Is a network of
proteins that is
constantly changing
to meet the
needs of the cells
It is a small
protein It is made
of small protein
subunits that form
long threads, or
fibers, that
crisscross the
entire cell
Microtubules are
long hollow tubes.
They give the cell
its shape and act
as “tracks” for the
movement of
organelles.
Intermediate
filaments, which
are somewhat
smaller than
microtubules, give a
cell its strength.
Microfilaments,
the smallest of
the three, are
tiny threads that
enable cells to
move and divide.
Cytoplasm
It fills the space
between the
nucleus and the cell
membrane. Cytosol
consists mostly of
water. It is usually
clear and colorless
Nucleus
The nucleus is the storehouse
for most of the genetic
information, or DNA in your
cells. DNA contains genes that
are instructions for making
proteins. Is made of chromatin
Cell’s DNA enclosed in a
double membrane called the
nuclear envelope. Each
membrane in the nuclear
envelope is similar to the
membrane surrounding the
entire cell.
The nucleolus is a
dense region
where tiny
organelles
essential for
making proteins
are assembled.
The nuclear envelope
is pierced with holes
called pores that
allow large molecules
to pass between the
nucleus and
cytoplasm.
Endoplasmic
Reticulum
Smooth
ER
Surfaces of the ER that do
not contain ribosomes are
called smooth ER. Smooth
ER makes lipids and
performs a variety of other
specialized functions, such
as breaking down drugs and
alcohol.
Rough
ER
Surfaces of the ER
that are covered with
ribosomes are called
rough ER because
they look bumpy
when viewed with an
electron microscope.
Is an
interconnected
network of thin
folded membranes.
Ribosomes
Are tiny organelles that link
amino acids together to form
proteins. Ribosomes are both
the site of protein synthesis
and active participants in the
process. Ribosomes are
made of proteins and RNA
Golgi
Apparatus
Consists of closely
layered stacks of
membrane-enclosed
spaces that process, sort,
and deliver proteins. Its
membranes contain
enzymes that make
additional changes to
proteins.
Vesicles
Are a general name
used to describe small
membrane-bound sacs
that divide some
materials from the rest
of the cytoplasm and
transport these
materials from place to
place within the cell.
Mitochondria
Supply energy to the
cell. Mitochondria are
bean shaped and
have two membranes
The inner membrane has
many folds that greatly
increase its surface area.
Within these inner folds and
compartments, a series of
chemical reactions converts
molecules from the food
you eat into usable energy.
The intermembrane
space plays a pivotal
role in the coordination
of mitochondrial
activities with other
cellular processes.
The fluid contained in
the mitochondria is
called the matrix.
The outer
membrane covers
the organelle and
contains it like a skin.
Lysosomes
Are membrane-bound
organelles that contain
enzymes. They defend a
cell from invading bacteria
and viruses. They also
break down damaged or
worn-out cell parts.
Centrosome
Is a small
region of
cytoplasm that
produces
microtubules
Centrioles
Are cylinder-shaped
organelles made of
short microtubules
arranged in a circle.
The two centrioles
are perpendicular to
each other.
Cell Wall
Is a rigid layer that
gives protection,
support, and shape
to the cell.
Chloroplasts
Are organelles that carry
out photosynthesis, a
series of complex
chemical reactions that
convert solar energy into
energy rich molecules the
cell can use.
The space between the
inner membrane and the
thylakoid membrane is
filled with stroma, a
matrix containing
dissolved enzymes,
starch granules, and
copies of the chloroplast
genome.
They also have stacks of
disc-shaped sacs, contain
chlorophyll, a light-absorbing
molecule that gives plants
their green color and plays a
key role in photosynthesis
Grana are stacks of
thylakoids within
chloroplasts.