Membrane Bound Organelles | Special Features of Cells

nucleus

function: command center of the cell, contains/reproduces DNA/RNA and produces ribosomes

structure: double membrane (two phospholipid bilayers) with pores for ribosomes and RNA to move

rough ER

function: ribosomes feed polypeptides into the rough ER, and they can fold into proteins

structure: studded with ribosomes on the outside of the membrane

smooth er

function: where most lipid synthesis occurs (including phospholipids, steroids/hormones). plays a role in filtering waste products

structure: attached to the rough er

golgi apparatus

function: packages lipids or proteins into vesicles, adds carbohydrates that signal the destination of the proteins, creates the lysosomes

structure: not attached to the nucleus or the rough ER, pancake structures

endomembrane system

takes materials from either the rough or smooth ER, sends them to the golgi apparatus (packages into vesicles) and sends them to their destination

lysosome

function: filled with digestive enzymes, digests larger structures like ingested pathogens or nonfunctioning organelles

structure: largest vesicles

peroxisome

function: contains enzymes that break down fatty acids (lipids), which creates hydrogen peroxide as a waste product. catalase breaks down the peroxide waste

structure: created in the cytoplasm

vacuole

function: stores lipids, water, and waste before digestion

mitochondria

function: performs cellular respiration, makes ATP from glucose

structure: bean shaped, double membrane with distinctive folded inner membrane

differentiation of cells

means that cells have particular jobs/functions and form complex organisms

membrane bound organelles: organelles can be changed without changing the entire cell

organelles vary in number: differentiated cells have different concentrations of specific organelles

centrosome

function: makes spindle fibers that pull apart cells/replicated DNA at the end of replication

structure: two centrioles at a right angle next to each other, collection of protein tubes stuck together (animal cells)

chloroplast

function: performs photosynthesis (some bacteria can perform photosynthesis as well!)

structure: bean shaped, distinctive “stacked pods” inside, double membrane (plants)

cell wall

function: outermost layer of a plant cell, gives plants protection and support

structure: principle component is cellulose (plants)

central vacuole

function: storage for cell waste and water, keeps plants turgid

structure: largest organelle in plant cells (plants)