Organelles

Mitochondria

Organelles that produce ATP.

Lysosome

Contains digestive enzymes for breaking down unwanted or damaged organelles and polysaccharides.

Rough endoplasmic reticulum

Processes, modifies, and packages proteins.

Smooth endoplasmic reticulum

Produces lipids like phospholipids and detoxifies.

Peroxisomes

Involved in lipid metabolism and chemical detoxification.

Ribosomes

Organelles responsible for protein production.

Nucleolus

Produces ribosomes within the nucleus.

Microvilli

Modifications of the cell membrane that increase surface area for absorption and secretion.

Tight Junctions

Strong connections between cells that prevent water and substances from moving between them.

Gap junctions

Weak connections that allow signals to pass quickly from one cell to another.

Cell Membrane

A biological membrane that separates and protects the interior of all cells from the outside environment.

Nucleus

The control center of the cell that houses DNA and regulates gene expression.

Golgi Apparatus

An organelle responsible for modifying, sorting, and packaging proteins and lipids.

Centrioles

Structures involved in cell division and the organization of the mitotic spindle.

Cytoplasm

The jelly-like fluid that fills the cell and contains organelles.

Chloroplasts

Organelles that conduct photosynthesis in plant cells and convert light energy into chemical energy.

Vesicles

Small, membrane-bound sacs that transport materials within the cell.

Plasma Membrane

A selectively permeable membrane surrounding the cell.

Cell Wall

A rigid outer layer that provides support and protection to plant cells.

Actin Filaments

Thin protein fibers that play a role in movement and shape of cells.

Microtubules

Hollow tubes that provide structural support and are involved in transport within the cell.

Rough ER

A portion of the endoplasmic reticulum covered with ribosomes, involved in protein synthesis.

Smooth ER

A portion of the endoplasmic reticulum that synthesizes lipids and detoxifies substances.

Endoplasmic Reticulum

A network of membranes involved in protein and lipid synthesis.

Peroxisomes

Organelles that contain enzymes for breaking down fatty acids and detoxifying harmful substances.

Nucleoplasm

The substance within the nucleus that houses chromatin and nucleolus.

Chromatin

DNA and protein complex within the nucleus, condensing to form chromosomes during cell division.

Secretory Vesicles

Vesicles that transport hormones or neurotransmitters to the cell membrane for release.

Calcium Ion Storage

Role of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum in storing calcium ions for cellular signaling.

Cell Differentiation

The process by which cells become specialized for specific functions.