Cellular Organelles

Memorizing the organelles/their functions within a

cell is the first step to mastering the Biology of a
cell.
• Your next step is to understand
how their functions all contribute
to the life of a cell, as well as the
cell’s specific function.

• Ex. The human body has

hundreds of different cells…each
with different functions. However,
all of them contain with them the
same organelles.
 Endomembrane
System Organelles
These organelles all work together to create the Endomembrane System
(we will talk about later…).
 Nucleus.
• Stores, separates, and protects
genetic material (DNA) from the rest
of the cell.
• DNA is the code used to make all
proteins.
• Surrounded by the nuclear
membrane, which is covered with
nuclear pores to let genetic material
in and out of nucleus.
• Nuclear membrane is also referred to as
the nuclear envelope.
 Nucleolus.
• Structure inside of the nucleus that
builds ribosomes.
 Ribosome.
• Small packets of genetic material
(RNA, not DNA) composed of two
parts: Small and Large Subunit.
• Builds proteins by using DNA from
the nucleus.
• Two types:
• Free ribosomes: float freely inside the
cytosol of the cell.
• Bound ribosomes: attached to the
Rough ER.
 Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum
(E.R.).
• Network of tube-like canals that is covered with ribosomes.
• Provides a site for protein synthesis to occur.
• Consists of many folded membranes. More membrane = more surface area =
more ribosomes = more protein synthesis.
 Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum
(E.R.).
• Network of
tube-like canals,
no ribosomes
attached.
• Site of lipid and
carbohydrate
synthesis.
• Used to build
membranes
of other
organelles
and vesicles.
 Golgi Apparatus.
• A system of flattened, membrane-bound sacs called cisternae.
• Packages proteins and other substances into vesicles, then transports
them inside or outside of the cell.
Transport Vesicles.
• Tiny, membrane-bound sacs that transport material within or outside
of cell.
• Form by a process called budding.
• Membrane of larger organelle or cell folds around material, then pinches to
create a vesicle.
 Lysosomes.
• Specialized vesicles that
contain digestive enzymes
used to dissolve, then
recycle cellular waste.
• Function by fusing their
membrane with another
vesicle’s membrane, then
combining enzymes with the
waste content.
Vacuoles.
• Membrane-bound
sacs.
• Larger than vesicles,
and used not for
transport, but for
storage of food, water,
or waste.
 Energy-Producing
Organelles.
These organelles differ with plants and animals. They are the ones
responsible for creating the energy required for all functions within the
cell.
Mitochondria.
• Organelle with its own
outer and inner
membrane.
• Also contains its own
DNA…
• Converts glucose into
ATP energy for the cell
via a process called
cellular respiration.
Chloroplast.
• Organelle with its own outer
and inner membrane.
• Also contains its own DNA…
• Converts light energy into
glucose. This organelle is how
plants/photosynthetic
organisms can produce their
own food from light
(photosynthesis).
 Endosymbiotic Theory.
• The fact that Mitochondria and Chloroplasts have
their own cellular membranes and unique DNA has
led to the Endosymbiotic Theory.

• Biologists theorize that Eukaryotic cells evolved when

multiple living cells joined together into one.
• They began to live in mutualistic relationships, where
the mitochondria/chloroplast organisms were given
food/protection in exchange for more energy.
• Eventually, after trillions of years, the organisms
evolved into organelles of the cell.
Endosymbiotic Theory.
 Structural Organelles.
These organelles are responsible for maintaining the structural integrity
of the cell. Think about your own bones, muscle, blood, tissue…all the
components that make you able to function properly.
 Cytosol
• Watery gel made up of water, salts,
and other organic molecules that
fills the cell.
• Provides cushion, and the correct
balance of
chemicals/temperature/pH required
for cells to maintain homeostasis.

• Cytoplasm = cytosol + all cellular

organelles (except the nucleus).
 Central Vacuole.
• Only present in plants.
• A giant, membrane-bound sac filled
with sap: water + sugars/amino
acids/fats/salts.
• Maintains proper pressure required
for rigid structure of plants.
 Cell Wall.
• Rigid structure made up of a
carbohydrate called cellulose that
surrounds the cell membrane.
• Only found in plant cells.
• Why do plants need both a cell wall
and cell membrane?
• To focus growth upwards and
outwards, instead of simply adding to
mass. More access to sunlight.
• Plants can’t move around/escape.
Therefore, they require more
protection from pathogens, injury,
predators, etc.
 Cellular Membrane.
• First part: Phospholipid bi-
layer (two layers, made up of
phospholipids).
• Surrounds the cell, helping to
maintain shape.
• Second part: embedded with
proteins that communicate
with the outside
environment, and control All the strange shapes you see are
which substances move in proteins. Observe how they interact
with the phospholipid bi-layer to make
and outside of the cell. up the entire cellular membrane.
 Cytoskeleton.
• Fibers made up of
protein suspended all
throughout the
cytosol of the cell.
• Help the cell keep its
shape.
• Provide a track for
proteins to use to
carry around material
around the cell.
Centrioles/Centrosomes.
• 2 Centrioles exist within 1 Centrosome.
• Centrioles = structures, Centrosome = region the structures are inside.

• Build microtubules: fibers used by the cell during Mitosis (cellular

division).
Extracellular Matrix.
• The network of proteins,
fibers, and other molecules
outside of the cell that help
cells bind to other cells, or
other proteins.