Eukarayotic cells

• Organelles found in fungi

  • Nucleus
  • Nucleolus
• Nucleus


  Contains DNA which controls the activities of the cell by containing the base sequences (the 'instructions' needed to make proteins. The DNA is associated with histone proteins and referred to as chromatin which is wound into structures called chromosomes.
• Nucleolus


  Region within the nucleus where ribosomes are made
• Nuclear envelope


  A double membrane which surrounds the nucleus. It contains pores which allows small molecules (like single stranded RNA) to pass into the cytoplasm but keeps hefty chromosomes safely inside its walls.
• Rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER)


  An extension of the nuclear envelope and is coated with ribosomes. It facilitates protein synthesis by providing a large surface area for ribosomes. It then transports the newly synthesised proteins to the Golgi apparatus for modification.
• Smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER)

  Synthesises lipids including cholesterol and steroid hormones (such as oestrogen).
• Golgi apparatus


  Made up of a group of fluid-filled membrane-bound flattened sacs surrounded by vesicles. It receives proteins from the RER and lipids from the SER. It modifies the proteins and lipids and repackages them into vesicles. The Golgi apparatus is also the site of lysosome synthesis.
• Ribosomes


  Responsible for the translation of RNA into protein (protein synthesis). They either float freely in the cytoplasm or are stuck onto the rough endoplasmic reticulum.
• Mitochondria


  Site of ATP production during aerobic respiration. It is self-replicating so can become numerous in cells with high energy requirements. It contains a double membrane with folds called cristae, which provides a large surface area for respiration.
• Lysosomes


  Phospholipid rings which contain digestive enzymes separate from the rest of the cytoplasm. Lysosomes engulf and destroy old organelles or foreign material.
• Chloroplasts


  The site of photosynthesis. It is enclosed by a double membrane and has internal thylakoid membranes arranged in stacks to form grana linked by lamellae.
• Plasma membrane


  Consists of a phospholipid bilayer with additional proteins to serve as carriers. It also contains cholesterol to regulate membrane fluidity. The plasma membrane contains the cell contents and holds the cell together, whilst controlling the movement of substances into and out of the cell.
• Centrioles


  Bundles of microtubules which form spindle fibres during mitosis in order to pull sister chromatids apart. They are also important for the formation of cilia and flagella. They are not found in plant and bacterial cells.
• Cell wall


  A rigid structure made of cellulose (in plants), chitin (in fungi) and murein (in prokaryotes) which provide support to the cell.
• Flagella


  A tail-like structure which are made up of bundles of microtubules. The microtubules contract to make the flagellum move and propel the cell forward. Cells with a flagellum include sperm cells, which use it to swim up the fallopian tubes to fertilise the egg cell.
• Cilia


  Finger-like projections found on the surface of some cells. These also contain bundles of microtubules which contract to make the cilia move. Cilia are found on epithelial cells lining the trachea and move to sweep mucus up the windpipe.
• Vacuole


  An organelle which stores cell sap and may also store nutrients and proteins. It helps to keep plant cells turgid. Some vacuoles can perform a similar function to lysosomes and digest large molecules.
• Phospholipid molecules arrange themselves into a bilayer structure with their hydrophobic tails facing each other to minimize contact with water.
• Cell membranes are made up of phospholipids, which have hydrophilic heads and hydrophobic tails.
• The phosphate group is polar so faces outwards towards the cytoplasm or extracellular fluid
• Cholesterol molecules are embedded within the membrane between the phospholipid layers
• Cholesterol is embedded within the lipid bilayer, helping to maintain its stability by preventing the phospholipids from separating.
• Proteins such as enzymes, receptors, channels, and transporters are attached to the outer layer of the plasma membrane.
• Carbohydrates (glycoproteins) are attached to the outside of the membrane
• Protein molecules are attached to the inside and outside surfaces of the membrane