The Golgi Apparatus (or GOLGI Body OR GOLGI COMPLEX):

The “Post Office” of the cell!

A major function of the Golgi Apparatus is the modifying, sorting and packaging of proteins for secretion (Very much like what the Post Office does to mail!) It is also involved in the transport and secretion of lipids (fats) around the cell. The sacs (or folds) are called cisternae (sis-turn- ay). The proteins and lipids come from the Endoplasimic Reticulum (ER) and are made by the ribosomes. The Golgi Apparatus (GA) modifies proteins and then sends them out to the cell in vesicles (“packages”). Incoming vesicles from the Endoplasmic Reticulum (Smooth)

Secretion vesicles containing lipids and proteins.

RIBOSOMES: THE PROTEIN CONSTRUCTION CREW!

Ribosomes are the protein builders (or the protein synthesizers) of the cell. They build proteins by connecting chains of amino acids (the “building blocks”) of protein. They are free floating in the cytoplasm and attached to the Endoplasmic Reticulum (Rough ER). Ribosomes have two parts: a small substrate and a large substrate. Between the two halves, proteins are systhesized using messenger RNA (mRNA).

The Relationship Between the Nucleus, Rough and Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum, and the Golgi Apparatus: Nucleoli make Ribosomes. The Ribosomes leave the Nucleus through the pores. They attach to the Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER), which we then call “rough” endoplasmic reticulum. Some Ribosomes leave the Nucleus and free float in the Cytoplasm.

Vesicles of lipids and proteins secreting for use around the cell. Neither snow Nucleus. nor rain nor heat nor gloom Ribosomes made Vesicles from of night stays these “vesicles” from the by the Nucleoli the ER swift completion of their appointed and exit through containing rounds. – Unofficial US Post Office pores in the proteins and Motto (modified) lipids. Nucleus Envelope.

Golgi Apparatus

Proteins are being

modified and “packaged” and lipids are “packaged”. The

“packages are called vesicles.

MITOCHONDRIA: THE POWERHOUSE OF THE CELL!

Mitochondria are known as the powerhouses of the cell because they breakdown molecules and make chemical energy for use by the cell. The cell needs energy, just like you, to complete the many cellular processes. The work of the mitochondria is called cellular respiration. Mitochondria certainly are tiny and mighty . . . they are one of the smallest organelles in the cell and yet they make a lot of energy!

Cristae

CHLOROPLASTS: KEEPING THE CELL AND THE WORLD GREEN

Chloroplasts contain chlorophyll (Kloor-o-fill) which is green in color and responsible for the color of green leaves, stems, and exposed roots. Chlorophyll is a green pigment that traps light and is responsible for photosynthesis. (We will discuss photosynthesis later!).

PLASTIDS

Plastids store food and pigments.

VACUOLE: THE STORAGE UNIT OF THE CELL

The vacuole is a storage organelle that stores water, wastes, organic, and inorganic molecules. The vacuole may also contain pigments, other than chlorophyll, that are responsible for the yellow, orange, red, and purple. Xanthophylls (zan-thoh-fills) are responsible for the yellow colors; Carotenoids (care-oh-10-noydz) are respsonsible for the oranges; and Anthocyanins (an-thoh-sigh-ans) are responsible for the red and purple colors of leaves and stems in plants.

Vacuole Membrane

Cell sap along with pigments, wastes products, inorganic and organic molecules, and of course, water. Real Images of Plant Cells:

Notice that the Chloroplasts are much bigger than the mitochondria. In the first picture, the vacuole in not shown (probably cut away from the slice). Notice that the Nucleoli are not all fused into a ball. This cell is preparing to divide. The Chromatin is beginning to condense into Chromosomes.