Organelle Function Location

Nucleus The nucleus is a membrane All eukaryotic cells.

surrounded organelle that
contains the cell’s genetic
material (i.e. DNA) that is
organized into chromosomes.
The nucleolus is in the
center of the nucleus and is
in control of ribosome
formations.
Rough Endoplasmic In charge of creating secreted Eukaryotic cells.
Reticulum proteins and lysosomal
enzymes. Ribosomes bind
themselves to the RER once it
begins to synthesize a protein
destined for sorting.
Ribosomes A combination of protein and All cells.
RNA(ribonucleic acid).
Producing amino acids and
proteins. Different in all types
of cells. About 20nm in
diameter.
Smooth Endoplasmic Involved in the metabolism of Eukaryotic cells.
Reticulum carbohydrates, synthesis of
lipids and steroids, calcium
regulation and drug
detoxification. Contains a
chemical required for
glucose. It is attached to the
nuclear envelope.
Mitochondrion Generate most of the cells Most eukaryotic cells.
chemical energy. Regulation
of cell metabolism. 1-10
micrometers (um) in
diameter. The number of
mitochondrion range widely
with the type of cell they are
(i.e. tissue or bone etc.)
Cell Membrane Also called the phospholipid All cells.
bilayer or plasma membrane.
A selectively permeable
bilayer. Separates
intracellular components
from the extracellular
environment, functioning as
the skin of the cell. Passive
and Active transport are
completed through the cell
membrane.
Cytoplasm Contents of a cell enclosed in All cells.
the cell membrane. Where
many cell activities occur
such as cell division.
Lysosomes Contain digestive enzymes. Eukaryotic cells.
They fuse with vacuoles and
contents are transferred
between the two and
digested. 0.1-1.2 um in size.
Used in the process of
Phagocytosis.
Golgi Apparatus Package and process proteins Eukaryotic cells.
and lipids that are produced
by the cell. It is like a cellular
post office. Deals with
proteins from the RER.
Centrioles Barrel shaped and composed Animal eukaryotic cells
of nine triplets of only.
microtubules. Form the
mitotic spindles in
cytokinesis.

Component Function
Phospholipid Composed of two layers of phospholipids that are arranged
Bilayer with their hydrophilic heads facing outwards. The
phospholipid bilayer is the cells ‘shell’ and is composed of the
following things.
Phospholipids Class of lipids that are a major component in all biological
membranes. They have a hydrophilic head and a hydrophobic
tail.
Cholesterol A type of lipid used to establish proper membrane fluidity
and permeability. Required to help metabolize fatty acids and
fat soluble vitamins. Is synthesized by the body but can also
be ingested.
Glycolipid Carbohydrate-attached lipids that are used to produce
 energy for the cell. Serve as markers for cellular recognition.
Protein Channel A protein involved in the movement of ions or
macromolecules through a biological membrane. Used in
active transport and facilitated diffusion.
Glycoprotein Proteins that contain oligosaccharide chains.
(oligosaccharides are chains of simple sugars)
Peripheral Protein Proteins that temporarily adhere to a biological membrane by
attaching to an integral protein. Attract water-soluble
components.
Integral Protein Protein that is permanently attached to the phospholipid
bilayer and are a major component of the genome.
Membrane-anchoring domains and responsible for cell
adhesion and energy transduction.
Carbohydrate Most abundant of proteins, lipids and nucleic acids. Storage
and transport of energy and work in the immune system.
Require less water to digest than proteins and fats.