Year 11 Biology: Structure and Function of Cell Organelles

Deep dive into structure and function of cell organelles

The following images are electron micrographs which allow us to take a closer look at the graphs and functions of cells.

Cell Membrane

Function: Surrounds a cell, allows certain materials to enter the cell and waste products to exit.

Outer membrane of the cell that controls movement in and out of the cell.

Double layer (we will learn about the structure of this in the next few weeks)

 

Cell Wall

Function: Tough material surrounding the cell membrane in plant cells.

Most commonly found in plant cells and bacteria.

Supports and protects cells.

Nucleus

Function: Directs cell activities

Separated from cytoplasm by nuclear membrane.

Contains genetic material DNA.

Cytoplasm

Function: All the material of the cell between the cell membrane and the nucleus.

Gel-like mixture

Surrounded by cell membrane

Contains hereditary material

Mitochondria

Function: The powerhouse of the cell.

Mitochondria combine oxygen and food to produce energy in the process of cellular respiration.

Controls level of water and other materials in cell.

Chloroplast

Function: Uses the energy in sunlight to turn water wand carbon dioxide into sugar and oxygen (a process called photosynthesis)

Usually found in plant cells.

Contains green, light-absorbing chlorophyll.

Vacuole

Function: Membrane-bound sacs for storage, digestion, and waste removal.

Contains water solution.

Larger in-plant cells.

Help plants maintain shape by storing water.

Ribosome

Function: Cell structure that makes protein, for proper cell functioning including cell repair and metabolism.

Found floating within the cytoplasm or attached to the (rough) endoplasmic reticulum.

 

Lysosome

Function: Contain digestive enzymes

Digest excess or worn out organelles, food particles and engulfed viruses or bacteria. It is known as the garbage disposal system of the cell.

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