General Biology Cell Organelle Set

nuclear membrane

A highly-porous membrane that separates the nucleus from the cytoplasm

cytoskeleton

A meshwork of fine fibers in the cytoplasm of a eukaryotic cell; includes microfilaments, intermediate filaments, and microtubules

smooth endoplasmic reticulum

A network of membranes inside eukarytoic cells invovled in lipid synthesis (steroid in gonads), detoxification (in liver cells), and/or Ca2+ storage (muscle cells).

nuclear pore

A small hole in the nuclear envelope through which substances pass between the nucleus and the cytoplasm

prokaryote

A type of cell lacking a membrane-enclosed nucleus and other membrane-enclosed organelles; found only in the domains Bacteria and Archaea.

eukaryote

A type of cell that has a membrane-enclosed nucleus and other membrane-enclosed organelles. All organisms except bacteria and archaea are composed of eukaryotic cells.

intermediate filaments

An intermediate-sized protein fiber that is one of the three main kinds of fibers making up the cytoskeleton of eukaryotic cells. Intermediate filaments are ropelike, made of fibrous proteins.

centrioles

One of two tiny structures located in the cytoplasm of animal cells near the nuclear envelope; play a role in cell division.

Golgi Apparatus

Organelle that modifies, sorts, and packages proteins from the endoplasmic reticulum and send proteins to their final destination

chloroplast

Organelles that capture the energy from sunlight and convert it into chemical energy in a process called photosynthesis

mitochondria

Powerhouse of the cell, organelle that is the site of ATP (energy) production

rough endoplasmic reticulum

System of internal membranes within the cytoplasm. Membranes are rough due to the presence of ribosomes. functions in transport of substances such as proteins within the cytoplasm

endomembrane system

The collection of membranes inside and around a eukaryotic cell, related either through direct physical contact or by the transfer of membranous vesicles; includes the nuclear membrane, smooth and rough endoplasmic reticulum, the Golgi apparatus, lysosomes, and vacuoles.

microtubules

The thickest of the three main kinds of fibers making up the cytoskeleton of a eukaryotic cell; a straight, hollow tube made of globular proteins called tubulins. These form the basis of the structure and movement of cilia and flagella.

microfilaments

The thinnest of the three main kinds of protein fibers making up the cytoskeleton of a eukaryotic cell; a solid, helical rod composed of the globular protein actin

cell theory

This says that all living things are made of cells, that cells are the basic unit of structure and function and that cells only come from other cells.

chromsome

Threadlike strands of DNA and protein in a cell nucleus that carry the code for the cell characteristics of an organism.

ribosome

a cell organelle composed of RNA and protein; the site of protein synthesis

cytoplasm

a jellylike fluid inside the cell in which the organelles are suspended

central vacuole

a membrane-bound sac within the cytoplasm that is filled with water and dissolved substances. stores metabolic wastes and gives a plant cell support by means of turgor pressure

nucleus

a part of the cell containing DNA and RNA and responsible for growth and reproduction

vault

newly discovered organelle that is thought to play a role in the transport of molecules (such as mRNA) from the nucleus to the cytoplasm.

vacuoles

saclike structures that store materials such as water, salts, proteins, and carbohydrates

nucleolus

small, dense region within most nuclei in which the assembly of proteins begins

cell wall

strong supporting layer around the cell membrane in plants, algae, and some bacteria

cell membrane

thin, flexible barrier around a cell; regulates what enters and leaves the cell

lysosomes

vesicles that bud from the Golgi apparatus and that contain digestive enzymes