Cells - Organelle Definitions

Question 1

Plasma membrane

Answer 1

Thin boundary between cell and environment.
Identification, regulation, solute exchange and communication.

Question 2

Microvilli

Answer 2

Found in gut / kidney.
Absorption and secretion.

Question 3

Nucleus

Answer 3

10um in diameter.
Bound by double membrane.
Controls and regulates cells activities and carries genetic information.

Question 4

Rough endoplasmic reticulum

Answer 4

Found in cytoplasm.
Contains cavities and tubes.
Ribosomes attached - protein synthesis.
Carbohydrate metabolism, calcium regulation, drug detoxification, attachment of receptors on cell membrane.

Question 5

Smooth endoplasmic reticulum

Answer 5

Found in cytoplasm.
No cavities or ribosomes attached.
Synthesises lipids, phospholipids and steroids.

Question 6

Mitochondria

Answer 6

1-10um in diameter.
Folded inner membrane.
Aerobic cellular respiration and ATP synthesis.

Question 7

Golgi body

Answer 7

Stack of flattened membrane discs, close to the rough endoplasmic reticulum.
Processes and packages protein / lipid molecules destined to be exported from the cell.

Question 8

Ribosomes

Answer 8

Can be attached to rough endoplasmic reticulum or free in the cell.
Assemble amino acids to form specific proteins.

Question 9

Lysosomes

Answer 9

Small vesicle of membrane containing digestive enzymes.
Break down worn or excess parts.

Question 10

Chloroplasts

Answer 10

Found in plants and algae.
Round flattened disc with large internal surface area.
Carries out photosynthesis by converting light energy into chemical energy to create glucose.

Question 11

Cell wall

Answer 11

Found in algae and fungi.
Tough cellulose layer outside cell membrane.
Provides support and mechanical strength.

Question 12

Vacuole

Answer 12

Found in plants.
Usually fluid filled and large.
Maintains cell structure (keeps call turgid).
Acts as temporary energy store.