Cells - Organelles Vocab

Cell membrane

Separates the cell from its surroundings, protects it, supports it, and dictates what enters and leaves

Cytoplasm

Contains organelles

Nucleus

Directs all of the cell's activities by directing protein synthesis and contains the cell's genetic information

Nuclear envelope

Allows material to move in and out of nucleus (not an organelle)

Chromatin

Granular material consisting of DNA bound to protein in the nucleus (not an organelle)

Nucleolus

Center of nucleus where the assembly of ribosomes begins (not an organelle)

Ribosomes

Small particles of RNA and protein that make proteins using instructions from DNA

Smooth endoplasmic reticulum

Contains enzymes that perform specialized tasks, such as making membrane lipids and detoxification of drugs, and helps move materials throughout the cell

Rough endoplasmic reticulum

Has ribosomes attached, helps make proteins and move materials throughout the cell

Golgi body

Receive proteins from the rough endoplasmic reticulum, package them, and distribute them to other parts of or outside the cell

Mitochondria

Convert energy in food molecules into ATP

Intermembrane space

The fluid-filled space between the inner and outer membrane in mitochondria (not an organelle)

Cristae

The folds in the inner membrane of mitochondria (not an organelle)

Mitochondrial matrix

The fluid-filled area inside the inner membrane of mitochondria (not an organelle)

Cytoskeleton

A network of protein fibers that provide structural support and are involved in various types of cell movement

Microtubules

Hollow tubes of globular proteins that form a rigid skeleton for the cell, act as tracks for organelle movement, and act as anchors for organelles (not an organelle)

Microfilaments

Thin threads of actin protein that enable cells to change shape and move (not an organelle)

Intermediate filaments

Reinforce cell shape and help anchor certain organelles such as the nucleus (not an organelle)

Cilia

Short, hair-like structures of microtubules that help cells move and make motions like oars

Flagella

Long, whip-like structures made of microtubules that help cells move

Centrioles

A type of microtubule that are located are located near the nucleus and help cells divide (animal cells only)

Lysosomes

Small, enzyme-filled organelles that break down lipids, carbohydrates, proteins, and damaged organelles into usable molecules (animal cells only)

Peroxisomes

Similar to lysosomes, but they're found in all types of eukaryotic cells

Cell wall

Protect the cell (plant, fungi, and some protist/bacteria cells only)

Plasmodesmata

Channels between plant cells in the cell wall (not an organelle)

Vacuoles

Sack-like structures that store materials such as water, salts proteins, and carbohydrates as well, help support heavy structures in plant cells, and help cells move in paramecium cells

Chloroplasts

Perform photosynthesis (plant cells only)

Thylakoids

Disks inside chloroplasts (not an organelle)

Granum

Stacks of chloroplasts (not an organelle)

Stroma lamellae

Connect the thylakoids of two different grana (not an organelle)

Stroma

Surround the grana (not an organelle)