Cell Structure and Organelle Review for Dr. Augustine's Biology Class

Mitochondria

Powerhouse of the cell, organelle that is the site of ATP (energy) production

Chloroplast

An organelle found in plant and algae cells where photosynthesis occurs

cell membrane

thin, flexible barrier around a cell; regulates what enters and leaves the cell, surounds and protects the cell

vacuole

A sac inside a cell that acts as a storage area

nucleus

membrane-bound organelle in eukaryotic cells that serves as the control center, storing DNA, directing protein and ribosome synthesis, and regulating cell activities. It's enclosed by a nuclear envelope with nuclear pores for transport, contains chromatin (DNA and proteins) and a nucleolus for ribosome assembly, and is vital for cell function and division.

nucleolus

Found inside the nucleus and produces ribosomes

nuclear membrane

A highly-porous membrane that separates the nucleus from the cytoplasm

Lysosome

membrane enclosed sacs that primarily in animal cells, they contain potent hydrolytic enzymes that digest material. They also help in Apoptosis, pre programmed cell death.

Golgi apparatus

Golgi complex is a membrane bound structure that consists of flattened membrane sacs.

Functions include: correctly folding and chemically modifying newly synthesized cellular products.

And packaging proteins for trafficking.

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum

An endomembrane system where lipids are synthesized and packaged for shipping, functions include the detoxification of cells.

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum

ER helps cells maintain shape and works in intracellular transport.

Rough ER is associated with membrane bound ribosomes, allows for compartmentalization of cells and helps carry out protein synthesis. Membranes are rough due to the presence of ribosomes. Finishes and packs proteins, lipids and enzymes.

cell wall

a rigid outer layer found in plant, fungal, bacterial, and archaeal cells that provides structural support, protection, and a fixed shape to the cell

Centrioles

cylindrical organelle, primarily found in animal cells and most protists, that is composed of microtubules and plays a critical role in cell division by organizing the mitotic spindle, which separates chromosomes.

Ribosomes

Ribosomes make protein. Made of ribosomal RNA - rRNA and protein. Not membrane bound. In all cells, in all life forms, reflecting common ancestry. Make protein following mRNA sequences, i.e. instructions.

Cytoskeleton

Structure, support and transportation in a cell