BIO 103

THE CELL
STRUCTURES IN CYTOPLASM
The following are found in the cytoplasm of most cells. Your textbook contains more extensive explanations of these
structures.
1.
endoplasmic reticulum (ER)
An organelle consisting of an extensive system of channels and compartments
a. rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) - ER with ribosomes on its surface; usually involved in the synthesis of
proteins
b. smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER) - ER with no ribosomes on its surface; usually involved in the
synthesis of lipids and other macromolecules
2.
ribosomes
The site of protein synthesis in the cell. It is not considered an organelle because it is not enclosed by a membrane.
This structure can be associated with the ER or they can be free in the cytoplasm.
3.
Golgi Complex (Golgi or Golgi Apparatus)
An organelle that collects, modifies, packages, and distributes molecules.
4.
vesicles
An organelle that consists of a small membrane bound sac that stores substances in a cell.
ex. lysosome - A vesicle that contains a mixture of digestive enzymes which are capable of breaking down
macromolecules. They are sometimes called suicide sacs.
5.
mitochondria (plural) (mitochondrion - singular)
The powerhouse of the cell. The site of cell respiration or oxidative metabolism. Extracts energy from
macromolecules in the presence of oxygen. Mitochondria have two membranes-an outer and an extensively folded
inner membrane. The folds of the inner membrane are called cristae. The interior of the mitochondria is called the
matrix. (Note: DNA is found in the mitochondria and is called mitochondrial DNA. It is only passed from mother to
offspring)
6.
cytoskeleton
A matrix of protein fibers that supports the shape of the cell and anchors organelles. It is a very extensive network.
7.
flagella
A fine, long, threadlike organelle that is used by a cell for locomotion and/or feeding. Cells can have various numbers
of flagella.
8.
cilia
An organelle similar to flagella but usually more numerous, shorter, and in dense rows. They may be used for
locomotion, to assist feeding, or used to move substances across the surface of the cell.
9.
centrioles
An organelle found only in animal and protist cells (not in plants) that assemble and organize microtubules. They
influence cell shape, move chromosomes during cell division, and provide functional internal structure for cilia and
flagella.
STRUCTURES FOUND ONLY IN PLANT CELLS
10. plastids
Organelles in plants cell that store pigments or macromolecules.
ex. chloroplast - A plastid that contains chlorophyll and is the site of photosynthesis. It has an outer and an inner
membrane but it also has inner membranes. These inner membranes form the membranes around the thylakoids.
Thylakoids are flattened sac like membranes formed by the inner membrane. Grana are stacks of thylakoids.
Stroma is the semifluid substance around the thylakoids and inside the inner membrane. Lamella connect adjacent
grana.
11. cell wall
A nonliving layer outside of the plasma membrane in plant cells. It is composed primarily of cellulose.
12. vacuoles
A fluid filled sac, an organelle, that may contain a variety of substances. Plant cells have a large, central vacuole that
pushes other organelles, including the nucleus, toward the plasma membrane. Because of this, you will not be able to
see the nucleus in a plant cell.