Cell Organelles

Mitochondria

Mitochondria convert the chemical energy stored in food into compounds that are more convenient for the cell to use. Like chloroplast, mitochondria contains contains two membranes, an outer membrane and an inner membrane, that incloses mitochondria. Chloroplasts and mitochondria contain their own genetic information in the form of small DNA molecules.

Nucleolus

Most nuclei contain a small dense region known as the nucleolus. The nucleolus is where the assembly of the ribosomes begin.

Ribosomes

Proteins are assembled on ribosomes. Ribosomes produce proteins by following coded instruction of the DNA.

Smooth ER

Ribosomes are not found on its surface. The smooth ER contains collections of enzymes that perform specialized tasks, these include the synthesis of membrane lipids and the detoxification of drugs.

Golgi Apparatus

The Golgi Apparatus modifies, sorts and packages proteins and other materials from the endoplasmic reticulum for storage in the cell or release outside the cell.

Cell Wall

The Main Function of a cell wall is to support, shape and protect the cell. Cell walls are outside the membrane, most cell walls are porous enough to allow water, oxygen, carbon dioxide and certain other molecules inside the cell. Cell walls provide much of the needed strength for plants to stand up against gravity.

Nucleus

The Nucleus contains all of the cells DNA, and the codecard instructions for making proteins and other important molecules. The nucleus is dotted with thousands of nuclear pores which allow for materials to move in and out of the nucleus, like messages, instructions and blueprints.

Rough ER

The rough ER is the portion of the ER involved in the synthesis of proteins. Ribosomes are found on the surface of the rough ER. Newly made proteins leave these ribosomes and are inserted into the rough ER where they may be chemically modified.

Vacuole

A membrane bound sack that plays roles in intracellular digestion and the release of cellular waste products. In animal cells, vacuoles are generally small. In plant cells, vacuoles tend to be large and play a role in turgor pressure. When a plant is well watered, water collects in the cells vacuoles producing rigidity in the plant. Without sufficient water, pressure in the vacuole is reduced and the plant wilts.

Cell Membrane

All cells contain membranes, which are a made up of a double layered sheet called a lipid bilayer. The lipid bilayer gives cell membranes a flexible structure that forms a strong barrier between the cell and its surroundings. The cell membrane regulates what enters and leaves the cell and also protects and supports the cell.

Lysosomes

Are small organelles filled with enzymes. Lysosomes break down lipids, carbohydrates and proteins into small molecules that can be used by the rest of the cell. They are also involved in breaking down organelles that have outlived their usefulness.

Cilia and Flagella

Cells move by means of cilia and flagella, they are structures supported by microtubules. Cilia and Flagella have nearly identical internal structures, but they produce cellular motion differently. Cilia are short and numerous and they move like oars on a boat. Flagella are relatively long and usually number only one or two per cell. Flagella spin like tiny propellers and produce wavelike motion from base to tip.

Chloroplast

Chloroplasts capture the energy from sunlight and convert it into food that contains chemical energy in a process known as photosynthesis. Inside the chloroplast there are other membranes which contain a green pigment known as chlorophyll.

Chromatin

Chromatin is the combination of DNA and proteins that make up the contents of the nucleus of a cell. The primary functions of chromatin are; to package DNA into a smaller volume to fit in the cell, to strengthen the DNA to allow mitosis and meiosis and prevent DNA damage, and to control gene expression and DNA replication

Cytoskeleton

Eukaryotic cells are given their shape and internal organization by a network of protein filaments known as the cytoskeleton. Certain parts of the cytoskeleton also help transport materials between different parts of the cell.

Endoplasmic Reticulum

Eukaryotic cells contain an internal membrane system known as the endoplasmic reticulum. The endoplasmic reticulum is where lipid components of the cell membrane are assembled, along with proteins and other materials that are exported from the cell.

Centriole

Every animal cell has two small organelles called centrioles. They are there to help the cell when it comes time to divide. They are put to work in both the process of mitosis and the process of meioses. They are found in the nucleus and composed of microtubules.

Cytoplasm

Fluid portion of the cell outside the nucleus