Download Animal Cell Functions

Chemistry B
Mrs. Rogers
Richard Lam and Houston Chang
2/12/07
Animal Cell Functions
Cell membrane – a thin membrane composed of carbohydrates and proteins that
encloses the cytoplasm of a cell. The cell membrane controls the passage of materials
into and out of the cell.
Centriole – pairs of microtubules found mostly in animal cells. The centriole helps form
spindle fibers to separate chromosomes during cell distribution.
Chloroplast – organelles found in plant cells. Chloroplast uses synthesis to capture
sunlight to preserve free energy in the form of ATP.
Chromatin – DNA and protein found inside the nucleus of animal and plant cells. The
chromatin decreases the volume of DNA to allow it to fit into the cell.
Cytoskeleton – network of protein microtubules. The cytoskeleton maintains the cells
shape, protects the cell, and determines the cells movement.
Cytoplasm – water-like substance that fills the cell. The cytoplasm holds all the cells
outside of the nucleus in place and maintains the shape of the cell.
Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) – rough and smooth endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a
network of tubules, vesicles, and cisternae. The ER stores protein folding and transports
synthesized proteins.
Golgi apparatus (body) – system of flattened organelle sacs that modify, sort, and
package substances for cell secretion.
Lysosome – Lysosome are organelles found in the golgi body. Lysosomes digest
macromolecules within the cell, digest foreign bacteria, and helps repair damage to the
cell membrane.
Mitochondria – a membrane-enclosed organelle that converts food molecules into
energy through the form of ATP.
Nuclear envelope – double membrane of the nucleus that encloses the DNA. The pores
in the nuclear envelope, determines the exchange of materials between the nucleus and
the cytoplasm.
Nucleus – an enclosed membrane organelle that contains most of the cell’s genetic data,
through DNA. The nucleus controls genes and the replication of DNA.
Nucleolus – the nucleolus is surrounded by a layer of chromatin and is sub-organelle of
the cell nucleus. The nucleolus produces and assembles ribosome
Ribosome – organelles that either floats freely around the cytoplasm or are attached to
the ER. The ribosome conducts protein biosynthesis by transferring RNA to protein.
Vacuole – membrane compartments that store nutrient and waste products.