Organelles and Cells

Nucleus

Controls the activities of the cell and contains the cell's genetic information (DNA)

Chromosomes

Contain the cell's genetic information (DNA) and are found inside the nucleus

Nucleolus

Produces ribosomes, which are needed for making proteins

Ribosomes

Make proteins through a process called protein synthesis

They can be attached to the rough ER or float freely in the cytoplasm

Rough ER

Contains ribosomes and is where proteins are made

It also helps transport newly made proteins to the Golgi apparatus

Smooth ER

Does not contain ribosomes and is responsible for making lipids

Golgi apparatus

Receives proteins from the ER, modifies and sorts them, and packages them into vesicles for transport or secretion out of the cell

Lysosomes

Contain digestive enzymes that break down waste, damaged cell parts, and other materials, helping to recycle materials inside the cell

Cell membrane

Surrounds the cell and acts as a gatekeeper by controlling which substances can enter and leave the cell

Mitochondria

Produce usable energy for the cell by converting glucose and oxygen into energy, while releasing carbon dioxide

Vesicles

Transport materials such as proteins and other substances from one part of the cell to another or to the outside of the cell

Vacuoles

Store substances such as water, starches, and waste materials

They are especially important for storage and support in plant cells

Chloroplasts

Carry out photosynthesis in plant cells, using light energy to produce carbohydrates

They contain chlorophyll, which absorbs light energy

Cell wall

Provides structure, strength, and rigidity to plant cells, helping them maintain their shape and supporting the plant

Cytoskeleton

Provides internal support and helps maintain the cell's shape

It also helps anchor and organize organelles inside the cell

Cytoplasm

A mostly water based substance that fills the cell and suspends the organelles

Many chemical reactions also take place in the cytoplasm

Cilia and flagella

Fine protein structures that help certain cells move or move substances across the surface of a cell