Organelle functions - AP Biology

Nucleus

Stores DNA (genetic info)

controls gene expression/cell activities

Ribosomes

carries out protein synthesis by translating mRNA (grows them into long chains and folds into proteins)

Endoplasmic reticulum - rough

Produces proteins by acting as a host to ribosomes

helps fold proteins, sort them, and transport them to other parts of the cell or outside the cell

Endoplasmic reticulum - smooth

synthesis of lipids

metabolize carbohydrates

detoxification of drugs and poisons

storage of calcium ions

Golgi apparatus

Modify, sort, and package proteins and lipids (for transport in and out of the cell)

Plasma/cell membrane

act as a barrier between the inside of the cell and the outside environment

Central Vacuole

Storage and breakdown of waste products

hydrolysis of macromolecules

stores inorganic ions

Mitochondria

Aerobic generation of ATP

Chloroplast

Synthesis carbon dioxide and water that enter the cell into sugars using light energy

Lysosome

break down multiple biological polymers

Cell wall

Mechanical support

protection to the cells cytoplasm

Peroxisome

lipid metabolism/synthesis

oxidation reactions

detoxification

nucleolus

ribosome biogenesis (living things come from other living things/reproduction)

Extracellular matrix

Support for the cell

Communication link between cell and its environments

Signals cell to migrate, change shape, grow/divide