Cell Organelles and Structures

Ribosomes that create proteins used within the cell, such as some hormones and digestive enzymes.

Organelle in cells that modifies and packages proteins.

Flattened, membrane-bound sacs in the Golgi apparatus.

Proteins are modified by the enzymes of the Golgi Apparatus.

The Golgi Apparatus receives protein-filled vesicles from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER).

Lysosomes are membrane-bound vesicles formed by the Golgi apparatus.

Lysosomes contain powerful enzymes that break down large molecules into smaller components.

Lysosomes digest materials that enter the cell from the outside, like bacteria or food particles.

Lysosomes also break down worn-out or damaged parts of the cell, helping to maintain cellular health.

The enzymes within lysosomes are very powerful and would damage the cell if released.

These organelles are responsible for breaking down food using oxygen to produce energy in the form of ATP.

Mitochondria are found in abundance in muscle and nerve cells because these cells require significant energy for their functions.

The process of breaking down food with oxygen to produce energy inside mitochondria is called cellular respiration.

ATP stands for adenosine triphosphate, a molecule that provides energy for cellular processes.

The breakdown of food using oxygen in mitochondria to produce energy is called aerobic respiration.

A network of protein fibers that provides structural support for the cell and anchors organelles in place.

Long, thin fibers found in bundles within the cytoskeleton. They are made up of actin protein.

The process by which cells breakdown and recycle their own components.

A specialized structure within the cell responsible for breaking down large molecules into smaller components.

Powerful enzymes found in lysosomes that break down molecules.

Microtubules are thin cylinders found within cells that are larger than microfilaments. They are composed of a protein called tubulin.

Along with microfilaments, microtubules play a crucial role in maintaining the shape of a cell and directing the movement of cellular components.

Microtubules are essential for the structural integrity of cells, and their breakdown can lead to cellular damage.

Exposure to sunlight and aging can break down the fibers in our skin, which are partly composed of microtubules. This is why our skin becomes thinner with age.

Centrioles are small, cylindrical structures found in pairs near the nucleus of a cell. Each centriole is made up of nine microtubule triplets arranged in a circular pattern.

Centrioles are involved in the formation of microtubules, which are essential for cell division. They help to organize the spindle fibers that pull chromosomes apart during mitosis and meiosis.

Centrioles are always found in pairs, and these pairs are positioned at right angles to each other. This arrangement is crucial for their function in cell division.

The microtubules within centrioles are arranged in a specific pattern: nine microtubule triplets in a circular formation. This structure is essential for their role in cell division.

Centrioles are essential for the proper organization and separation of chromosomes during cell division. Without them, cells would not be able to divide accurately, leading to problems with growth and development.