Organelles – Structure and Function

Inside eukaryotic cells, there are many specialized structures, each performing specific functions.

What is the general term for well-defined subcellular structures enveloped in membranes?

This organelle is the control center of the cell, containing the genetic material in the form of chromosomes.

The large organelle containing chromosomes is the 1($).

When a cell is not dividing, there is a conspicuous dark area visible within the nucleus.

What is this structure called, and what does it contain?

The nucleus is enclosed by a double-layered boundary that separates it from the cytoplasm.

The nucleus is bounded by the 1($), which consists of two complete membranes similar in structure to the plasma membrane.

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is found throughout the cytoplasm and plays a critical role in cell metabolism.

What is the primary purpose of the greatly increased surface area it provides?

The endoplasmic reticulum comes in two forms: one lined with small particles (rough ER), and one without (smooth ER).

What are these small particles — the actual sites of protein synthesis — called?

Besides occurring singly on the endoplasmic reticulum or freely in the cytoplasm, some ribosomes group together.

Ribosomes that occur in clumps or clusters are collectively known as 1($) or 2($).

Certain synthesized materials from the ribosomes travel along the endoplasmic reticulum to the Golgi apparatus.

Select ALL correct statements about the role of the Golgi apparatus.

This organelle is responsible for breaking down particles taken in by pinocytosis or phagocytosis, and can also break down old parts of the cell.

Often referred to as the powerhouse of the cell, mitochondria produce the molecule that powers most cellular activities.

Mitochondria supply the cell with chemical energy in the form of 1($).

The mitochondrion has two membranes. The inner membrane is highly folded to increase surface area.

These inwardly directed folds of the inner mitochondrial membrane are called 1($), and they extend into a semifluid 2($).

Plastids are organelles found in plant cells and come in several types depending on their contents. Match each type to its description.

Plastids are organelles found in plant cells and come in several types depending on their contents. Match each type to its description.

Chloroplasts are best known for containing chlorophyll, the green pigment used in photosynthesis. However, they also contain additional pigments.

What are these additional pigments in chloroplasts?

Plant cells often dedicate a large portion of their internal volume to a single membrane-bound, fluid-filled space.

Much of the total volume of most plant cells is made up of a single 1($).

Vacuoles are membrane-bound fluid-filled spaces. The specific membrane that encloses the vacuole has its own name.

The membrane surrounding the vacuole is called the 1($).

Inside the cytoplasm, long thin protein fibers play an important role in maintaining cell structure and enabling cell movement.

These fibers are only about six nanometers in diameter. What are they called?

A phenomenon visible in many plant cells under the light microscope involves the continuous movement of cytoplasm within the cell.

This constant movement is called 1($).

Drag each organelle into the correct category based on where it is found.

Drag each organelle into the correct category based on where it is found.

Each organelle in the cell has a specific primary function. Match the organelle on the left to its correct function on the right.

Each organelle in the cell has a specific primary function. Match the organelle on the left to its correct function on the right.

Plastids have an internal structure consisting of membranes (lamellae) and a surrounding protein-rich fluid.

The proteinaceous matrix inside plastids is known as the 1($).