functions of organelles Flashcards
Cell membrane
Regulates what enters and leaves the cell; a “barrier”
Nucleus
Contains the
genetic information
that runs/controls
the cell
Nuclear envelope
Regulates what
enters & leaves the
nucleus
Chromatic and chromosomes
Genetic information
that holds
instructions to
make proteins
Nucleolus
Makes ribosomes
Cytoplasm
Semi-fluid material
surrounding
organelles; some
cellular reactions
occur here
Ribosomes
Site where proteins are made
Rough endoplasmic
reticulum
Modifies proteins
Smooth endoplasmic
reticulum
make
phospholipids;
detoxifies toxins;
stores Calcium in
muscle cells
Golgi apparatus
Packages and ships proteins out of the cell
Mitochondria
Converts food
energy into
“usable” energy for
the cell through
cellular respiration
(“powerhouse of
the cell!”)
MTOC/centrosome
Where protein
fibers
(microtubules) will
extend from in
order to move
chromosomes
around during cell division
Microtubules &
microfilaments
(Also called:
cytoskeleton)
Serves as “tracks”
for vesicles &
organelles to move
on; framework/
structure of cell
Centrioles
Where protein
fibers
(microtubules) will
extend from in
order to move
chromosomes
around during cell
division in animal
cells. Found at the
base of cilia &
flagella in order to
anchor those
structures only in plant cells
Flagella (male gametes only)
Helps cell move
Cilia (animal cells)
Move something
else along the
outside of the cell
Small vacuoles/
vesicles
(lots of them) (animal cell)
Assist in other
cellular processes
(ex: moving things
into & out of the
cell)
Lysosomes (animal cells)
Contains enzymes
which break down
“old” organelles;
break down
engulfed bacteria
*like the “janitor”
of the cell
Cell wall (plant cells)
Protects/supports plant cell
Plasmodesmata (plant cells)
Allows material
from 1 plant cell’s
cytoplasm to be
able to enter into a
2nd plant cell’s
cytoplasm
Central Large
Vacuole (sap
vacuole) (plant cells)
Stores materials
needed by the cell
(ex: water, ions)
Chloroplasts (plant cells)
Convert sunlight
energy into food
energy (photosynthesis)
