Organelles in Animal Cells

Organelles in Animal Cells

Nucleus

• Control center of the cell
• Contains most of the cell's genetic material (DNA)
• Surrounded by a double membrane called the nuclear envelope

Mitochondria

• Often referred to as the "powerhouses" of the cell
• Responsible for generating energy for the cell through cellular respiration
• Have their own DNA, known as mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)

Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)

• A network of membranous tubules and cisternae
• Involved in several functions:
  • Protein synthesis and transport
  • Lipid synthesis
  • Detoxification

Ribosomes

• Small organelles found throughout the cytoplasm
• Responsible for protein synthesis
• Can be free-floating or attached to the ER

Lysosomes

• Membrane-bound sacs containing digestive enzymes
• Responsible for breaking down and recycling cellular waste and foreign substances

Golgi Apparatus

• A complex of flattened sacs and tubules
• Involved in:
  • Protein modification and packaging
  • Lipid synthesis and transport
  • Cell signaling

Cytoskeleton

• A network of protein filaments that provides structural support and shape to the cell
• Composed of:
  • Microtubules
  • Microfilaments
  • Intermediate filaments

Peroxisomes

• Small organelles involved in the breakdown of fatty acids and amino acids
• Contain enzymes that catalyze oxidation reactions

Centrioles

• Small, cylindrical organelles involved in the formation of cilia and flagella
• Also play a role in the separation of chromosomes during cell division