3.3.1 Animal Cells

Ribosomes

Structure: Small, spherical structures; free in cytoplasm or attached to rough ER

Function: Site of protein synthesis

Looks like a small dot

Endoplasmic reticulum

Structure: Network of membranous tubules; rough ER has ribosomes, smooth ER does not

Function: Rough ER: protein processing; Smooth ER: lipid synthesis and detoxification

Looks like a maze thing

Lysosomes

Structure: Membrane-bound vesicles containing digestive enzymes

Function: Rough ER: protein processing; Smooth ER: lipid synthesis and detoxification

Looks like a big blue dot

Golgi apparatus

Structure: Stacked, flattened membrane-bound sacs

Function: Modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids for transport

Looks like spotify logo

Mitochondrion

Structure: Double-membraned organelle with inner folds (cristae)

Function: Produces ATP through aerobic respiration (cell’s powerhouse)

Looks like cylinder sorta

Nucleus

Structure: Spherical structure with a double membrane and nuclear pores

Function: Stores genetic material (DNA); controls cell activities

Looks like a large sphere