Organelles in Eukaryotic cells

Nucleus:

Diameter of nucleus: 20μm

Nuclear envelope: Double membrane surrounding the nucleus.

Continuous with endoplasmic reticulum of cell often containing
ribosomes on its surface. Controls entry and exit of materials in
nucleus.
Nuclear pores: Allow passage of large molecules such as messenger
RNA. Around 3000 pores per nucleus.
Nucleoplasm: Granular, jelly-like material which makes up the
bulk of the nucleus.
Chromatin: Found within nucleoplasm and composed DNA and
associated proteins. When cell divides, the chromatin condenses
into chromosomes. Comprises heterochromatin and euchromatin.
Nucleolus: Small spherical body within the nucleoplasm. Makes
ribosomal RNA and assembles ribosomes.
Functions:
• Control centre of cell through production of mRNA and protein
synthesis.
• Retain the genetic material of the cell in form of DNA/
chromosomes.
• Manufacture rRNA and ribosomes.
• Start the process of cell division.

Ribosomes:

They are small cytoplasmic granules found in cells. They may

occur in the cytoplasm or be associated with the RER.
There are two types, depending on the type of cells in which they
are formed.
• 80s type, found in eukaryotic cells, is around 25nm in
diameter.
• 60s type, found in prokaryotic cells, is slightly smaller than
80s.
Each ribosome has two sub-units - one large and one small - each
of which contains ribosomal RNA and protein. Despite their small
size, they occur in huge numbers and they can account 25% of the
dry mass of a cell. Important in protein synthesis.

The Endoplasmic Reticulum:

Elaborate three-dimensional system of sheet-like membranes

spreading through the cytoplasm of cells.
Continuous with the nuclear membrane. Membranes enclose
flattened sacs called cisternae.

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum: Has ribosomes present on the

outer surface of the membrane.
Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum: Lacks ribosomes on surface and
has a more tubular appearance.
Functions:
• Provides a large surface area for synthesis of proteins (RER).
• Provides a pathway for transport of materials (proteins)
throughout the cell (RER).
• Synthesizes, stores and transports lipids (SER).
• Synthesizes, stores and transports carbohydrates (SER).
• Contains lytic enzymes (SER).

The Golgi Apparatus:

Occurs in most eukaryotic cells, and is similar to SER in
structure. Consists of a stack of membranes which make up the
cisternae and associated hollow vesicles. Proteins and lipids
produced by the ER are passed through the Golgi apparatus. Golgi
modifies these proteins by adding carbohydrates. It 'labels' them so
they are accurately sorted and sent to correct destinations.
Functions:
• Adds carbohydrates to proteins to form glycoproteins such as
mucin.
• Produces secretory enzymes like the ones secreted by the
pancreas.
• Secretes proteins such as the ones used in making plant cell
wall.
• Transforms, modifies and stores lipids.
• Forms lysosomes.
Lysosomes:

Are formed when the vesicles produced by the Golgi apparatus

include within them enzymes such as proteases and lipases. Up to
50 molecules of such enzymes may be contained in one lysosome.
Diameter: 1μm. They isolate potentially harmful enzymes from
the rest of the cell, before releasing them outside the cell or to a
phagocytic vesicle within the cell.
Functions:
• Break down materials ingested by phagocytic cells like white
blood cells or amoeba.
• (Exocytosis) release enzymes to the outside of the cell in order to
destroy material around the cell.
• (Autophagy) digest worn out organelles so that useful
 chemicals can be re-used.
• (Autolysis) completely break down cells after they have died.

Vacuoles:

A vesicle found in the cytoplasm of a cell.

Functions:
• Intracellular secretion.
• Excretion.
• Storage.
• Digestion.
It may contain fluid, food or metabolic waste.
Chloroplasts:

Found in eukaryotic cells which photosynthesize. They are flat

discs. Diameter: 2-10 μm and 1 μm thickness.
Chloroplast envelope: Double membrane. Inner one is folded into a
series of lamellae. Controls entry/exit of substance of the
chloroplast.
Stoma: Colourless, gelatinous matrix which contains enzymes
necessary for the light independent stage of photosynthesis.
Small amounts of oil and DNA are found in stoma.
Grana: Structures that look like a stack of coins. Typically 50
grana per chloroplast, and each is made up of 100 stacked,
flattened sacs called thylakoids. Therefore, grana carry out the
light dependent stage of photosynthesis.
Starch grains: Act as temporary stores of carbohydrate produced
during photosynthesis.

Mitochondria:

Diameter: 1-10 μm.

Double membrane: Outer part controls enter/exit of materials.
Inner part is folded to form cristae.
Cristae: Shelf-like extensions of inner membrane, some of which
extend all across the width of the mitochondrion. Provide a larger
surface area for the attachment of structures called stalked
particles. These particles contain enzymes for ATP.
Matrix: Semi-rigid material containing protein, lipids and traces
of DNA that allow to control production of their own proteins.
Enzymes involved in Krebs cycle are made in the matrix.
Functions:
• Acts as a site for the Krebs cycle and oxidative phosphorylation
stages of respiration.
• Responsible for the production of ATP rich molecules.

Cilia:
Threads that extend from the cell surface. Typically 3-4μm long.
Functions:
• Move an entire organism.
• Move material within an organism.

Centriole:
Hollow cylinders 0.5μm in length and 0.2μm in diameter.
Functions:
• Microtubules within the centrioles for the spindle fibers during
nuclear division and so position and move chromosomes during
the process.
• May be involved in the formation of Microtubules that make up
the cytoskeleton of the cell.

Tonoplast:
Cytoplasmic membrane surrounding the vacuole, separating the
vacuolar contents from the cytoplasm in a cell.
Functions:
• Involved in regulating the movements of ions around the cell,
and isolating materials that might be harmful or a threat to the
cell.