Bio

• Cell membrane


  • Thin, double layer of protein and fat
  • Separates the inner contents of the cell with its environment
  • Regulates the passage of materials in and out of the cell - "semi-permeable"
• Nucleus


  • Membrane-bound spherical body
  • Control center of the cell
  • Stores the cell's DNA
• Chromatin


  • Tangled, spread out form of DNA found inside the nuclear membrane
• Ribosome


  • Large complex of protein and RNA
  • Site of protein synthesis
• Cytoplasm


  • Jelly-like substance where ribosomes and other organelles float around
• Endoplasmic reticulum


  • Series of interconnected membranous sacs and tubules
  • Two types: Rough ER and Smooth ER
• Golgi body


  • Series of flattened, sac-like membranes that resembles a stack of pancakes
  • Sorts, tags, packages and distributes lipids and proteins
• Vacuole


  • Large space within the cell that is enclosed in a membrane and filled with fluid
  • Maintains water balance
  • Maintains cell shape
  • Stores nutrients and waste products
• Lysosome


  • Spherical bodies containing digestive enzymes
  • Takes in worn-out or damaged organelles
  • Has enzymes that break down cellular debris
• Mitochondria


  • Double-membraned, rod-shaped organelle
  • Has its own DNA
  • "Powerhouse of the cell"