Eukaryotic Cell Organelle Functions

Cell Membrane• Determines what goes in and out of the cell. • Protects and supports cell.

Cytoplasm• A fluid that supports and protects cell’s organelles.• Contains some nutrients for cells.

Nuclear Membrane• Determines what goes into and out of the nucleus.• DNA is too large but RNA is small enough to pass through the pores in

the nuclear membrane.

Nucleus• Directs cell activities • Contains chromatin and nucleolus• Chromatin is genetic material (DNA- chromosomes contain instructions for

traits)• Nucleolus- makes ribosomes that make proteins

Ribosome• Organelle consisting of 2 parts called subunits.• Makes proteins

Vacuole• Storage, digestion, and waste removal• In plants, vacuoles help maintain shape.

Lysosome• Aids in removing excess or worn out organelles, food particles,

bacteria, and viruses• Contain enzymes that break down substances• Garbage disposer

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum (SER)• Transports proteins and breaks down drugs in the cell• Does not contain ribosomes.

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (RER)• Transports proteins and breaks down drugs in the cell.• Covered in ribosomes which make proteins to be transferred.

Mitochondria• Powerhouse of the cell• Produces energy from sugar through chemical reactions (cellular

respiration)• Double membrane

Golgi Body• Processes and packages proteins and lipids• Moves materials within and out of the cell in small sacs called

vesicles• AKA golgi complex, golgi apparatus

Cell Wall• Found only in plant cells and bacteria cells• Supports and protects cells

Chloroplast• Found in plant cells• Contains green chlorophyll• Primary function is for use during photosynthesis converting sunlight

to glucose (sugar) for the plant to use for energy.