CELL MEMBRANE

This acts as a protective skin and contains all the contents of the cell. Importantly, the membrane controls the flow of nutrients and substances in and out of the cell.

CYTOPLASM

All the cellular contents between the cell membrane and nucleus. It is a jelly-like fluid made up of two components; organelles and cytosol.

ORGANELLES

Numerous specialised structures, each having a specialised shape and function within the cell.

NUCLEUS

This is a specialised organelle which controls the cell. The nucleus has two main functions: it contains the DNA of the cell, and it also controls the cell’s activities including growth and reproduction.

GOLGI COMPLEX

An organelle that receives protein from the rough endoplasmic reticulum and repackages it for release at the cell membrane.

MITOCHONDRIA

The cells powerhouse; this organelle converts fats and sugars into energy in the form of Adenosine TriPhosphate (ATP).

NUCLEOLUS

This is a structure in the nucleus that plays an important part in ribosome production.

LYSOSOME

These contain digestive enzymes, this is where the digestion of the cell nutrients takes place. They also dispose of other unwanted substances and any other worn out organelles.

RIBOSOMES

These are responsible for assembling the proteins of the cell.

ROUGH ENDOPLASMIC RECTICULUM

An organelle that assists in transportation of materials through the cell and plays an important role in protein manufacture alongside ribosomes.

SMOOTH ENDOPLASMIC RECTICULUM

An organelle that assists in transportation of materials through the cell and breaks down toxins and fats.

VESICLE

An organelle that secretes cellular substances sited at the cell membrane.