g11 Els Organelles
g11 Els Organelles
g11 Els Organelles
1) All organisms are made up of one or more cells and the 2. RIBOSOMES
products of those cells.
Ribosomes are small particles which are found individually
2) All cells carry out life activities ( require energy, in the cytoplasm and also line the membranes of the rough
grow, have a limited size). endoplasmic reticulum. Ribosomes produce protein. They
could be thought of as "factories" in the cell.
3) New cells arise only from other living cells by the
process of cell division.
THE THREE MAIN COMPONENTS OF ANY PLANT OR ANIMAL CELL ARE: Golgi bodies are stacks of flattened membranous stacks (they
look like pancakes!). The Golgi Body temporarily stores
1. PLASMA MEMBRANE/ CELL MEMBRANE protein which can then leave the cell via vesiciles pinching
off from the Golgi.
Structure- a bilipid membraneous layer composed of proteins
and carbohydrates. It is fluid like.
Function - the cell membrane separates the cell from its 4. LYSOSOMES
external environment, and is selectively permeable (controls
what gets in and out). It protects the cell and provides Lysosomes are small sac-like structures surrounded by a
stability. single membrane and containing strong digestive enzymes
which when released can break down worn out organelles or
Proteins are found embedded within the plasma membrane, with food. The lysosome is also known as a suicide sac.
some extending all the way through in order to transport
materials.
5.
3. CENTRAL VACUOLE Chloroplasts
(plant cells only)
The central vacuole is a large fluid-filled vacuole found in Chloroplasts are the sites of photosynthesis within plant
plants. cells.
#2 6.
Golgi Apparatus
Membrane-bound Organelles The Golgi apparatus modifies, sorts and packages
macromolecules for delivery to other organelles or secretion
Organelle Type from the cell via exocytosis - see (9.) below.
Main Functions (not necessarily all functions):
7.
1. Lysosomes
Nucleus Lysosomes (tiny sacs containing enzymes) are the main sites
'Control Center' of the cell. of intracellular digestion. They enable the cell to make use
Contains the cell's DNA (genetic information) in the form of of nutrients. Their functions can be listed as:
genes. Autophagy - digestion of materials from within the cell.
Re. Heterophagy - digestion of materials originating from
Nucleic Acids outside the cell.
*Sequestration and *replication of DNA. Biosynthesis - recycling unwanted products of chemical
*Transcription and *modification of RNA. reactions to process materials received from outside the
Contains one or more nucleoli (plural, singular word = cell.
nucleolus) whose functions include: Lysosomes also destroy the cell - usually after it has died.
Nucleoli
Biosynthesis of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and production 8.
(assembly) of ribosomes. Peroxisomes
(also called "microbodies" - smaller than lysosomes and
2. contain specific enzymes)
Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (RER) Similar to (but smaller than) lysosomes, the metabolic
Consists of many interconnected membranous sacs called functions of peroxisomes include:
cisternae, onto whose external surface ribosomes are Breakdown of fatty acids by beta-oxidation
attached (distinguishing RER from SER on electron Breakdown excess purines to urea
micrographs). Breakdown of toxic compounds e.g. in the cells of the liver
Ribosomes and kidney.
Produce polypeptides that are then either ... also play a role in the biosynthesis of certain important
inserted into the RER membrane, or molecules incl. cholesterol and (in liver cells) bile acids
moved into the lumen (central region) of the cisternae, or derived from cholesterol.
moved to the Golgi complex and probably onwards from there.
In lumen of cisternae 9.
Produce proteins that are then either ...
retained within vesicles, or Secretory vesicles
secreted from the cell (via secretory vesicles - see below). (sometimes called simply "vesicles")
3.
Microtubules
(formed from tubulin)
As the main "building blocks" forming the cytoskeleton - the
cell's framework within which all components of the cell are
held in position or allowed restricted movement.
Movement of materials and structures within cells e.g. help
form the miotic spindle during the "prophase" part of cell
division by mitosis.
For further detail see functions of microtubules.
4.
Intermediate Filaments
(formed from intermediate filament proteins, e.g. keratin)
Intermediate filaments are important for maintaining the
mechanical structure of cells. There are different types of
intermediate filaments that can be identified according to
the protein from which they are formed. The different types
of intermediate filaments occur in different types of cells
and therefore provide structural support (to the cell) in
slightly different ways.
E.g. neurofilaments in the axons of neurons are involved in
the radial growth of the axon, so determine its diameter as
well as contributing strength and rigidity to the cell.
5.
Junctions