Cell Organelles Flashcards
Smooth ER
The smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER) is like a lipid workshop in the cell. It helps make fats, detoxifies harmful substances, and stores ions. Found throughout the cell, especially near the nucleus, the SER plays a role in maintaining cell functions and metabolism.
Rough ER
The rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) is like a protein factory in the cell. It’s covered in ribosomes that help make proteins. Located near the nucleus, RER processes and packages these proteins for various functions within and outside the cell.
Centrioles
Centrioles play a crucial role in cell division by organizing the microtubules that form the spindle apparatus. They are typically found in pairs near the nucleus, contributing to the cell’s ability to divide and distribute genetic material during processes like mitosis.
Mitochondria
Mitochondria are like powerhouses in the cell, producing energy in the form of ATP through cellular respiration. They are found throughout the cell, providing energy for various cellular activities.
Ribosomes
Ribosomes act as cellular protein factories, assembling amino acids into proteins based on instructions from the cell’s genetic material. They can be found floating freely in the cell’s cytoplasm or attached to the endoplasmic reticulum, contributing to protein synthesis.
Cell membrane
The cell membrane acts like a security guard for the cell, controlling what enters and exits. It surrounds the cell, forming a barrier between the cell’s interior and the outside environment, ensuring proper regulation of substances in and out of the cell.
Cell wall
The cell wall provides structural support and protection for plant cells, acting like a rigid outer layer. It is located outside the cell membrane, creating a sturdy boundary that helps maintain the cell’s shape and resist external pressures.
Cytoskeleton
The cytoskeleton acts like a cell’s internal scaffold, providing structural support and facilitating movement. It’s found throughout the cell, helping maintain shape and assisting in various cellular processes, like cell division and transportation of materials.
Cilia
Cilia are like tiny hair-like structures on the cell surface that move in coordinated waves. They help with cell movement and the transport of substances. Cilia are typically found on the surface of certain cells, such as those lining the respiratory tract.
Flagella
Flagella are whip-like structures that help with cell movement. They propel the cell forward, facilitating its locomotion. Flagella are typically found on some types of cells, like the tail of a sperm cell, enabling them to swim or move in a fluid environment.
ER
The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is like a cellular factory. The rough ER, studded with ribosomes, makes proteins, while the smooth ER synthesizes lipids and detoxifies. The ER is found throughout the cell, connected to the nucleus, aiding in various cellular tasks.
Vesicle
Vesicles are like tiny transport packages within the cell, moving substances like proteins or lipids. They are found throughout the cell, helping transport materials between different cellular compartments and the cell membrane.
Vacuole
The vacuole is like a storage bag in the cell. It holds water, nutrients, and waste products. Found in plant cells and some other organisms, the vacuole helps maintain cell structure and stores essential substances for various cellular functions.
Plant cell central vacuole
The plant cell central vacuole is like a large storage tank, holding water, nutrients, and waste. It provides structural support by maintaining turgor pressure. Located in the center of the plant cell, it helps regulate cell shape and stores essential substances for plant growth and development.
Prokaryotes
Prokaryotes are simple cells without a nucleus. They function as self-contained units, carrying out essential life processes. In prokaryotic cells, the genetic material is found in the nucleoid region, lacking a membrane-bound nucleus seen in more complex eukaryotic cells.