Eukaryotic Cell Organelles Structures and Functions

Nucleus  Structure: Double membrane with nuclear pores  Function: Contains the chromosomes, which contain the DNA. DNA is the “instruction manual” for all cellular processes.  Known As: City Mayor

Cell Membrane  Structure: Double layer of phospholipids (aka: lipid bilayer)  Hydrophilic tails face inward  Hydrophobic heads face outward  Also contains protein receptors  Function: Regulates what can enter/exit the cell, acts as a barrier  Known As: City Border

Ribosome  Structure: Large and small subunits (made of RNA and protein)  Function: Protein synthesis  Known As: Lumber or Brick Yard

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum  Structure: network of membrane bound tubules and vesicles, continuation of nuclear membrane  “Pebbled” with ribosomes  Function: Transports proteins made from ribosomes to other parts of cell Known As: “congested” highways

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum  Structure: network of membrane bound vesicles and tubules (same as Rough ER), continuation of nuclear membrane  Not as many ribosomes  Function: vary depending on type of cell (could be: lipid and hormone synthesis, breakdown of toxins, etc)  Known As: traffic-free highways

Golgi Body/Apparatus  Structure: series of membranes shaped like pancakes  Function: packages proteins made from ribosomes, produces lysosomes  Known As: Packing Plant

Cytoskeleton  Structure: network of fibers  Function: provides support for the cell, gives the cell shape and protection  Known As: police department

Lysosome  Structure: specialized vesicle, small round sacs  Function: holds enzymes for digestion of food  Known As: Food Processing Plant

Peroxisome  Structure: small round sac, same as lysosome  Function: contains enzymes to break down toxins  Known As: Chemical Processing Plant

Mitochondria  Structure: folded inner membranes (cristae) within fluid (matrix), all within an outer membrane  Function: produces energy through cellular respiration  Known As: Power Plant

Cytoplasm  Structure: jelly-like fluid  Function: to help organelles and molecules move around the cell  Known As: Infrastructure

Vacuole  Structure: membrane-bound sac  Function: Stores water, food, or other nutrients  Known As: Warehouse

Nucleolus  Structure: membrane-bound structure inside the nucleus  Function: produces subunits of ribosomes, transcription

Secretory Vesicle  Structure: Membrane-bound sac  Function: surrounds toxins/waste and removes them from cell  Known As: Garbage trucks

Cell Wall  Structure: made of microtubules and filaments  Function: protection of cell from environmental factors (only found in plant cells)  Known As: City barrier

Chloroplast  Structure: double membrane (outer and inner), thylakoids stacked into grana, surrounded by stroma  Function: produces energy for plant cells through photosynthesis  Known as: solar power plant