Functions of Cellular Organelles

What is the function of the nucleus?

• Cellular Regulation: houses genetic material

  → directs cellular activities + regulates cellular structure

• Production: produces ribosomal subunits in nucleolus + exports them into cytoplasm for assembly into ribosomes

What is the function of the nucleolus (nucleoli)?

• making the small + large subunits of ribosomes → producing proteins

  Fun Fact: Not all cells have nucleolus, like a sperm cell

What is the function of the mitochonrdion?

• Cristae: Folds to increase surface area

• Energy harvesting: produce ATP by cellular respiration → “powerhouse” of the cell

What is the function of the cell membrane?

• Exchanges nutrients

• Membrane Receptor: Point of attachment for molecules

• Cell Recognition: Communication

What is the function of the golgi apparatus?

• Modification: modifies new proteins designed for lysosomes, secretion + plasma membrane

• Packaging: packages enzymes for lysosomes + proteins for secretion

• Sorting: Sorts all materials for lysosomes, secretion, + incorporation into the plasma membrane

What is the function of the Endoplasmic Reticulum?

• Synthesis: provides place for chemical reactions

  → Smooth ER: lipid synthesis + carbohydrate metabolism

  → Rough ER: synthesizing proteins for secretion, incorporation into the plasma membrane, and as enzymes w/ lysosomes

• Transport: Moves molecules through cisternal space from one part of the cell to another

• Storage: stores newly synthesized molecules

• Detoxification: Smooth ER detoxifies drugs, alcohol, + poisons

What is the function of a ribosome?

• Free ribosomes: synthesize proteins

• Bound ribosomes: synthesize proteins for the plasma membrane, exported from the cell, or housed within lysosomes

What is the function of a lysosome?

• Digestion: digest all materials that enter cell by endocytosis

• Removal: remove worn-out or damaged organelles and cellular components (authophagy); recycle small molecules for resynthesis

• Self-destruction: digest the remains (autolysis) after cellular death

What is the function of centrioles?

• Cell Division: direct formation of spindle fibers in dividing cells