CELL ORGANELLES

Nucleus
Location: Discrete organelle, position is variable, usually only one per cell
Structure: usually spherical, bound by a double phospholipid membrane
with pores that transport materials into and out of the nucleus.
Contains a cytoplasm-like substance called nucleoplasm in which
chromatin is embedded
Chromatin is made up of DNA and the protein histone. This condenses to
form chromosomes during cell division.
Within the nucleus are one or two nucleoli. These make ribosomal RNA for the manufacture of ribosomes
Function: the site of DNA (genes) which control what proteins the cell produces. This determines what
enzymes are produced and enzymes control reactions.
Manufactures ribosomal RNA.

Mitochondria
Location: In cytoplasm as discrete organelles. Found in large
numbers (up to 1000) in active cells (e.g. muscle).
Structure:
Usually oval with a double membrane.
The outer membrane is smooth and controls the passage of
substances into and out of the mitochondrion.
The inner membrane is highly folded to form cristae which increase surface area. Stalked particles are
found on its surface and contain enzymes involved in respiration
The space between the 2 membrane is called the inter-membrane space. Inside this space is the matrix
containing enzymes involved in respiration, other proteins and lipids. It also contains circular DNA and
ribosomes so mitochondria can make their own proteins.
Width is never >1μm so short diffusion pathway for oxygen.
Function: Site of cellular respiration (ATP formation). Mitochondria release energy from respiration, which
is needed for protein synthesis, active transport, muscle contraction etc.

Ribosomes
Location: Bound to RER or free in cytoplasm.
Structure: Made of a large and small subunit. Consist of roughly equal parts of
RNA and protein
Function: Site of protein synthesis.

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum

Location: Throughout cytoplasm. It is often connected to nuclear
membrane, Golgi body and plasma membrane.
Structure: A system of membrane-bound sacs (cisternae),
covered with ribosomes. Spaces between membranes are filled
with fluid.
Function: Provides a large surface area for synthesis of proteins
and glycoproteins. It also provides a pathway for the transport
of materials, especially proteins.

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum

Location: Small patches in the cytoplasm
Structure: A system of membrane-bound sacs (cisternae), enclosing fluid-filled spaces.
Function: Synthesis, storage and transport of lipids, carbohydrates and some steroids
General function of ER – helps to compartmentalise cell reactions, intracellular transport
Golgi apparatus
Location: In cytoplasm, associated with RER, often close to the
nucleus. Well developed in secretory cells e.g. in intestines
Structure: Stack of flattened membrane sacs that are constantly
forming on one side and budding off as vesicles on the other. It
is similar in structure to SER but more compact.
Function: Final modification of proteins and lipids from ER.
These pass through the Golgi apparatus in a particular sequence
so that additional components are added (e.g. carbohydrate to
form glycoprotein) and so they are labelled so they end up in the
correct destination. If they are to be transported outside of a cell they become enclosed in a vesicle. This
organelle produces secretory enzymes and secretes carbohydrates. It also transports, modifies and stores
lipids as well as making lysosomes.

Lysosomes
Location: Free in cytoplasm
Structure: A small sphere of liquid surrounded by membrane with no internal structure. The liquid contains
digestive enzymes (lysozymes) which are separated from the rest of the cell contents by the membrane,
preventing self-digestion.
Function: Lysosomes are used to break down:
 Cells after they have died
 Worn our organelles so the chemicals they are made of can be re-used
 Material taken in by phagocytic cells
 Material outside the cell by releasing their enzymes by exocytosis

TASK:
Produce individual revision cards/materials on the following organelles, to include their
a. Size
b. Structural properties
c. Functions
d. Location
e. How their structure/adaptation effects/enables their function
f. Sketch/drawing

Organelles in a eukaryotic animal and/or plant cell;

1. cell-surface membrane
2. nucleus (containing chromosomes, consisting of protein-bound, linear DNA, and one or more
nucleoli)
3. mitochondria
4. chloroplasts (in plants and algae)
5. Golgi apparatus and Golgi vesicles
6. lysosomes (a type of Golgi vesicle that releases lysozymes)
7. ribosomes
8. rough endoplasmic reticulum and smooth endoplasmic reticulum
9. cell wall (in plants, algae and fungi)
10. cell vacuole (in plants)