Organelles by Function
10/17/17
The Nucleus
The Nucleus contains nearly all the cell’s DNA that act as
instructions for making proteins and other important
molecules.
The Nucleus is surrounded by the nuclear envelope (a
double membrane) and is dotted with thousands of
nuclear pores.
These pores allow proteins, RNA, and other molecules to
move in and out of nucleus.
Continued
DNA, the genetic information of the cell, is stored
as Chromosomes.
Most nuclei contain a small dense region called
the nucleolus, which is where ribosomes are
assembled.
Vacuoles, Lysosomes, and Cytoskeletons,
oh my!
Vacuoles are large, sac like membranes that store
materials like water, salts, proteins, and
carbohydrates for the cell to use later.
Lysosomes are small organelles filled with enzymes
that are used to break down lipids, carbohydrates,
and proteins in to smaller, useful molecules.
Lysosomes also break down old organelles.
White Board Question
The central vacuole of a plant cell helps give it rigidity
by holding a large amount of a substance. What is in
the central vacuole of a plant cell?
A) Proteins
B) Lipids
C) Lysosomes
D) Water
Continued
The Cytoskeleton is used to reinforce the internal
structure and organization of the cell, as well as
maintain the cells shape.
The cytoskeleton’s protein filaments also aid in the
transport of materials, as well as aid in movement
as cell flagella and cillia.
Organelles that Build Proteins
Proteins are produced by Ribosomes. Ribosomes
are small particles of RNA and protein found
throughout the cell.
They produce proteins based on instructions
received from the nucleus.
Continued
Endoplasmic Reticulum is where both lipid
components of a cell and proteins are assembled,
which are exported throughout the cell.
The ER has two parts, the Smooth ER and the
Rough ER.
The Rough ER is where protein synthesis occurs
because the membrane is covered in ribosomes.
Continued 2
Proteins synthesized on the Rough ER include those
that will be released from the cell as well as many
membrane proteins destined for lysosomes and
other locations within the cell.
The Golgi Apparatus
The Golgi Apparatus is a flattened stack of
membranes that modifies, sorts, and packages
proteins and other materials from the ER for
storage in the cell or release outside of it.
Organelles That Capture and Release
Energy
Chloroplasts are organelles found in plant cells
that capture energy from sunlight and converts it
to chemical energy in photosynthesis.
Mitochondria are organelles found in nearly every
Eukaryotic cell, and they convert chemical energy
stored in food into compounds that are usable for
the cell.