CELL ORGANELLES: STRUCTURE AND FUNCTIONS

Here's the table with organelles grouped according to their related functions:
FUNCTIONALITY / ORGANELLES BRIEF EXPLANATION
RELATIVITY GROUP

Genetic Information Nucleus, Nuclear These organelles are involved in controlling and storing
Control & Storage Envelope, genetic information. The nucleus houses DNA and
Nucleolus, controls gene expression. The nucleolus is where
Nucleoplasm ribosomal RNA is
synthesized. The nuclear envelope separates the nucleus
from the cytoplasm. The nucleoplasm supports these
functions.

Protein Synthesis & Ribosomes, Rough This group is responsible for the production, modification,
Processing ER, Smooth ER, and transport of proteins. Ribosomes synthesize proteins.
Golgi Rough ER aids in protein folding and modification. Smooth
Apparatus, ER is involved in lipid synthesis. Golgi apparatus modifies,
Secretory Vesicles sorts, and packages proteins. Secretory vesicles transport
proteins.

Energy Production Mitochondrion, These organelles are responsible for energy production
& Conversion Chloroplasts and conversion. Mitochondria produce ATP through
cellular respiration. Chloroplasts perform photosynthesis,
converting light energy into chemical energy.

Cellular Movement Cilium, Flagellum, This group is associated with cellular movement and
& Structure Microtubules, structure. Cilia and flagella are involved in cell movement.
Microfilaments, Microtubules and microfilaments make up the cytoskeleton,
Centriole, providing structural support and enabling movement.
Centrosome, Cell Centrioles play a role in cell division. The cell membrane
Membrane, Cell and cell wall offer protection and structure.
Wall

Intracellular Transport Lysosome, These organelles are involved in transport and recycling
& Recycling Peroxisome, processes. Lysosomes break down waste. Peroxisomes
Cytoplasm, Secretory assist in metabolic reactions. Secretory vesicles transport
Vesicles, Rough ER, substances. Rough ER and smooth ER play roles in protein
Smooth ER and lipid synthesis. Cytoplasm supports cellular activities.
Here's a detailed table of organelles with its structure and unique function:
ORGANELLE STRUCTURE FUNCTION

Ribosomes Tiny particles composed Responsible for protein synthesis. They read the mRNA sequence
of RNA and protein. and assemble amino acids into proteins.

Cilium Hair-like structure on Moves in a coordinated manner to create fluid movement. For example,
cell surface. in the respiratory tract, cilia help move mucus and trapped particles out
of the lungs.

Flagellum Long, whip-like Propels the cell through its environment. For example, sperm cells
structure extending use flagella for movement.
from the cell.

Lysosome Spherical organelle with Contains digestive enzymes that break down waste materials,
a single membrane. cellular debris, and foreign invaders.

Nucleus Double-membraned Houses the cell's genetic material and controls cellular activities
organelle containing DNA. by regulating gene expression.

Centriole Pair of cylindrical Involved in cell division and organization of the cytoskeleton.
structures composed of Centrioles help with cell division by forming the mitotic spindle and
microtubules. assist in the organization of microtubules in the cytoskeleton.

Nucleolus Dense region within the Assembles ribosomes by transcribing and processing ribosomal
nucleus. RNA (rRNA).

Centrosome Region near the Plays a crucial role in cell division by organizing microtubules and
nucleus containing assisting in the formation of the mitotic spindle.
centrioles.

Peroxisome Single-membraned Involved in various metabolic reactions, including the breakdown of

organelle containing fatty acids and detoxification of harmful substances like hydrogen
enzymes. peroxide.

Cell Membrane Double layer of Regulates the passage of substances in and out of the cell.
phospholipids with Provides structural support and protection to the cell.
embedded proteins.

Cell Wall Rigid structure outside Provides structural support and protection to plant cells.
the cell membrane (in
plants).

Chloroplasts Double-membraned Site of photosynthesis in plant cells. Converts light energy into
organelle containing chemical energy (glucose) using carbon dioxide and water.
chlorophyll.

Smooth ER Network of membranes Involved in lipid synthesis, metabolism, and detoxification of drugs
without ribosomes. and poisons.

Rough ER Network of membranes Involved in protein synthesis, folding, and transport. Proteins are
studded with ribosomes. synthesized by ribosomes on the rough ER and then transported to
other organelles or secreted outside the cell.

Golgi Stack of flattened Modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids for transport to their
Apparatus membranes and vesicles. final destinations.

Mitochondrion Double-membraned Produces energy (ATP) through cellular respiration. Converts nutrients
organelle with inner folds into energy in the form of ATP. Often referred to as the "powerhouse" of
(cristae). the cell.

Cytoplasm Gel-like substance within Supports and suspends organelles. Many cellular processes occur in
the cell membrane. the cytoplasm, including protein synthesis and various metabolic
reactions.
 Nuclear Double membrane Separates the nucleus from the cytoplasm and regulates the passage
Envelope surrounding the nucleus. of materials between them.

Secretory Membrane-bound sacs Transport and release various substances, such as hormones or
Vesicles containing cellular materials. enzymes, from the cell.
(Vesicles)

Nucleoplasm Gel-like substance within Contains the nucleolus and supports the genetic material.
the nucleus.

Microtubules Hollow tubes made of Part of the cytoskeleton, they provide structural support, help with
tubulin protein. cell division, and serve as "tracks" for intracellular transport.

Microfilaments Thin fibers made of Part of the cytoskeleton, they provide structural support, aid in
actin protein. cell movement, and play a role in cell division and shape
maintenance.

. Figure 7.8 Exploring Eukaryotic Cells

Animal Cell (cutaway view of generalized cell)

Nuclear envelope: double

Flagellum: motility structure present in some animal cells,

composed of a cluster of microtubules within an extension of the plasma membrane

Centrosome: region where the cell’s

microtubules are
initiated; contains a
ENDOPLASMIC RETICULUM (ER): network of membranous sacs and tubes; active in membrane synthesis and other synthetic
and metabolic processes; has rough (ribosome-studded) and smooth regions

Rough ER Smooth ER
membrane enclosing the nucleus; perforated by
pores; continuous with ER
Nucleolus: nonmembranous structure involved in production of ribosomes; a nucleus has one or more nucleoli
Chromatin: material consisting of DNA and proteins; visible in a dividing cell as individual condensed chromosomes
NUCLEUS

pair of centrioles

CYTOSKELETON:
reinforces cell’s shape;
functions in cell movement;
components are made of
protein. Includes:
Microfilaments
Intermediate
filaments
Microtubules

Microvilli:
membrane
projections that
increase the cell’s
surface area

Peroxisome: organelle with

various specialized metabolic
functions; produces hydrogen
peroxide as a by-product and
then converts it to water

Mitochondrion: organelle where

cellular respiration occurs and
most ATP is generated
Plasma membrane:
membrane
enclosing the cell
Ribosomes (small brown
dots): complexes that
make proteins; free in
cytosol or bound to
rough ER or nuclear
envelope

Golgi apparatus: organelle active

in synthesis, modification, sorting,
and secretion of cell products

Lysosome: digestive
organelle where
macromolecules are
hydrolyzed

®
Mastering Biology BioFlix Animation: Tour of an Animal Cell

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u

Cell
F
e

C
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l
a

Nucleus
u

m
l

Nucleolus
n

Human cells from lining of uterus (colorized TEM)

Parent
cell

Buds

Yeast cells: reproducing by budding (above, colorized SEM) and a single cell (right, colorized TEM)
1 om

Cell wall
Vacuole

Nucleus

Mitochondrion

170 UNIT TWO Cell Biology

NUCLEUS
Nuclear envelope Nucleolus
Chromatin
Plant Cell (cutaway view of generalized cell)

Rough
endoplasmic
reticulum
Smooth
endoplasmic
reticulum

Ribosomes (small brown dots)

Central vacuole: prominent organelle

in older plant cells; functions include storage,
breakdown of waste products, and hydrolysis
Golgi apparatus

Mitochondrion

Peroxisome

Plasma membrane

Cell wall: outer layer that maintains cell’s shape and protects cell from mechanical damage; made of cellulose, other polysaccharides, and protein

Wall of adjacent cell

Cell
P

Cell wall
Chloroplast Mitochondrion Nucleus

Nucleolus
Plasmodesmata: cytoplasmic channels through cell walls that connect the cytoplasms of adjacent cells

8
a

A
r

of macromolecules; enlargement of the vacuole is a major mechanism of plant growth

Microfilaments
MicrotubulesCYTOSKELETON

Chloroplast: photosynthetic
organelle; converts energy of
sunlight to chemical energy
stored in sugar molecules

Mastering Biology
®
BioFlix Animation: Tour of a Plant Cell Video: Turgid Elodea
Video: Chlamydomonas

Flagella
m

Nucleus
Nucleolus

Vacuole
n

Cells from duckweed (Spirodela oligorrhiza),

U

a floating plant (colorized TEM)

Unicellular green alga Chlamydomonas (above, colorized SEM; right, colorized TEM)
Chloroplast Cell wall

CHAPTER 7 Cell Structure and Function 171