1.3- Names, structural characteristics & functions of cell structures & organelles

Cell Wall

Hard structure that surrounds the plasma membrane

function: support, shape, and protects the cells (only in plants, bacteria, and fungi)

Cell/Plasma Membrane

Flexible double layer wall made up of waterproof lipids with protein “doors”

Function: decides what molecules can enter/exit the cell

Cytoskeleton

Network of protein fibers

Function: organizes cell: intracellular transport that acts as a track for the movement of cells and materials.

Cytoplasm

Liquid jelly like volume of a cell with dissolved molecules and 60-70% water

Function: metabolism of all cells, all chemical reactions happen here

☆Ribosome

Small dots that can be free floating or attached to the Rough ER

Function: links amino acids together to make proteins. reads genetic instructions (DNA, RNA) sent from the nucleus and uses them to make proteins. Have to be near nucleus to do so.

Nucleus

Sphere of plasma membrane w/ small openings called “pores”

Function: protects and stores genetic material (Nucleic Acid, DNA) “controls” the cell by determining which proteins to make, when and how.

Rough ER

Ribbon-like folds of plasma membrane w/ribosomes attached

Function: keeps ribosomes close to nucleus for quick access of genetic instructions for building proteins. Packages proteins into a bubble made from its own membrane

Vesicle (general meaning)

Protective bubble made of plasma membrane

Function: Moves materials within the cell & exports/imports out/into the cell.

Transport Vesicle

Moves things WITHIN the cell & between organelles

Secretory Vesicle

Exports & Imports things into & out of the cell

☆Golgi Apparatus

Stacked pockets of plasma membrane (looks like a pancake stack)

Function: MODIFIES and distributesproteins created in the ribosomes. Rough ER sends ribosomes, golgi modifies proteins, they exit in a vesicle (secretory if export) made from the golgis own plasma membrane

Smooth ER

Tube like folds of plasma membrane. NO RIBOSOMES ATTACHED. NOT INVOLVED IN PROTEINS.

Functon: building lipids detoxification

Mitochondria

Double-plasma membrane organelle

Function: breaks down carbs first then lipids and turns them to energy, releasing them as ATP that then run the cell. Process is called cellular respiration.

Chloroplast

Double-plasma membrane organelle, green color.

Function: converts light energy into chemical energy (photosynthesis). The light energy turns to food which is broken down by mitochondria

Lysosome

Plasma membrane sac filled with enzymes

Function: break down food macromolecules and cell waste into subunits for recycling.

Vacuole

Plasma membrane bubble. Large in plant cells, smaller in animal cells

Function: storage:

Plants= water

Animal= food/water/waste