Cell structure and functions

cell membrane

flexible phospholipid bilayer that controls the exit and entry of substances and encloses the cell

cytoplasm

all of the cell contents between the nuclear membrane and the cell membrane

cytosol

the aqueous part of the cytoplasm within which various particles and organelles are suspended

endoplasmic reticulum (rough)

transports materials such as protein throughout this region, has ribosomes studded on it

endoplasmic reticulum (smooth)

transport materials such as proteins throughout the region

golgi apparatus

collect, modify, package and distribute materials such as proteins synthesised in the cell

lysosome

break down (digest) worn-out organelles or foreign substances

mitochondria

the site of cellular respiration, generating energy in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate)

nucleus

contains most of the cell's DNA

Nuclear membrane

has pores to allow communication between the nucleus and the rest of the cell

ribosomes

produces protein in the cytosol and on the outside of the rough er

Chloroplast

plastid containing chlorophyll and other pigments; in plants that carry out photosynthesis

cell wall

a rigid layer of polysaccharides enclosing the membrane of plant and prokaryotic cells

vacuole

a tiny cavity filled with fluid in the cytoplasm of a cell, acts as the storage unit for nutrients and waste