Eukaryotic Cell Structures Vocabulary

Front 1

Nucleus

Back 1

A large membrane bound structure that contains the cell's genetic material and controls the majority of the cell's activities. Control center of the cell. Contains DNA.

Front 2

Cytoplasm

Back 2

The area outside of the nucleus where specialized organelles are found.

Front 3

Cell membrane

Back 3

The thin, flexible barrier surrounding the cell.

Front 4

Nuclear envelope

Back 4

A double membrane that envelops the nucleus.

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Nuclear pores

Back 5

Area where information can flow in and out of the nucleus and membrane.

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Nucleolus

Back 6

Where the assembly of ribosomes begins.

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Ribosomes

Back 7

The site where proteins are synthesized. Small particles of RNA and proteins found throughout the cytoplasm either free- floating or attached to the endoplasmic reticulum.

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Endoplasmic Reticulum

Back 8

Transports materials through a cell; it is also where lipid components of the cell membrane are assembled along with proteins.

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Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum

Back 9

The portion of the ER that is involved in protein synthesis. Called "rough" ER because it has ribosomes along its surface.

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Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum

Back 10

Does not have any ribosomes on it's surface.

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Golgi Apparatus

Back 11

An organelle that sorts, modifies and packages proteins and other material from the ER for storage in the cell or secretion out of the cell.

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Lysosomes

Back 12

Carry out intracellular digestion. Filled with enzymes that help to break down lipids, carbohydrates and proteins into small molecules that can be used by the rest of the cell. Break down unwanted material in the cell.

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Vesicles

Back 13

Saclike structures, found in most cells, which store materials.

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Vacuole

Back 14

A vesicle which contains mostly water.

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Chloroplasts

Back 15

The organelles that convert energy form the sun into energy that can be used by plant cells and some other organisms. The site of photosynthesis.

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Cytoskeleton

Back 16

A network of protein filaments that helps support the cell and helps with movement.

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Microfilaments

Back 17

Threadlike structures made of actin. They help support the cell and help the cell move.

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Microtubules

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Hollow structures made up of tubulins. They help maintain cell shape, assist in cell division, and help build flagella and cilia.

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Centrioles

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Found in the cytoplasm during cell division. They are not visible at other times of the cell cycle, but are present in a area of the cytoplasm called the centrosome. Composed of microtubules.

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DNA

Back 20

Provides the instructions for making proteins and other important molecules. Holds the hereditary genetic information of an organism.

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Organelles

Back 21

Structures in a cell with specific functions.

Front 22

Mitochondria

Back 22

Organelles that convert stored energy, from food, into energy that can be used by the cell. The site of cellular respiration.