Cell Membrane (Plasma Membrane): A thin semipermeable membrane layer of lipids and

proteins surrounding the cell. It controls the entry and exit of nutrients and other microscopic
entities into the cell.

• Primary role is to protect the cell from its surrounding.

Nucleus: Organelles that contains nucleolus, nucleosomes and chromatins. It also contains
genetic material (DNA) that controls cell growth, development, and gene expression.

• It is responsible for storing the cell’s hereditary material or the DNA. It is responsible for
coordinating many of the important cellular activities such as protein synthesis, cell
division, growth, and a host of other important functions.

Cytoplasm: A jelly-like material which contains all the cell organelles, enclosed within the cell
membrane. It is composed of water, salts, enzymes, and molecules that are vital for the cell's
functions and survival.

• It helps to maintain the cell's shape and structure by resisting external forces and
providing internal support.
• It is responsible for holding the components of the cell and protect them from damage.

Mitochondria: Often referred to as the powerhouses of the cell. Their main function is to
generate the energy necessary to power cells. Generates ATP through cellular respiration,
providing energy for various cellular activities.

• Mitochondria are also involved in other tasks, such as signaling between cells and cell
death, otherwise known as apoptosis.

Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER):

Functions:

• Transport of carbohydrates and proteins to another organelle.

• Synthesis of lipids, glycogen, and proteins.
• Production and secretion of steroid hormones.
 • Synthesis of essential lipids such as phospholipids and cholesterol.
• Metabolism of carbohydrates.

Rough ER is involved in protein synthesis, while smooth ER is involved in lipid metabolism and
detoxification.

Ribosomes: Site of protein synthesis where amino acids are assembled into proteins based on
genetic instructions.

• Synthesize proteins.
• They read the genetic code of RNA and use it to build chains of amino acids, which are
the building blocks of proteins.

Golgi Apparatus: Modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids for transport within or
outside the cell.

• Products from the Golgi apparatus go to three main destinations:

(1) inside the cell to lysosomes (2) the plasma membrane (3) outside the cell.
• It receives proteins and lipids from the rough endoplasmic reticulum, modifies some of
them, and sorts, concentrates, and packs them into sealed droplets called vesicles.

Lysosomes: Contain enzymes for breaking down waste materials, cellular debris, and foreign
substances, facilitating cellular digestion and recycling.

• Lysosomes are tiny sacs of enzymes that act as the stomachs of animal cells, digesting
food, waste, and invaders
• Also called as GARBAGE DISPOSAL

Nucleolus: Produces ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and assembles ribosomes.

• One of the most important organelles of eukaryotic cells. Its main function is producing
and assembling subunits which form ribosomes.

Nuclear Membrane: The main function of the nuclear membrane of an animal cell is to
separate and protect the cell's DNA from the cytoplasm.

• covers the nucleus and has nuclear pores that regulate the entry and exit of substances.
• The nuclear membrane creates a distinct environment for the DNA to be processed in.
Vacuole: Handle waste products, and by handle, mean take in waste products and also get rid of
waste products. Sometimes the waste product is water, and therefore a vacuole would have as
its function to maintain the balance of water inside and outside a cell.

Centrioles/ Centrosome: Play a role in organizing spindle fibers during cell division (mitosis and
meiosis).

• Concerned with the cell division. They help in the formation of spindle fibres that
separate the chromosomes during the cell cycle.
• Centrosome is made up of two perpendicular centrioles, a daughter centriole, and a
mother centriole.

Cytoskeleton: Provides structural support, maintains cell shape, and is involved in cell motility
and intracellular transport.

Peroxisomes: Participate in lipid metabolism and detoxify harmful substances in the cell.

• They contain enzymes that break down fatty acids, amino acids, and other organic
molecules, and produce hydrogen peroxide as a byproduct.