THE NUCLEUS
Regulates cell growth,
metabolism, reproduction, and gene expression.
Also considered to be the cell's control center and contains most of the cell's DNA.
RIBOSOMES
Assembles amino acids into proteins.
Comprised of a large & small subunit.
Floats free in the cytoplasm and may attach to the Rough ER.
ENDOPLASMIC RETICULUMS
ROUGH ER:
Free ribosomes attach to docking sites on the Rough ER membrane to build proteins whose functional destination is either...
...to be embedded in a cellular membrane
OR
...to be secreted out of the cell.
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SMOOTH ER:
Contains enzymes specialized for...
...Detoxifying poisons/toxins
...Lipid biosynthesis
...Carbohydrate metabolism
​
Since it does not contain ribosomes on its surface, it has a "smooth" appearance
GOLGI APPARATUS: "THE POST OFFICE"
Receives, modifies, repackages, & disperses molecules (especially proteins from the Rough ER) to secondary locations, either inside or outside of the cell.
​
Pieces of the Golgi membrane pinch off to form vesicles that transport molecules around the cell
The Golgi also produces lysosomes
LYSOSOMES
Membrane sac that is made by the Golgi and contains hydrolytic
(digestive) enzymes which break down...
...all macromolecules into their smaller parts (monomers)
...foreign matter and dead cells.
VACUOLE
Storage sacks holding water, organic compounds, ions, and pigments depending on the type of cell.
​
Fun Fact: Plant cells contain a central vacuole
MITOCHONDRIA: THE CELL'S POWER HOUSE
Organelle specialized to generate ATP (energy) by the process of aerobic cellular respiration
​
It evolves from the ancestral prokaryotic cell
CHLOROPLAST
Organelle specialized to produce organic compounds from simple inorganic reactants by the process of photosynthesis
​
Contains chlorophyll which gives plants their green color
​
Also evolves from the ancestral prokaryotic cell.
CYTOSKELETON
Hollow tubes and solid rods which...
...provide internal support scaffolding for the cell
...create tracks on which motor molecules move organelles
...anchor proteins in cell membranes
...generate movement of organelles and cytoplasm within the cell
​
Made up of microtubules, microfilaments, and intermediate filaments
CELL WALL
Open, porous structure that provides cellular support & prevents the bursting of a cell (cytolysis)
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Fun Fact: plasmodesmata are membrane-lined pores that connect adjacent cells, allowing direct communication of molecules between cells. They are found in plant cell walls.