AP Biology Organelle Functions

Plasma Membrane

Flexible, selectively permeable membrane boundary that helps control what enters and leaves the cell

Cytoplasm

Semifluid material inside the cell’s plasma membrane

Nucleus

In eukaryotic cells, the central membrane bound organelle that manages cellular functions and contains DNA

Nucleolus

Produces ribosomes inside the nucleus

Cell Wall

In plants, the rigid barrier that surrounds the outside of the plasma membrane, is made of cellulose, and provides support and protection to the cell

Golgi Apparatus

Flattened stack of tubular membranes that modifies, sorts, and packages proteins into vesicles and transports them to other cells or organelles

Mitochondria

Membrane bound organelle that converts fuel into energy that is available to the rest of the cell

Endoplasmic Reticulum

Highly folded membrane system in eukaryotic cells that is the site for protein synthesis

Vacuole

Membrane bound vesicle for temporary storage of materials such as food, enzymes, and wastes

Chloroplast

Double membrane organelle that captures light energy and converts it to chemical energy through photosynthesis

Ribosome

Simple organelle that helps manufacture proteins

Lysosome

Vesicle that uses enzymes to digest excess or worn out cellular substances

Cytoskeleton

Supporting network of protein fibers that provide a structural framework for the cell

Flagella

Long, tail-like projection with a whiplike motion that helps the cell move through a watery environment

Cilia

Short, hair-like projection that function in cell movement