Cells

Cell

The basic structural and functional unit of all living organisms, capable of performing essential life processes.

Cell membrane

a protective barrier between the cell and its environment, regulates what enters and exits the cell.

Nucleus and Nucleolus

control center of the cell, which contains genetic material (DNA); produces ribosomes.

Cytoplasm

gel-like substance within the cell where organelles are located

mitochondria

the powerhouse of the cell, responsible for producing ATP through cellular respiration

vacuoles

store nutrients and waste products, helping maintain cell turgor and structure.

lysosomes

membrane-bound organelles that contain digestive enzymes used for breaking down waste and cellular debris.

endoplasmic reticulum (ER)

A network of membranes involved in protein and lipid synthesis and transport within the cell; rough ER, which contains ribosomes and is involved in protein synthesis, and smooth ER, which is involved in lipid synthesis and detoxification processes.

ribosomes

cellular structures responsible for protein synthesis, found in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.

golgi apparatus

a stack of membranes that modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids for secretion or delivery to other organelles.

cytoskeleton

a network of protein filaments and microtubules that provides structural support and shape to the cell, as well as facilitating cellular movement and transport.

eukaryote

An organism whose cells contain a nucleus and other organelles enclosed within membranes, typical of complex organisms such as animals, plants, fungi, and protists; eukaryotic cells are more complex than prokaryotic cells.

prokaryote

A simple, unicellular organism without a nucleus or membrane-bound organelles, characterized by the absence of a defined nucleus and genetic material in a nucleoid region.

organelle

A specialized subunit within a cell that has a specific function, often enclosed by a membrane.