Organelle

 

Organelles and Their Functions (Simple Form)

1. Nucleus

• The nucleus is the control center of the cell.
• It stores DNA.
• It tells the cell what to do.

2. Mitochondria

• Mitochondria are the powerhouse of the cell.
• They make energy (ATP) for the cell.

3. Ribosomes

• Ribosomes make proteins.
• They can float in the cytoplasm or attach to the rough ER.

4. Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (Rough ER)

• Rough ER has ribosomes on it.
• It helps make and fold proteins.

5. Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum (Smooth ER)

• Smooth ER has no ribosomes.
• It makes lipids (fats) and helps detoxify chemicals.

6. Golgi Apparatus

• Golgi apparatus is like the post office of the cell.
• It packages, sorts, and sends proteins to where they need to go.

7. Lysosomes

• Lysosomes are the clean-up crew.
• They break down waste, old cell parts, and bacteria.

8. Peroxisomes

• Peroxisomes break down toxins, especially fats and harmful chemicals.

9. Cytoplasm

• Cytoplasm is a jelly-like fluid.
• It holds all organelles in place.

10. Cell Membrane

• The cell membrane is the outer layer of the cell.
• It controls what enters and what leaves the cell.
• It gives the cell its shape.

11. Centrioles

• Centrioles help the cell divide during mitosis.

12. Vacuoles

• Vacuoles store water and nutrients.
• Plant cells have one large vacuole.
• Animal cells have small vacuoles.

13. Chloroplasts

 

(only in plant cells)

• Chloroplasts make food for plants using sunlight.
• This is called photosynthesis.

14. Cell Wall

 

(plants, fungi, bacteria — but NOT animals)

• The cell wall gives strength and protection.
• Plant cell walls are made of cellulose.