Organelles

Biology

Cytoplasm

The gel-like substance within a cell that surrounds the organelles, providing support and facilitating cellular processes. It consists of water, salts, and various organic molecules.

Nucleus

The membrane-bound organelle that contains the cell's genetic material (DNA) and controls cellular activities such as growth, metabolism, and reproduction.

Ribosomes

Small structures made of RNA and protein that synthesize proteins by translating messenger RNA (mRNA). Ribosomes can be found floating freely in the cytoplasm or attached to the endoplasmic reticulum.

Endoplasmic reticulum

A network of membranes involved in the synthesis of proteins and lipids, and in the detoxification of certain chemicals. It exists in two forms: rough (with ribosomes) and smooth (without ribosomes).

Golgi Apparatus

A cell organelle that modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids for secretion or delivery to other organelles.

Vacuoles

Membrane-bound structures in plant and animal cells that store nutrients, waste products, and help maintain pressure to support structure. (Larger in plants)

Lysosomes

breaks down lipids, proteins, and carbohydrates for cell usage. It gets rid of useless organelles and can be found in animal and sometimes plant cells.

Cytoskeleton

transport materials within a cell, maintains shape, and supports movement.

Microfilaments

threadlike structures made from a protein called actin. They form a tough, flexible framework that supports the cell and helps it move.

Microtubules

hollow structures made from proteins called tubulins and are important for cell division, forming the mitotic spindle that separates chromosomes. Also helps build cilia and flagella.

Centrioles

made up of tubulins and organize cell division in ONLY animal cells.

Mitochondria

converts chemical energy stored in food molecules into compounds that are for cell usage.

Cell wall

supports, shapes, and protects the cell. It controls what leaves and enters the cell.

Cell membrane

made up of a double-layered sheet called a lipid bilayer that regulates what enters and leaves the cell.