Cell Organelles

A cell can be considered to be a factory that produces proteins. The proteins are used to make/repair cell structures and organelles, as well as functioning as enzymes. The cytoplasm can be considered the work area.

Animal Cell


Plant Cell


Cell Membrane

(the doors)

Structure:

  • thin, flexible layer

Function:

  • allows materials to pass in and out

  • differentially permeable

Ribosomes (workers)

Structure:

  • small, round bodies made of RNA and protein

Function:

  • produce protein


Cell Wall (the walls)

Structure:

  • stiff, non-living layer

  • not found in animals

Function:

  • made of cellulose and lignin

  • provides structural support and protection

  • helps control flow of material in and out

Nucleus (management / control center)

Structure:

  • dense area of material

Function:

  • "brain" of the cell

  • contains DNA, genes, and chromosomes

Chromosomes (blueprints)

Structure:

  • long strands of densely packed DNA

Function:

  • contain the genetic information or "blueprints" to make protein


Nuclear Envelope (office)

Structure:

  • two phospholipid bilayers (double membrane)

Function:

  • pores, receptor and transporter proteins

  • anchor chromosomes

Nucleolus

(worker outfitter)

Structure:

  • dark dense blob of material in the nucleus

Function:

  • production of RNA and proteins needed to make ribosomes

Vesicles

Structure:

  • large number that come in different shapes with different functions

Functions:

  • transport materials outside and inside cells

  • peroxisomes digest fatty acids, amino acids, hydrogen peroxide, and toxins



Lysosome (recycling)

Structure:

  • vesicle type organelle

Function:

  • digestion of food particles

  • disposal of damaged or worn out cell parts

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum

(conveyor belt)

Structure:

  • long, projection canals in the cytoplasm

Function:

  • holds ribosomes

  • helps transport small materials through the cell

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum

(conveyor belt)

Structure:

  • long, projection canals in the cytoplasm

Function:

  • helps transport small materials through the cell

Vacuole

(supply warehouse)

Structure:

  • large, fluid filled bubbles

Function:

  • holds air, water, waste, nutrients

  • helps support the cell

Golgi Body

(shipping and receiving)

Structure:

  • series of "pancake" stacks

Function:

  • packages and stores lipids and proteins

  • forms vesicles, ships material to and from cell membrane

Mitochondria

(the power plant)

Structure:

  • sausage shaped organelle

  • double membrane

Function:

  • the "powerhouse" of the cell, produces ATP by cellular respiration



Plastids (storage)

Structure:

  • chromoplast - Make and store pigments

  • amyloplast - Are for starch storage

  • only found in plant cells

Function:

  • store materials related to photosynthesis

Chloroplasts

(the cafeteria)

Structure:

  • large, green organelle

  • contains chlorophyll

Function:

  • produces food by photosynthesis in plants

Cytoskeleton

Structure:

  • made of long, thin fibers, found in bundles, called microfilaments and microtubules

Function:

  • assist in cellular movements, and moving organelles and proteins

  • microtubules are larger and cylindrical, made of tubulin

Centriole

Structure:

  • part of cytoskeleton

  • made of microtubules

Function:

  • migrate to opposite ends and pull apart chromosomes during cell division

Extracellular Matrix

Structure:

  • complex mixture of fibrous proteins and polysaccharides

Function:

  • aids in support, anchoring, cell signaling, separation of tissues

  • cell junctions can connect cells and send signals

  • ex: bone, exoskeletons, shells

Cilia

Structure:

  • small hairs that move in waves to cause motion

Function:

  • found in some single celled organisms and in the lungs and nose

Flagella

Structure:

  • made of microtubes

  • looks like a "tail" or "propeller"

Function:

  • provides locomotion for many single celled organisms