Organelles

Nucleus

The nucleus allows for molecules to pass in and out of the cell.

Nucleolus

produces and assembles the cell’s ribosomes.

Ribosome

A ribosome reads specific sequences of amino acids to produce proteins.

Mitochondria

The mitochondria break down molecules found in food and provide energy to support the cell’s activities.

Chloroplast

The chloroplast produces energy through photosynthesis in plants and algae; this organelle is only in plant cells.

Golgi apparatus

The Golgi apparatus packages endoplasmic reticulum products and transports proteins and lipids out of the cell.

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER)

ER distributes proteins and other substances between the nucleus and cytoplasm inside the cell.

Lysosome

Lysosomes break down excess cell parts and protect the cell from invading viruses and bacteria; they are only in animal cells.

Vacuole

The vacuole has different roles in animal and plant cells; plant vacuoles maintain water balance.

Cytoskeleton

The cytoskeleton helps maintain the shape of the cell and allows cytoplasm and vesicles to move within the cell.

Cell membrane

The cell membrane protects internal structures and controls what can get in and out of the cell.

Cell wall

The cell wall protects the cell and provides structural support; it is present in plant cells but not in animal cells.

DNA

DNA, or chromosomes, stores important information that keeps the cell alive.

Cytoplasm

Cytoplasm is a jelly-like substance that suspends internal organelles inside the cell.