Download Parts of the Cell: Cellular Organelles 1. Nucleus • The central core of

Parts of the Cell: Cellular Organelles
1. Nucleus
• The central core of a cell. Contains the genetic
information of the cell (DNA). It is like the “brain” of
the cell, it runs everything in the cell.
2. DNA – Chromosomes
• Deoxyribonucleic Acid. The genetic material that
makes you, you and me, me. DNA dictates
everything about you. The structure is ladder-like.
3. Nucleolus
• Small, dark spherical body within the nucleus. It is
involved in manufacturing ribosomes.
4. Ribosomes
• Small, spherical structure. It is the site of protein
synthesis (where proteins are made). Ribosomes
may be attached to the Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)
or free-floating in the cytoplasm.
5. Cytoplasm
• Jelly-like substance. It contains all of the organelles.
Mainly made of water.
6. Nuclear Membrane
• The membrane that surrounds the nucleus. It has
pores, little holes in it to allow for stuff to move in
and out of the nucleus.
7. Golgi Appartus (Golgi body)
• A network of tubes that allow for transportation of
stuff throughout the cell. Golgi acts as a protein
packager.
8. Cellular Membrane
• Phospholipid bilayer. Keeps all the stuff in a cell
together. Controls what gets in and out.
9. Vacuole
• Small bag-like structures that allow for the storage
and transportation of waste in a cell. In plant cells
these are VERY large. They are full of water in
plant cells and that keeps plant cells rigid.
Vacuoles fuse with the cell membrane to release
waste out of the cell.
10. Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)
• A system of “pathways” in the cytoplasm. It links
the cell with the nuclear membrane. It is the site
of protein synthesis. It acts as a transport system
for proteins and lipids. Rough ER (RER) have
ribosomes attached, Smooth ER (SER) do not.
11. Mitochondria
• The POWER HOUSE of the cell. It is responsible
for producing all of the energy to run the cell, and
therefore you. It has a double membrane and
contains it’s own DNA.
12. Chloroplast
• Found in plant cells only. Contains chlorophyll
used in photosynthesis. The chloroplasts take the
sun’s energy and turn it into energy (food - sugar)
that can be used by the cell.
13. Cell Wall
• Found in plant cells only. Hard wall-like structure,
that surrounds the entire cell. Used for protection
and support. Made of cellulose.
14. Lysosome
• Small, bag-like structure or “suicide-bag”.
Contains very strong digestive enzymes which may
be released to kill malfunctioning cells.
15. Chromatin
• Long strands of DNA scattered throughout the
cell’s nucleus.
Cellular Organelles Not in your Textbook
16. Nuclear Pore
• Holes in the nuclear membrane that allow for
select things to move in and out of the nucleus.
17. Microtubules
• Tubes that float around in the cytoplasm. They
are used in cell division to make up the spindle
fibers and other support structures (part of the
cytoskeleton).
18. Centriole
• Involved in cell division. They migrate to either
pole and hold the spindle fibers to allow for the
chromosomes to migrate during telophase.
(Found in Animal cells only)
19. Microfilament
• Found floating in the cytoplasm. Used in cell
division for support network and as part of the
cytoskeleton.
20. Cellular Pore
• There are small pores (holes) in a cell membrane
that allow for transport in and out of the cell of
very small items.