Organelle Functions

Nucleus

houses DNA/chromatin and protects it

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (RER)

responsible for protein production and transport; the ribosomes make proteins and the ER transports them to the golgi body for modifications

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum (SER)

manufactures lipids and replacement parts for the plasma membrane; it also plays a role in the breakdown of toxins in larger organisms

Golgi Apparatus

a "gift wrapper"; it modifies proteins, etc. so that they will function correctly

Proteasomes

destroys and breaks down malfunctioning proteins

Lysosomes

engulfs vesicles filled with cellular "trash" (usually proteins) and breaks it down with enzymes; as a result, the enzymes destroy this organelle

Plasma (Cell) Membrane

boundary that separates inner contents from surroundings; controls entry and exit for particles in/out of the cell

Cytoplasm

an area where chemical reactions take place; also houses cell parts

Cytoskeleton

microtubules, microfilaments, and intermediate filaments; all of these structures provide structure and support for the cell

Mitochondria

powerhouse of the cell"; performs cellular respiration to create ATP (cellular energy)

Peroxisomes

breaks down/oxidizes amino acids, fatty acids, and peroxide; aids in the breakdown of cellular toxins

Centrosomes/Centrioles

create spindle fibers that allow the cell to pull apart genetic material during cell reproduction

Cilia

short, hairlike projections that are extensions of the cell's plasma membrane; they wave back and forth to move the cell and/or propel objects around the cell in a desired direction

Flagella

a long, whiplike projection of the plasma membrane that is usually used for locomotion

Nuceolus

darkened region of the nucleus that makes ribosomes