2.1.1 Cell Structure

• What is the structure and function of the rough endoplasmic reticulum?


  Structure: Membrane-bound network of flattened sacs with ribosomes attached to its surface. System of membranes enclosing a fluid-filled space. Function: Involved in protein synthesis. Folds and processes proteins that have been made at the ribosomes.
• What is the structure and function of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum?


  structure: similar to the rough endoplasmic reticulum, but the membrane surface is not covered with ribosomes.

  function: synthesises and processes lipids.
• What is the structure and function of the Golgi Apparatus?


  Structure: group of fluid-filled, membrane-bound flattened sacs. The compound structure is formed of cisternae. Vesicles are often seen at the edges of the sacs.

  Function: processes and packages new lipids and proteins into vesicles. It also makes lysosomes.
• What is the structure and function of the mitochondria?


  Structure: oval-shapes and has a double membrane, with inner one folded to form structures called cristae. Inside is the matrix, which contains enzymes involved in respiration.

  Function: site of aerobic respiration, where ATP is produced. Mitochondria is found in larger numbers in cells that are very active and require a lot of energy.
• What is structure and function of the chloroplast?


  Structure: surrounded by a double membrane, but also has membranes inside called thylakoid membranes. These are stacked to form grana and are linked together by lamellae. Lamellae are thin, flat pieces of thylakoid membrane. Stroma is thick fluid found in chloroplasts.

  Function: site of photosynthesis