The document defines and describes the key organelles and structures found within eukaryotic cells. It explains that organelles are specialized structures that perform important functions, and lists and provides brief descriptions of the nucleus, cytoplasm, chromosomes, nucleolus, ribosomes, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, lysosomes, vacuoles, mitochondria, chloroplasts, cytoskeleton, centrioles. The key concepts question asks about the functions of the major cell structures, noting that the nucleus contains the cell's DNA and instructions for making proteins and molecules.
6. Chromosome Threadlike structure within the nucleus containing the genetic information that is passed from one generation of cells to the next.
7. Nucleolus Small, dense region within most nuclei in which the assembly of proteins begins.
8. Ribosome Small particle in the cell on which proteins are assembled; made of RNA and protein.
9. Endoplasmic Reticulum Internal membrane system in cells in which lipid components of the cell membrane are assembled and some proteins are modified.
10. Golgi Apparatus Stack of membranes in the cell that modifies, sorts, and packages proteins from the endoplasmic reticulum.
11. Lysosome Cell organelle filled with enzymes needed to break down certain materials in the cell.
12. Vacuole Cell organelle that stores materials such as water, salts, proteins, and carbohydrates.
13. Mitochondrion Cell organelle that converts the chemical energy stored in food into compounds that are more convenient for the cell to use.
14. Chloroplast Organelle found in cells of plants and some other organisms that captures the energy from sunlight and converts it into chemical energy.
15. Cytoskeleton Network of protein filaments within some cells that helps the cell maintain its shape and is involved in many forms of cell movement.
16. Centriole One of two tiny structures located in the cytoplasm of animal cells near the nuclear envelope.
17. Key Concepts What are the functions of the major cell structures? The nucleus contains nearly all the cell’s DNA and with it the coded instructions for making proteins and other important molecules.