Organelles
Nucleolus
A small, round organelle where ribosomes are made. It is located in the nucleus.
Chromatin
A thread-like organelle located inside the nucleus that contains the instructions for the cell. Made of DNA.
Endoplasmic Reticulum
Passageways that transports proteins and other materials from one part of the cell to another. There are two types, smooth and rough. Rough endoplasmic reticulum has ribosomes on it. Smooth does not.
Mitochondria
The "powerhouses" of a cell, the mitochondria produce energy from the sugars a cell takes in. Found in plants and animal cells. Normally, a cell has more than one.
Nucleus
The part of the cell that is regulating the activities of the cell. Contains chromatin and the nucleolus.
Lysosomes
These are organelles filled with enzymes needed to break down certain materials in the cell.
Ribosomes
These grain like bodies are found floating around the cytoplasm or attached to the endoplasmic reticulum; they produce proteins.
Chloroplasts
These organelles capture the energy from sunlight and convert it into starches and sugars in a process called photosynthesis. Only found in plant cells.
Golgi Bodies
These receive proteins and other newly formed materials from the endoplasmic reticuluum and distribute them to other parts of the cell. They also release materials from the cell.
Cytoplasm
This is a jellylike fluid inside the cell in which the organelles are suspended. It moves around inside the cell. Found inside the cell membrane and outside the nucleus.
Cell Membrane
This is a thin, flexible layer which controls what gets in and out. Found in both plants and animal cells.
Nuclear Membrane
This is the outermost layer of the nucleus that controls what goes in and comes out of the nucleus.
Cell Wall
This rigid layer of nonliving material (cellulose) is the outer most layer that surrounds the cell. Only found in plant cells. Helps support and protect the plant.
Vacuoles
Vacuoles store food and other materials needed by the cell. They can also hold waste products.
