Cell OrganellesNicholas Sammut 11E

Nucleus

The nucleus is not a part of all cells. The nucleus is a large organelle that is surrounded by a double-layer membrane. The membrane contains pores that communicate with the cytoplasm. The nucleus contains genetic material and controls the cells activities.

Plasma/Cell membrane

The cell membrane is found in ALL cells.The cell membrane is a bilayer of phospholipid molecules that encloses the cytoplasm in all cells. It controls the movement of substances in and out of the cell. It is responsible for recognition, adhesion and chemical communication between cells.

Cytoplasm

Cytoplasm is found in ALL cells.Cytoplasm is made up of 90% of water, it also contains ions, salts, enzymes, food molecules and organelles except for the Nucleus. Cytosol is the fluid component of cytoplasm.

Chloroplast

Chloroplasts are found in most plant cells.Chloroplasts are green, due to the presence of chlorophyll. Photosynthesis takes place in the chloroplasts. It is composed of many layers of folded membrane.

Endoplasmic reticulum

Endoplasmic reticulum is a network of intercellular membranes that links with the plasma membrane and other membranous organelles. It can either be- Rough (with ribosomes)

Or- Smooth (without

ribosomes)It is involved with the production, processing, transport and storage of materials within the cell.

Golgi apparatus

The Golgi apparatus is a stack of flat membrane sacs where the final synthesis and packaging of proteins into membrane bound vesicles occurs before they are secreted from the cell. It relates to the Endoplasmic reticulum.

Lysosomes

Lysosomes are membrane-bound vesicles that contain powerful enzymes that break down debris and foreign material. They are present in most animal cells.

Mitochondria

Mitochondria are organelles composed of many folded layers of membrane. Mitochondria are involved in the energy transformations, that release energy for use by the cell.

Ribosomes

Ribosomes are tiny organelles located in the cytosol, sometimes it is associated with endoplasmic reticulum. Ribosomes are the sites of production of proteins.

Vacuole

The vacuole is a membrane-bound, liquid filled space found in most cells. Plant cells usually have large vacuoles, containing cell sap which provides physical support through turgidity and storage. In other cells, vacuoles may be involved in intracellular digestion or water balance.

Vesicles

Vesicles are membrane-bound organelles often associated with transport in cell.

Cilia/Flagella

Cilia are the hair-like structures on the surface of a cell that help the cell to move.Flagella are the whip-like extensions of cells that help the cell to move.