Cell Organelles

Cytoplasm

• Structure: Semifluid solution composed of water and inorganic and organic molecules.

• Functions: Hold other organelles in place, enzymes in cytoplasm aid in chemical reactions.

Nucleus

• Structure: Oval, found near center.

• Functions: Contains and protects DNA.

• Nucleolus = Dark region within nucleus that creates ribosomal RNA.

Ribosomes

• Structure: Made up of two subunits, protein.

• Function: Produces protein based on DNA/RNA sequences.

Rough ER

• Structure: Ribosomes attached to the side of the membrane facing cytoplasm.

• Function:Produces proteins, folds protein inside lumen.

Smooth ER 

• Structure: Connected to nuclear envelope and rough ER, no ribosomes.

• Function: Produces lipids, breaks molecules down, sends vesicles to the golgi body.

Golgi Apparatus

• Structure: Stack of curved saccules (flattened vesicles).

• Function: Receives filled vesicles from ER, modifies and ships proteins and lipids around the cell.

Lysosomes

• Structure: Membrane bound vesicles, produced by Golgi Appartus, contain digestive enzymes 

• Function: Destory non-functioning organelles and other contents or the cell.

Peroxisomes

• Structure: Membrane bound organelles containing enzymes.

• Function: Detoxification center of a cell.

Vacuoles

• Structure: Membrane sacs, larger than vesicles, that store substances such as water and food.

• Function: Storage container of the cell.

Chloroplasts - Only Found in Plant Cells

• Structure: Membrane bound organelle, filled with pigments.

• Function: Location of photosynthesis, use solar energy to synthesize carbohydrates.

Mitochondria

• Structure: Double membrane, smaller than chloroplasts

• Function: Location of cellular respiration, breka down carbohydrates to produce ATP.