Organelles

DNA

The molecule that carries genetic information in living organisms.

Cytoplasm

The jelly-like substance within a cell containing organelles.

Plasma Membrane/Cell Membrane

A biological membrane that separates and protects the interior of all cells from the outside environment.

Cell Wall

A rigid layer that surrounds the cell membrane in plants, fungi, and bacteria, providing structural support.

Capsule

A protective outer layer found in some bacteria, helping to evade the immune system.

Pili

Short, hair-like structures on the surface of some bacteria that enable attachment to surfaces.

Cilia

Hair-like structures that extend from the surface of cells and help in movement.

Flagella

Long, whip-like structures used by some cells for movement.

Ribosomes

Molecular machines that synthesize proteins by translating messenger RNA.

Plasmid

A small, circular piece of DNA found in bacteria that can replicate independently.

Chromosome

A structure composed of DNA and proteins that contains genetic information.

Lysosomes

Organelles that contain digestive enzymes to break down waste materials and cellular debris.

Golgi Apparatus

A cell organelle that helps process and package proteins and lipids.

Mitochondria

Organelles known as the powerhouse of the cell, generating ATP through respiration.

Chloroplasts

Organelles in plants that conduct photosynthesis, converting light energy into chemical energy.

Nucleus

The membrane-bound organelle that contains the cell's genetic material.

Centrosome

An organelle that serves as the main organizing center for microtubules.

Centrioles

Cylindrical structures involved in cell division, forming the spindle fibers.

Vacuole

A storage organelle within cells, particularly large in plant cells.

Cytoskeleton

A network of protein filaments and tubules that provides structure and shape to cells.

Rough ER

Endoplasmic reticulum with ribosomes on its surface, involved in protein synthesis.

Smooth ER

Endoplasmic reticulum without ribosomes, involved in lipid synthesis and detoxification.

Vesicles

Small membrane-bound sacs that transport materials within a cell.

Plastids

Organelles found in plant cells involved in the synthesis and storage of food.

Sperm

Male reproductive cell, specialized for fertilization.

Muscle

Tissue composed of fibers that contract to enable movement.

Red Blood Cell

A type of blood cell that carries oxygen throughout the body.

Mitochondria

Organelles that convert nutrients into energy in the form of ATP.

Lungs

Organs responsible for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide.

Nerve Cells

Specialized cells that transmit nerve impulses throughout the body.

Basal Bodies

Cylindrical structures that organize the microtubules in cilia and flagella.

Phagocytosis

The process by which a cell engulfs particles, typically for ingestion.

Histones

Proteins that help package and order DNA into structural units called nucleosomes.