The Functions of the Organelles in an Animal Cell

The Organelles Cell membrane Vacuole Nucleus Lysosome Nucleolus Nuclear Membrane Chromosomes Cytoplasm Endoplasmic Reticulum Ribosomes Mitochondria Vacuole Lysosome

Cell membrane Provides structure for the cell. Controls movement of food, water, waste, etc. in and out of the cell. Protects the cell. Outermost part of the cell.

Nucleus The control center of the cell Contains the DNA (genetic code) makeup of the cell. Contains Chromosomes which contain DNA. Oversees the actions of the other organelles in the body. Contains nucleolus.

Nucleolus Produces ribosomes. It is inside the nucleus. Made of granular and fibrillar components. The makeup of the fibrillar component is mainly RNA.

Nuclear Membrane A double layered membrane that encloses the contents of the nucleus. Regulates movement of molecules going in and out of the nucleus.

Chromosomes Contains the DNA of the cell. Used during cell division to make a copy of the cell doing DNA. Made of chromatin which is made of proteins and DNA.

Cytoplasm Is the watery environment inside the cell. Like a soup I which all the organelles other than the nucleus are suspended in. Helps form a basis for cell operation. Contains: proteins, vitamins, ions, nucleic acids, amino acids, sugars, carbohydrates and fatty acids

Endoplasmic Reticulum Forms a pipeline between nucleus and cytoplasm. The endoplasmic reticulum manufactures, processes, and transports a wide variety of biochemical compounds for use inside and outside of the cell. Smooth endoplasmic reticulum is important in the synthesis of lipids and membrane proteins. Rough endoplasmic reticulum (contains ribosomes) is important in the synthesis of other proteins

Ribosomes 60% ribosomal RNA and 40% proteins. Not bound by a membrane. The organelles serve as the protein production machinery of the cell.

Mitochondria Power generators of the cell. They convert oxygen and nutrients into adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) powers the cells metabolic activities. The reason animals breathe oxygen is because of the mitochondria.

Vacuole Membrane bound sac. Store food, water, wastes, and other materials.

Lysosome Digestive compartment for cellular materials that have exceeded their lifetime or are no longer useful. They also break down cellular waste products, fats, carbohydrates, proteins, and other macromolecules into simple compounds, which are then transferred back into the cytoplasm as new cell-building materials.