This document provides information about the structure and function of various organelles found within cells. It describes 12 main organelles common to both plant and animal cells, including the nucleus, which stores DNA; the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus, which produce and transport molecules; and mitochondria, which generate energy. Two additional organelles are described for plant cells: the cell wall, which provides structure and protection, and chloroplasts, which facilitate photosynthesis. Animal cells have peroxisomes that break down hydrogen peroxide. Overall, the document outlines the key roles of different intracellular structures and how their form relates to their function within the cell.

1. Biology
Unit 2 Notes:
Organelles

2. (1) What is an organelle?
• An organelle is a small structure inside a cell.
• Each organelle has a unique structure and function within that cell.
• Cells rely on organelles to complete the living characteristics, and maintain
homeostasis.

4. (2) The Nucleus
• FUNCTION: Store and protect the cell’s genetic information (or DNA).
• What does it look like?
• A larger ball / sphere.
• Has tiny holes (or pores) on the outside of it for DNA to leave during important
processes.

6. (3) The Endoplasmic Reticulum
• FUNCTION: Produce Lipids and Hormones, and then ship lipids—hormones—
and proteins to their proper location inside the cell.
• What does it look like?
• Uneven, branched rows (like a maze).
• Directly surrounds the nucleus.

8. (4) The Golgi Body / Apparatus
• FUNCTION: Package, Sort, and Ship the different biomolecules and
enzymes/proteins to their proper destination inside the cell (or outside to
another cell).
• What does it look like?
• Squiggly layers of pancakes.
• Directly near the edge of the cell.

10. (5) The Mitochondria
• FUNCTION: Produce ATP for the cell using Cellular Respiration.
• What does it look like?
• Kidney bean with a squiggly line inside of it.

12. (6) The Lysozome
• FUNCTION: Contain digestive enzymes to break down useless/non-functioning
cell parts.
• What does it look like?
• A small sphere.
• May have dots inside to represent its enzymes.
• Same as a Peroxisome.

14. (7) The Cell Membrane
• FUNCTION: Control what enters and exits the cell, along with providing
minimal cell structure/shape.
• What does it look like?
• The outer-covering of the cell.
• Looks like the line drawn around to represent the cell.

16. (8) The Centrosome
• FUNCTION: Help organize DNA strands during Cell Division.
• What does it look like?
• Bundles of churros / sticks / tubes.

18. (9) The Cytoplasm
• FUNCTION: Hold all organelles, and allow for molecules to move throughout
the cell.
• What does it look like?
• Has no appearance on paper.
• It is the “filling” of a cell.
• We would say it looks like the “empty space” in a cell.

20. (10) Small Vacuoles & Vesicles
• FUNCTION: Store molecules (like sugars, proteins, salts, enzymes) until they
reach their final destination or are used.
• What does it look like?
• Tiny bubbles.

22. (11) The Ribosome
• FUNCTION: Connect amino acids together to form complex proteins (or
polypeptides).
• What does it look like?
• Tiny dots.
• You’ll find them floating around the inside of the cell, and on the endoplasmic
reticulum.

24. (12) Special Organelles to Plants
• Cell Wall:
• FUNCTION: Provide extra structure, support and protection to the outside of the cell.
• What does it look like?
An extra, more boxy covering on the outside of a plant cell.
• Chloroplast:
• FUNCTION: Convert unusable light-energy into chemical potential energy stored in sugar, using
Photosynthesis.
• What does it look like?
A bean with stacks of discs on the inside.
• Enlarged Vacuole:
• FUNCTION: Store extra water for plants to use during Photosynthesis, and to also help maintain
rigidity.
• What does it look like?
A giant bubble.

26. (13) Special Organelles to Animals
• Peroxisome:
• FUNCTION: Break down harmful hydrogen peroxide produced in the cell, using the
enzyme catalase.
• What does it look like?
A small sphere.
May have dots inside to represent its enzymes.
Same as a Lysosome.