Organelles

The cell membrane acts as a barrier and regulates the movement of substances in and out of the cell, maintaining homeostasis.

The cell wall provides structural support and protection to cells in plants and bacteria, helping them maintain their shape and resist external pressures.

The nucleus is often referred to as the 'control center' of the cell, directing all of the cell's activities by controlling gene expression and regulating the synthesis of proteins necessary for cell function.

The cytoplasm is a gel-like mixture composed mostly of water, which allows for the movement of organelles and nutrients within the cell.

The endoplasmic reticulum, specifically the smooth ER, is responsible for moving materials around the cell like a transport highway. It does not produce energy, regulate cell growth and division, or store genetic information.

Ribosomes are the cellular organelles responsible for protein synthesis within the cell. They read the mRNA produced by the nucleus and use it as a template to create proteins.

Mitochondria are often referred to as the powerhouses of the cell because they produce energy in the form of ATP through cellular respiration.

Golgi bodies are responsible for packaging proteins and lipids, as well as moving materials within the cell through vesicles. They do not function as an energy production center, cellular waste disposal site, or genetic material storage facility.

Lysosomes are membrane-bound organelles containing digestive enzymes that break down various biological macromolecules. Their main function is to digest and remove waste materials from the cell.

Vacuoles in plant cells play a crucial role in maintaining turgor pressure and providing structural support.