Parts of Eukaryotes
By Nichol Henderson
Cytoplasm
The cytoplasm is found in all cells and acts as the transfer medium within the cell.
Nucleus
The nucleus is only found in Eukaryotic cells. It is responsible for storing DNA and controlling the majority of processes within the cell.
Ribosomes
Found in all cells, ribosomes are responsible for making proteins using coded instructions from the nucleus.
Cytoskeleton
The cytoskeleton is important for maintaining the shape of the cell and is found in all cells.
Cell Wall
The cell wall is only found in plant cells and is important for maintaining the shape of a cell and protecting the cell.
Cell Membrane
Found in all cells, the cell membrane is used to control what enters and leaves a cell and to protect the cell in this way.
Nucleolus
Found in all eukaryotic cells, the nucleolus is found in the nucleus and it is what makes the ribosomes.
Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum
Found in all eukaryotes, the Rough ER is an internal membrane system covered in ribosomes. This is where proteins are assembled.
Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum
The Smooth ER us an internal membrane system found in all eukaryotes where lipids are assembled.
Golgi Apparatus
The Golgi Apparatus is an organelle that is responsible for modifying, sorting, and packaging proteins and other materials. It is found in all eukaryotes.
Mitochondria
The Mitochondria is an internal membrane system found in all eukaryotes that is responsible for powering the cell. It converts food to ATP and is where cellular respiration takes place.
Chloroplasts
This organelle is only found in plant cells. Chloroplasts capture energy from sunlight and converts it to chemical energy.
Centrioles
This organelle is only found in animal cells. Centrioles organizes the chromosomes during cell division.
Lysosomes
Found in all eukaryotes, lysosomes break down lipids, carbohydrates, and proteins.
Vacuole
Vacuoles can be found in both plant and animal cells, but are more predominant in plant cells and are used to store materials.
Nuclear Envelope
Nuclear Envelopes are the double membranes that surround the nucleus in all eukaryotic cells. It is used to protect the nucleus and control what can go in and out of the nucleus.