Cell Parts and Functions Quiz

Cell Parts and Functions

• Nucleus: The control center of the cell. Controls all cellular activities and is the sole site for chromosome reproduction.

Cell Membrane

• Cell Membrane: A structure that regulates the movement of substances into and out of the cell.

Cell Wall

• Cell Wall: An extra layer found in plant cells. A tough, supportive structure made of cellulose, protecting the cell from damage.

Cytoplasm

• Cytoplasm: Fills the cell and holds the organelles in place. Also aids in waste product breakdown.

Mitochondria

• Mitochondria: Often called the powerhouse of the cell. Responsible for energy production, vital for cellular growth and reproduction.

Ribosomes

• Ribosomes: Small, granular structures composed of RNA and proteins. Involved in protein production.

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum (SER)

• SER: A branching network (without ribosomes) involved in transporting large molecules within the cell. Sometimes referred to as the quality control unit of the cell.

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (RER)

• Rough ER: An organelle where many ribosomes are attached. Transporters for proteins produced by ribosomes.

Golgi Bodies

• Golgi Bodies: "Shippers of the cell." Package, modify, and transport materials within or outside the cell.

Vacuoles

• Vacuoles: "Refrigerator" of the cell. Membrane-bound organelles that store food, enzymes, and other cellular materials.

Vesicles

• Vesicles: "Jeepneys of the cell." Organelles that carry substances within or outside the cell. Necessary for transporting food into the cell.

Lysosomes

• Lysosomes: "Little stomachs" of the cell. Contain enzymes that break down worn-out organelles. Crucial for digestion and waste removal.

Centrosomes & Centrioles

• Centrosomes: Dense regions of cytoplasm that act as microtubule organizing centers.
• Centrioles: Barrel-shaped structures, perpendicular to each other, part of the centrosome, that aid in cell division.

Plastids

• Plastids: Involved in food production, particularly photosynthesis. Contain ribosomes and DNA.
• Chloroplasts: Found in green plants, contain chlorophyll.
• Chromoplasts: Found in yellow/orange plants in flowers/fruits/leaves.
• Leucoplasts: Colorless plastids that store carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.

Cytoskeleton

• Cytoskeleton: A network of thin, fibrous elements, providing structural support, and involved in cell movement, similar to the bones and muscles of the cell.