Cell Organelle Functions
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Nucleus (both) = the “control center” for the cell, it controls and regulates the functions
of the cell and its organelles
o

Contains DNA – codes for functions of cells
Cell membrane (both) = surrounds the entire cell and controls what enters and exits the
cell through openings or pores
o
Semi-permeable = characteristic of cell membranes – controlling the movement of
substances in and out of the cells
o
Osmosis = movement of water based on concentration (diffusion)

Water constantly moves in and out of the cell

Water will move from areas of high concentration to areas of low
concentration to equalize the water pressure

Cytoplasm (both) = intercellular plasma that holds the cell’s organelles in place; the site
where most of the cell’s molecular activities occur

Mitochondria (both) = the “power plant” of the cell, they generate most of the cell’s
supply of energy
o
Energy is the form of ATP molecules

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) (both) = transports proteins through a series of tubules
(small tubes) to the Golgi body (similar to a highway that leads to the Golgi body)

Golgi body (both) = processes and packages proteins from the ER into vesicles
o

Lysosome (only animals) = contains enzymes that break apart the cell’s food molecules
and other molecules for further digestion of its nutrients
o

Similar to recycling, it breaks down molecules into its essential elements for
future use
Cell wall (only plants) = found only in plants, the cell wall is a rigid (tough) layer of
protection for the cell due to the harsh environment that plants have to endure
o

Vesicles are secreted (released) out of the cell to parts of the body that needs these
proteins
It is made of cellulose – gives the cell wall its tough exterior
Chloroplast (only plants) = found only in plants, it traps the energy of sunlight to start the
process of photosynthesis
o
Contains chlorophyll, the pigment that gives a plant its green color

Vacuole (only plants) = found only in plants, this stores waste molecules that are
potentially harmful to the cell

Amyloplast (only plants) = found only in plants, it stores starch that is produced as a
result of photosynthesis
o


The plant will use starch as a form of energy for later use
Prokaryotic cells = a cell that lacks a nucleus and other complex organelles
o DNA not organized within nucleus
o Most unicellular organisms
Eukaryotic cells = a cell that contains its genetic material in a nucleus
o All multicellular organisms