PROJECT CELL-EBRATION CHECKLIST
Cell Organelle Descriptions and Sizes
Organelle or
Structure
Function
Appearance
Microtubules are long, hollow
tubes. Microfilaments are tiny,
threadlike structures.
Nucleolus
Supports and shapes the cell. The
cytoskeleton includes:
microtubules (gives cell its shape
and assists in organelle movement)
and microfilaments (enable cells
to move and divide)
Forms a boundary between the cell
and the outside environment and
controls the passage of materials
into and out of the cell
Storehouse for most of the cell’s
genetic information
Protects the nucleus and allows
large molecules to pass between
the nucleus and cytoplasm through
pores
Produces ribosomes
Endoplasmic
Reticulum
Produces, processes, and
distributes proteins
Irregular, maze-like (could be
bumpy if depicting Rough ER, or
smooth if depicting Smooth ER)
Ribosome
Form proteins
Small, round structures that may be
attached to the ER or suspended in
the cytoplasm
Golgi
Apparatus
Process, sort, and deliver proteins
Layered stack
Vesicle
Isolate and transport materials
within the cell
Supply energy to the cell
Round
Temporarily stores materials the
cell needs (water, food, inorganic
ions, and enzymes)
Fluid–filled sac
Cytoskeleton
Cell
Membrane
Nucleus
Nuclear
Envelope
Mitochondrion
Vacuole
Outermost layer in an animal cell;
second layer in a plant cell
Round
Surrounds the nucleus and has holes
(pores)
Round structure inside the nucleus
Bean–shaped
Organelle or
Structure
Function
Appearance
Lysosome
(Animal cell)
Digest and recycle foreign
materials or worn–out parts
Small, irregularly shaped
Centriole
(Animal cell)
Aids in mitosis
Cylinder–shaped, made of short
microtubules arranged in a circle;
two are present, arranged
perpendicular to one another
Cell Wall
(Plant cell)
Gives protection, support, and
shape to the cell
Rigid, outermost layer of a plant cell
Chloroplast
(Plant cell)
Converts solar energy to chemical
energy through photosynthesis
Green, oval–shaped
Approximate Sizes of Cell Organelles
Organelle or Structure
*
Approximate Size*
Microfilament
6 nm
Cell membrane (thickness)
10 nm
Ribosome
11 nm
Cell Wall
20 nm
Microtubule
25 nm
Vesicle
30 nm
Endoplasmic Reticulum (tube diameter)
150 nm
Centriole
200 nm
Lysosome
200–500 nm
Golgi Body
2500 nm
Nucleolus
1000 nm
Mitochondrion
3000 nm
Chloroplast (length)
5000 nm
Nucleus
6000 nm
Vacuole
4000 nm (animal)
20000 nm (plant)
Size can vary greatly from one cell to another. Use only as a guide to relative size.