Cell

Cell
The generalized cell, including
• Cell Membrane: the layer of lipid and protein that controls which materials
pass into and out of the cell; retains the internal cell structure.
• Centriole: bundle of tiny tubes; usually paired and perpendicular to each
other; involved in cell division.
• Cytoplasm: the basic material of the cell outside the nucleus; contains
inclusions (material that does not function as part of the cell) and
organelles (specialized part of the cell).
• Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER): a system of membranous tubes—
Rough ER transports proteins manufactured in the ribosomes;
Smooth ER (round) manufactures steroids in some cells.
• Golgi Complex: layers of membrane-lined sacs that take up and process
secretory products, which are then used by the cell or exported out of
the cell.
7• Lysosome: membrane-lined body of digestive enzymes capable of breaking
down materials, namely foreign substances.
• Microfilament: tiny tube-like structures providing support; composed of
protein (e.g., the proteins actin and myosin that allow contraction in the
skeletal muscle).
• Microtubule: composed of protein; provide structural support within the
cell.
• Microvilli: the cell membrane’s finger-like extensions that cover the surface
of epithelial cells, increasing the surface area of the cell and enhancing
secretion/absorption.
• Mitochondrion: long twisted membranous structures that function in the
production of energy for cell operation.
• Nuclear Membrane: similar in construction to the cell membrane;
regulates passage of materials into the nucleus; separates nucleus from the
cytoplasm.
• Nucleolus: dense rounded mass of protein and RNA in the nucleus;
produces RNA that combines in the cytoplasm to form ribosomes.
• Nucleoplasm: the protoplasm composing the nucleus; contains chromatin
or DNA and related protein; chromatin transforms into chromosomes
during cell division.
• Ribosome: the site of protein manufacture; made up of RNA and proteins
in the cytoplasm.
• Vacuoles/Pinocytotic Vesicles: membranous vessels involved in transport;
can combine or connect with other similar structures (e.g., cell membrane).