Organelles of a Cell

Types of Cells

• Prokaryotes:
  • Found in Archaea and Bacteria kingdoms.
  • No nucleus or membrane-bound organelles.
  • Remember: "Pro rhymes with no" (no nucleus).
• Eukaryotes:
  • Found in fungi, animals, protists, and plants.
  • Contain a nucleus and have membrane-bound organelles.

Major Organelles of Eukaryotic Cells

Cell Membrane

• Protective barrier around the cell.
• Regulates entry and exit of substances.

Cytoplasm

• Jelly-like fluid filling the cell.
• Contains dissolved molecules (enzymes, glucose, amino acids).
• Facilitates easy material transport between organelles.

Cytoskeleton

• Network of filaments providing support.
• Functions:
  • Supports cell structure.
  • Tracks for vesicle movement.
  • Assists in chromosome separation during mitosis.
  • Aids cell movement.

Ribosomes

• "Protein factories" of the cell.
• Convert genetic instructions into chains of amino acids (proteins).

Nucleus

• Stores genetic material (DNA).
• Sends instructions to other organelles.

Endoplasmic Reticulum

• Rough ER:
  • Involved in protein production and transport.
  • Contains ribosomes.
  • Modifies and packages proteins for the Golgi apparatus.
• Smooth ER:
  • Produces lipids (fats).
  • Detoxifies the cell.

Mitochondria

• "Powerhouse" of the cell.
• Converts glucose and oxygen into ATP (energy molecule).

Vacuoles

• Storage organelles for materials (water, nutrients).

Lysosomes

• Created at the Golgi apparatus.
• Contain enzymes to break down waste and digest materials.

Golgi Apparatus

• Modifies and distributes proteins and lipids.
• Tags proteins and sends them within or out of the cell.

Chloroplasts (Plants only)

• Site of photosynthesis.
• Combine CO2, water, sunlight to create sugar.

Cell Wall (Plants only)

• Rigid structure made of cellulose.
• Provides structural support to plant cells.

Conclusion

• Understanding organelles helps in appreciating cell functionality.
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