Cell Structures and Functions

• Organelles

  Structures within a cell that work together to increase efficiency
• Plasma Membrane


  Surrounds every cell, controls what can and cannot enter the cell
• Cytosol


  Fluid inside each cell, excluding the nucleus
• Cytoplasm

  Cytosol and all organelles (except nucleus) together
• Nucleus


  Control center of the cell, surrounds and protects genetic information/DNA
• Nucleolus


  Small structure inside the nucleus, site of ribosome production
• Ribosomes

  Tiny structures made of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) + proteins, synthesize protein from genetic code
• Mitochondria


  Site of aerobic cellular respiration, produces ATP, contains own DNA and ribosomes
• Chloroplast

  Double membrane bound organelle, site of photosynthesis, contains own DNA and ribosomes
• Grana

  Stack of thylakoids within a chloroplast, surrounded by a fluid called stroma, helps undergo photosynthesis
• Thylakoids

  Flattened fluid sacs within a chloroplast, contain chlorophyll, absorb light
• Photosynthesis


  Process that harnesses light energy to create glucose for cellular respiration
• Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum


  Chain of connected sacks coated with ribosomes, synthesizes and modifies protein
• Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum


  Chain of connected and flattened sacs not coated with ribosomes, production/transport of lipids
• Golgi Apparatus/Body

  Flattened membrane sacs, sites of protein sorting, packaging, and modifications
• Vesicles


  Carry protein to or from the Golgi apparatus, like packages
• Lysosomes


  Membrane bound vesicle containing digestive enzymes, breaks down cell waste and toxins
• Vacuole


  Membrane bound sac used for water and solute storage, helps maintain plant cell structure
• Cell Wall


  Sturdy border outside the plasma membrane, provides strength and structure in plant, bacteria, and fungal cells
• Eukaryotes


  Organisms with membrane-bound organelles, linear chromosomes, can be unicellular or multicellular, replicate by mitosis or meiosis, and are larger in size
• Prokaryotes


  Organisms without membrane-bound organelles, have a single circular chromosome, are unicellular, smaller in size, and replicate by binary fission