AP Bio Cell Organelle

Nucleus

Membrane-bound organelle that contains the cell's DNA and controls cell activities by regulating gene expression.

Nucleolus

Region inside the nucleus where rRNA is produced and ribosome subunits are assembled.

Centriole

Cylindrical structures made of microtubules that play a key role in cell division by organizing the mitotic spindle.

Mitochondria 

Double-membraned organelles known as the powerhouse of the cell, responsible for producing ATP through cellular respiration.

Rough ER

A type of endoplasmic reticulum studded with ribosomes on its cytoplasmic surface, involved in protein synthesis and processing.

Smooth ER 

A type of endoplasmic reticulum that lacks ribosomes and is involved in lipid synthesis, detoxification, and calcium storage.

Peroxisome

Small organelles that contain enzymes for breaking down fatty acids and detoxifying harmful substances, producing hydrogen peroxide in the process.

Golgi body

An organelle that processes, packages, and distributes proteins and lipids synthesized in the rough and smooth endoplasmic reticulum.

Cytoplasm

Everything inside the cell membrane except the nucleus; includes cytosol and organelles.

Cell membrane

Selectively permeable phospholipid bilayer that controls what enters and leaves the cell and helps maintain homeostasis.

Vacuole

Membrane-bound storage compartment that holds water, nutrients, and waste; central vacuoles help maintain pressure in plant cells.

Chloroplast

Plant and algal organelle where photosynthesis occurs, converting light energy into chemical energy stored in sugars.

Cell wall

Rigid outer layer that provides structural support, protection, and shape; made of cellulose in plants.

Gap Junction

Channel between neighboring animal cells that allows ions and small molecules to pass directly between cells.

Tight Junction

Connections between neighboring animal cells that prevent substances from leaking between them.

Ribosome

Structure made of rRNA and proteins that translates mRNA to build proteins.

Cilia

Short, hair-like projections made of microtubules that move substances across a cell's surface or help the cell move.

Flagella

Long, whip-like structures that help cells move, such as the flagellum of a sperm cell.

Microfilaments

Thin cytoskeleton fibers made of actin that help maintain cell shape, enable movement, and assist in cell division.

Microtubles

Hollow tubes made of tubulin that provide structural support, move organelles, and form the spindle during cell division.

Endomembrane System

Network of membranes, including the ER, Golgi apparatus, vesicles, lysosomes, and nuclear envelope, that modifies and transports proteins and lipids.

Cytoskeleton

Network of protein fibers that maintains cell shape, supports movement, organizes organelles, and helps with intracellular transport.

Lysosomes

Membrane-bound organelles containing digestive enzymes that break down waste, damaged organelles, and large molecules.

Chromosomes

Structures made of DNA and associated proteins that contain genetic information and genes.