Cell Organelles

What you need to know

An organelle is a membrane-bound structure that carries out specific

activities for the cell.

A “mini” organ

You will need to know the following organelles and their function:

• Cell Membrane• Nucleus• Cytoplasm• Mitochondria• Ribosomes

• Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum• Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum

• Cell Wall• Chloroplast• Vacuole• Lysosome

Cell Membrane

• Every cell is enclosed by a cell membrane. It controls the passage of materials in and out of the cell.

Nucleus

• The control center of the cell.

• Surrounded by the Nuclear Membrane which controls the passage of materials in and out of the nucleus

• Contains Chromosomes which hold the genetic information for the cell (DNA)

Cytoplasm(not an organelle - but important)

• All organelles live and float around in the cytoplasm.

Mitochondria

• This organelle processes energy for a cell. It makes ATP.

• ATP = energy• Involved in cellular

respiration• The powerhouse of the

cell

Ribosomes

• Synthesizes proteins

• Present in the cytoplasm

• Present with Rough ER

Endoplasmic Reticulum• Transports materials throughout

the cell

Rough ER• Covered with ribosomes, making

it rough• Produces proteins• Transports materials throughout

the cell

Smooth ER• Produces lipids• No ribosomes

Vacuole

• Stores enzymes and aids in digestion

• Plants have a large central vacuole- larger than vacuoles in animal cells

Lysosome(Common in Animal Cells; Rare in Plant Cells)

• Breaks down materials for digestion

• Contains special enzymes for digestion in the cell

Cell Wall (Plant Cell Only)

• Rigid and strong wall

• Protects and maintains the shape of the cell

Chloroplast(Plant Cell Only)

• Photosynthesis takes place here

• Contains chlorophyll• Makes plants green• Uses light energy to

make ATP & sugars