaks down fatty acids and detoxifies harmful substances.

Cytoskeleton

Network of protein filaments; gives structure, helps with movement.

Microtubules

Hollow tubes that maintain cell shape, form spindle fibers in cell division.

Microfilaments

Thin protein fibers (actin); support cell shape and movement.

Centrioles

Help organize spindle fibers during cell division (animal cells only).

Cilia

Short, hair-like structures; help with movement or moving substances along cell surface

Flagella

Long, whip-like tail; used for cell movement

Cell Wall

Rigid outer layer of plant, fungi, and some bacterial cells; provides support and protection.

Plasmodesmata

Channels between plant cells that allow communication and transport.

Vesicles

Small sacs that transport materials around the cell.

Extracellular Matrix (ECM)

Outside animal cells; provides structural support and cell signaling.