Cells and Organelles

cell membrane

a barrier in plant and animal cells that protects the cells and controls the passage of materials into and out of the cell

vacuole

a large membrane-covered structure found in plant cells that serves as a storage container for water and other liquids

cytoskeleton

a protein "framework" that gives the cell a shape

cytoplasm

cellular (gel-like) fluid surrounding a cell's organelles

lysosomes

contain chemicals that break down food particles and worn-out cell parts

nucleus

contains a cell's DNA and serves as a control center for the cell directing all the cell's activities (function)

ribosomes

factories to produce proteins; may be attached to the ER or floating in the cytoplasm

chloroplasts

found in plant and algae cells; captures energy from sunlight and uses it to produce food for the cell (photosynthesis)

chromatin

genetic material, the instructions for directing the cell's function

mitochondria

most of the cell's energy is produced in these rod-shaped organelles (breaks down food molecules to make ATP)

endoplasmic reticulum

network of passageways that carry materials from one part of the cell to another, help form proteins and other materials

Golgi bodies

receives materials from the endoplasmic reticulum and sends it to other parts of the cell; also releases materials outside of the cell

nucleolus

stores materials to make ribosomes

nuclear envelope

surround nucleus and allows materials in and out of the nucleus

cell wall

surrounds the cell membrane of plant cells and provides strength and support to the cell membrane; made of cullulose