nucleolus

nucleolus – portion of chromatin associated with production of ribosomes

chromatin

chromatin - primarily strands of DNA that contain the instructions for the control of cell functions by production of enzymes.

nuclear envelop

nuclear envelop – a double plasma membrane that separates nucleoplasm from the rest of the cell.

mitochondrion

mitochondrion – membranous structure that contains the enzymes necessary for cellular respiration which releases energy used by the cell to power its activities.

Golgi body

Golgi body (apparatus) – series of flattened sacs where proteins are prepared for export from the cell.

Endoplasmic reticulum

endoplasmic reticulum – series of tubes (channels) responsible for the transport of large molecules that cannot normally pass through the cell membrane.

ribosomes

ribosomes – tiny granules that provide the site for the synthesis of proteins.

vacuole

vacuole – a chamber surrounded by a plasma membrane used for storage, primarily water.

lysosomes

lysosomes – tiny storage chambers used to hold digestive (hydrolytic) enzymes. These enzymes are used to digest food and destroy invaders.

microbodies

microbodies – similar to lysosomes except that they hold enzymes that are not usually used in digestion.

microtubules

microtubules – tiny protein tubes; part of the cytoskeleton used primarily for support.

microfilament

microfilament – tiny polymers; part of the cytoskeleton associated with cellular movement.

centriole

Centrioles – a cluster of fibers (made of the same material as the cytoskeleton) that are found only in animal cells and insure the chromosomes are properly positioned during mitosis.

cell membrane

Cell membrane – composed of proteins, phospholipids, and carbohydrates; it regulates the movement of materials in and out of the cell.

hyaloplasm

Hyaloplasm – the liquid part of the cytoplasm that serves as a medium in which the other organelles are suspended.