Parts & Functions: Eukaryotic Cells

Cell Membrane

• Regulates the passage of substances

• Surrounds the cell

Cell Nucleus

• An organelle that houses the DNA

• Located in the center of the cell

• Store and safeguards genetic information

• Also included nucleolus

Cytoplasm

• Gel-like matrix that contains water, salts, and proteins

• Biochemical reactions, energy production, and substance transport

• Essential for cellular metabolism

Ribosome

• Organelle for cellular function and survival

• Synthesizes proteins from messenger RNA

• Located in the cytoplasm and rough endoplasmic reticulum

Endoplasmic Reticulum

• Transfer, processing, and distribution of proteins and lipids within the cell

• Network of interconnected membranes that extends from the nuclear membrane to cell membrane

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum

Studded with ribosomes and is involved in the synthesis and modification of proteins

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum

Specialized in lipid synthesis, carbohydrate metabolism, and detoxification

Golgi Apparatus

• Key in processing and packaging of proteins and lipids produced in the endoplasmic reticulum

• Essential for maintaining the cell’s internal balance and facilitating communication with the outside

• Has flattened sacs called cisternae

• Considered the shipping center

Mitochondria

• Energy generation through cellular respiration (ATP production)

• Present in both animal and plant cells

Chloroplasts

• Carries out photosynthesis

• Exclusive to plant cells and photosynthetic organisms

Lysosomes

• Contains digestive enzymes that break down molecules and unwanted materials

• Facilitated cellular digestion

Peroxisomes

• Contains enzymes that degrade hydrogen peroxide and toxic compounds

• Protects the cell from oxidative damage

• Regulates lipid metabolism and overall homeostasis

Cytoskeleton

• Provides support and enables movement

• Regulates cellular shape

Flagella & Cilla

• Specialized structure for movement

• Enables locomotor movement in liquid environment

• Cilla are shorter and create coordinated flow on the cell surface

Vacuoles

• Stores nutrients, water, ions, and waste materials

• Regulates turgor pressure and osmotic balance

• Membrane-bound organelles found in plants and some animal cells

Vesicles

Transports materials from endosplasmic reticulum and golgi apparatus to other destinations

Endosomes

Captures and distributes materials from degradation, recycling, or other incorporation into metabolic pathways