Cell Organelles and Their Functions

Ribosome

• Connects amino acids to build proteins

• Breaks down carbohydrates for energy

• Stores genetic information

• Transports oxygen in the blood

Cell Wall

• Made of cellulose, tougher and thicker than a cell membrane

• Composed of proteins and lipids

• Flexible and allows for cell movement

• Found only in animal cells

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum

• Creates and transports lipids and hormones throughout the cell

• Synthesizes proteins for cell structure

• Breaks down waste products in the cell

• Produces energy in the form of ATP

Cell Membrane

• Rigid structure that protects the cell

• Flexible material that holds the parts of cell together

• Inflexible barrier that prevents substance movement

• Solid layer that provides energy to the cell

Cytoplasm

• Fluid that fills cell and suspends organelles

• Gel-like substance that provides energy to the cell

• Outer membrane that protects the cell

• Solid structure that holds the cell's shape

Mitochondria

• Powerhouse responsible for cell respiration

• Site of photosynthesis in plant cells

• Storage center for genetic material

• Main component of the cell membrane

Vacuole

• Storage bin for water, food, nutrients, and waste. Larger in Plant Cells

• Site of photosynthesis in plant cells

• Control center of the cell

• Structure that provides support and shape to the cell

Chloroplast

• Produce food by converting light energy into sugar.

• Store energy in the form of fat.

• Absorb nutrients from the soil.

• Regulate water loss in plants.

Nucleus

• Brain of the cell

• Powerhouse of the cell

• Control center of the cell

• Storage unit of the cell

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum

• Manufactures and packages proteins

• Synthesizes lipids

• Detoxifies harmful substances

• Stores genetic information