Animal Cell
Structure
SECONDARY BIOLOGY
MATTHEW SCHAEFFER
Main Menu
Nucleus

Houses most of the DNA and RNA in the
cell

The nucleus controls the activity of the
cell

The nucleus synthesizes ribosomes
Nucleolus

The center of the nucleus which synthesizes
ribosomes

The nucleolus is the darker and more dense part of
the nucleus

The nucleolus is housed within the nuclear
envelope
Cell Membrane

The cell membrane as a semi-permeable barrier, that
allows only some particles to pass through

The cell membrane is responsible for keeping in
molecules required in high concentration

The cell membrane consists of a phospholipid bi-layer
Endoplasmic Reticulum

The endoplasmic reticulum transports molecules
to their destination

The ER bound with ribosomes is known as the
rough ER

The ER not bound with ribosomes is known as the
smooth ER
Ribosome

Ribosomes are responsible for protein synthesis in the
cell

Ribosomes are found in large numbers in the cell

The rough ER houses ribosomes, and some ribosomes
are suspended freely in the cytoplasm
Mitochondria

The mitochondria is known as “the power house of the
cell” for its role in the production of ATP

Mitochondria operate independently

The mitochondria is a spherical or rod shaped
organelle
Golgi Complex

Golgi bodies are flattened packs of membrane sacks

Their role is in packaging and modifying molecules

The smaller units that are formed and utilized are known
as vesicles
Vacuole

Vacuoles house and dispose of
molecules typically associated with
waste products

Enzymes are housed within each
vacuole

The vacuole also plays a role in
housing potentially harmful substances
Lysosome

Lysosomes contain enzymes for digesting
materials

These enzymes are responsible for
breaking down and recycling materials

Lysosomes are acidic
Cytoplasm

A gel-like fluid matrix that houses each of the
organelle within the membrane

Cytoplasm is responsible for maintaining pressure in
the cell

Cytoplasm houses the organelles within the cell
Which organelle is responsible for
producing ATP?
 A.
Cytoplasm
 B. Mitochondria
 C. Nucleus
Incorrect

Although the cytoplasm is an important part of the cell, it
is not considered an organelle.
Incorrect

The nucleus is responsible for housing most of the DNA
and RNA but the chief role of producing ATP is given to
another organelle.
CORRECT!

The mitochondria is the organelle which plays the largest
role in producing ATP which gives it the name “the
powerhouse of the cell.”
Great Job! Click here to return to
Start for the next student!