Cell Structure and Components

Study Notes

Mitochondria: site of cellular respiration, generates energy for the cell
Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER): involved in protein synthesis, transport, and storage
Ribosomes: site of protein synthesis
Lysosomes: contain digestive enzymes, break down and recycle cellular waste
Golgi Apparatus: involved in protein modification, sorting, and packaging

Centrioles: involved in the formation of cilia, flagella, and spindle fibers
Cilia: short, hair-like structures involved in movement and sensing
Flagella: long, whip-like structures involved in movement

Thin, flexible layer that surrounds the cell, maintaining cell shape and regulating what enters and leaves the cell
Semi-permeable, allowing certain substances to pass through while keeping others out
Composed of a phospholipid bilayer with embedded proteins that facilitate transport and cell signaling

Rigid layer outside the cell membrane, providing support, protection, and shape in plant cells, bacteria, and some fungi
Composed of cellulose in plant cells, giving them strength and rigidity
Composed of peptidoglycan in bacteria, providing protection and maintaining cell shape

Jelly-like substance inside the cell membrane, making up about 70% of the cell's volume
Contains water, salts, sugars, and various organelles that perform specific functions
Site of many metabolic reactions, including glycolysis, fermentation, and protein synthesis

Mitochondria: generate energy for the cell through cellular respiration, producing ATP
Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER): involved in protein synthesis, transport, and storage, and lipid synthesis
Ribosomes: site of protein synthesis, where mRNA is translated into a polypeptide chain
Lysosomes: contain digestive enzymes that break down and recycle cellular waste, maintaining cellular homeostasis
Golgi Apparatus: involved in protein modification, sorting, and packaging, and lipid synthesis

Controls cell growth, division, and reproduction, regulating gene expression and cell cycle
Contains most of the cell's genetic material, storing DNA in a double-stranded helix
Surrounded by a double membrane called the nuclear envelope, which regulates the flow of molecules

Network of protein filaments that provides structural support, shape, and mechanical strength to the cell
Involved in cell movement, division, and signaling, and provides tracks for motor proteins to move along
Composed of microtubules, microfilaments, and intermediate filaments, each with distinct functions

Chloroplasts: site of photosynthesis, where light energy is converted into ATP and NADPH
Vacuoles: large storage compartments that maintain cellular turgor pressure, storing water, salts, and nutrients
Plastids: involved in pigment synthesis and storage, including chlorophyll and carotenoids

Centrioles: involved in the formation of cilia, flagella, and spindle fibers, regulating cell movement and division
Cilia: short, hair-like structures involved in movement, sensing, and signaling, and clearing debris from the cell surface
Flagella: long, whip-like structures involved in movement, propulsion, and sensing, and regulating cell movement