Parts of the cell

Cell Wall

Protects and supports the plant cell (Only in plants & some bacteria)

Cell Membrane

Protects and regulates what enters and leaves the cell.

Nucleus

A part of the cell containing DNA and RNA and responsible for growth and reproduction. Center of the cell.

Nucleolus

A specialized structure in the nucleus, formed from various chromosomes and active in the synthesis of ribosomes. Inside of the nucleus.

Chromatin

Clusters of DNA, RNA, and proteins in the nucleus of a cell. Found in the nucleus.

Cytoplasm

Supports and protects the cellular organelles. Gel-like substance in the cell.

Cytosol

The soluble portion of the cytoplasm, which includes molecules and small particles, such as ribosomes, but not the organelles covered with membranes.

Cytoskeleton

A network of fibers that holds the cell together, helps the cell to keep its shape, and aids in movement.

Mitochondria

Produces energy for the cell. An organelle found in large numbers in most cells, in which the biochemical processes of respiration and energy production occur.

Endoplasmic Reticulum

Carries materials from one part of the cell to another. A cell structure that forms a maze of passageways in which proteins and other materials are carried from one part of the cell to another.

Ribosomes

Makes proteins. Attatched to ER membranes, scattered throughout cytoplasm.

Golgi Body (or Apparatus)

Receives materials from the ER and sends it to other parts of the cell.

Vacuole

Stores water, food, waste products, and other materials for the cell

Lysosomes

Contains chemicals that break down food particles and worn out cell parts.

Nuclear Membrane

Protects and regulates what enters and leaves the nucleus

Peroxisomes

Contain oxidase enzymes that detoxify alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, and other harmful chemicals

Microfilaments

Long, thin fibers that function in the movement and support of the cell.

Microtubules

A hollow rod composed of tubulin proteins that makes up part of the cytoskeleton in all eukaryotic cells and is found in cilia and flagella.

Centrosome

A structure present in the cytoplasm of animal cells that functions as a microtubule-organizing center and is important during cell division. It has two centrioles.

Cilia

The hairlike projections on the outside of cells that move in a wavelike manner.

Flagella

A long, whip-like filament that helps in cell motility

Vesicles

small membrane sacs that specialize in moving products into, out of, and within a cell