Parts of the Cell

describe the function and the molecules that reside there

Nucleus

Function:

• houses the cell’s DNA and directs the synthesis of ribosomes and proteins

Building Blocks:

• endoplasmic reticulum

• nucleolus

• chromatin

• nucleoplasm

• nuclear pore

• nuclear envelope 

Rough ER

Function:

• makes secretory and membrane proteins (synthesizes, modifies, and transports)

Building Blocks:

• phospholipids and proteins

• membrane

• cisternae

• tubules

• vesicles

• ribosomes

• lipids

• enzymes

Golgi Apparatus

Function:

• modify, sort, and package proteins and lipids for secretion or delivery to other organelles within the cell

Building Blocks:

• cisternae

• cytoplasmic microtubules

• golgi matric proteins

• vesicles and microtubules

Smooth ER

Function:

• synthesize, detoxify, and regulate

Building Blocks:

• phospholipids and proteins

• membrane

• cisternae

• tubules

• vesicles

• ribosomes

• lipids

Mitochondria/Chloroplast

Mitochondria

Function:

• acts as the “powerhouses” or “energy factories” of the cell as they work to produce ATP

Building Blocks:

• have their own ribosomes and DNA

• it is phospholipid bilayer embedded with proteins

• cristae

• mitochondrial matrix

Chloroplast

Function:

• carry out photosynthesis (series of reactions that use carbon dioxide, water, and light energy to make glucose and oxygen)

Building Blocks:

• outer membrane

• inner membrane

• stroma

• thylakoid (and granum)

• chlorophyll

Peroxisome

Function:

• carry out oxidation reactions that break down fatty acids and amino acids. detoxify many poisons that may enter the body

Building Blocks:

• single membrane that are formed by lipids and enzymes

Lysosome

Function:

• act as the garbage disposal of the cell

Building Blocks:

• enzymes

• membrane