6 Cell Organelles | Britannica

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Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. </div> <div class="label mt-20 mb-10">Select Citation Style</div> <select class="js-citation-format-select form-select"> <option selected value="mla">MLA</option> <option value="apa">APA</option> <option value="chicago">Chicago Manual of Style</option> </select> <div class="citation font-serif border rounded p-15 mt-20" data-authors="Melissa Petruzzello" data-title="6 Cell Organelles" data-published-date="2 Sep. 2014" data-url="https://www.britannica.com/list/6-cell-organelles" > <div class="citation-text"></div> </div> <button class="js-copy-citation-button mt-20 btn btn-xs btn-outline-blue border shadow-sm pr-10" > <em class="material-icons md-icon ml-n10 my-n5 mr-5" data-icon="file_copy"></em> <span class="js-citation-status-text">Copy Citation</span> </button> </div> </div> </div> <div> <button class="js-share-modal-button js-modal gtm-topic-tool btn btn-xs btn-outline-blue border shadow-sm pr-10" data-modal=".md-share-modal"> <em class="material-icons md-icon ml-n10 my-n5 mr-5" data-icon="share"></em> Share </button> <div class="md-share-modal size-lg d-none qa-share-modal"> <div class="md-modal-body"> <div class="h2 font-serif d-flex align-items-center pb-15 border-bottom"> <em class="material-icons text-blue mr-10" data-icon="share"></em> Share </div> <div class="label my-20">Share to social media</div> <div class="md-social-toolbar-circle d-flex align-items-start inverted" data-value="share" title="6 Cell Organelles" data-url="https://www.britannica.com/list/6-cell-organelles" > <a class="social-icon facebook justify-content-center d-flex align-items-center align-self-center" data-provider="facebook" href="https://www.facebook.com/BRITANNICA/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span>Facebook</span></a> <a class="social-icon x justify-content-center d-flex align-items-center align-self-center" data-provider="x" href="https://x.com/britannica" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span>X</span></a> </div> <div class="label pt-20 mt-20 mb-5 border-top">URL</div> <a class="font-serif text-truncate d-inline-block" href="https://www.britannica.com/list/6-cell-organelles">https://www.britannica.com/list/6-cell-organelles</a> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="md-byline module-spacing font-14"> <div class="font-serif font-12"> <span class="written-by text-gray-700"> Written by </span> <div class="editor-popover popover p-0"> <a class="d-block p-20 gtm-byline font-12 byline-contributor" href="/editor/Melissa-Petruzzello/9400228" > <div class="editor-title font-16 font-weight-bold">Melissa Petruzzello</div> <div class="editor-description font-12 font-serif mt-5 clamp-description text-black">Melissa Petruzzello is Assistant Managing Editor and covers a range of content including plants, algae, and fungi; insects and spiders; and renewable energy and environmental engineering. She has her M.S....</div> </a> <div data-popper-arrow></div> </div> <span class="btn btn-link editor-link p-0 qa-byline-link gtm-byline font-12 byline-contributor text-decoration-underline"> Melissa Petruzzello</span></div> <div class="font-serif font-12 text-gray-700"> <span class="qa-fact-checked-by">Fact-checked by</span> <div class="editor-popover popover p-0"> <a class="d-block p-20 font-12" href="/editor/The-Editors-of-Encyclopaedia-Britannica/4419" > <div class="editor-title font-16 font-weight-bold">The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica</div> <div class="editor-description font-12 font-serif mt-5 text-black">Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors.</div> </a> <div data-popper-arrow></div> </div> <span class="btn btn-link editor-link p-0 qa-byline-link font-12 "> The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica</span></div></div> </div> <article class="topic-content content"><div class="topic-paragraph font-serif md-list-intro pt-15 pb-20"><figure class="md-assembly md-feature-assembly print-false" data-type="1" data-descid="1"><div class="md-assembly-wrapper card-media " data-type="image"><a href="https://cdn.britannica.com/49/138749-050-5CB40241/view-chlorophyll-plant-cells.jpg" target="_blank" class="gtm-assembly-link position-relative d-flex align-items-center justify-content-center " data-href="*141645"><img src="https://cdn.britannica.com/49/138749-050-5CB40241/view-chlorophyll-plant-cells.jpg?w=1000" alt="Microscopic view of chlorophyll in plant cells." data-width="1600" data-height="1200" loading="eager"><button class="magnifying-glass btn btn-circle position-absolute shadow btn-white top-10 right-10" aria-label="Zoom in"><em class="material-icons link-blue" data-icon="zoom_in"></em></button></a></div><figcaption class=""><div class="md-assembly-caption text-muted font-14 font-serif "><span><a class="gtm-assembly-link md-assembly-title font-weight-bold d-inline font-sans-serif mr-5 media-overlay-link" target="_blank" href="https://cdn.britannica.com/49/138749-050-5CB40241/view-chlorophyll-plant-cells.jpg" data-href="*141645">chlorophyll</a><span>Microscopic view of chlorophyll in plant cells.</span></span></div><cite class="credit d-block mt-5">Wilfredo R. Rodriguez H.</cite></figcaption></figure><p class="topic-paragraph">Think back to your high school biology class. Do you still remember the names and functions of all those little cell parts? A little foggy on the details, perhaps? Here’s a quick refresher course of some of the major eukaryotic organelles to keep your science skills sharp. It might come in handy for your next game of Trivial Pursuit! </p><span class="MOD"></span></div><ul class="md-list-order-numeric md-mendel-list" style="counter-reset: item 0"><li><h2>Nucleus</h2><div><p class="topic-paragraph">Known as the cell’s “command center,” the <a href="https://www.britannica.com/science/nucleus-biology" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">nucleus</a> is a large organelle that stores the cell’s <a href="https://www.britannica.com/science/DNA" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">DNA</a> (deoxyribonucleic acid). The nucleus controls all of the cell’s activities, such as growth and metabolism, using the DNA’s genetic information. Within the nucleus is a smaller structure called the nucleolus, which houses the RNA (ribonucleic acid). RNA helps convey the DNA’s orders to the rest of the cell and serves as a template for protein synthesis. </p><span class="MOD"></span></div><span class="LIST-ITEM-1"></span></li><li><h2>Ribosomes</h2><div><p class="topic-paragraph"><a href="https://www.britannica.com/science/ribosome" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">Ribosomes</a> are the protein factories of the cell. Composed of two subunits, they can be found floating freely in the cell’s cytoplasm or embedded within the endoplasmic reticulum. Using the templates and instructions provided by two different types of RNA, ribosomes synthesize a variety of proteins that are essential to the survival of the cell. </p><span class="MOD"></span></div><span class="LIST-ITEM-2"></span></li><li><h2>Endoplasmic reticulum</h2><div><figure class="md-assembly md-feature-assembly print-false" data-type="1" data-descid="2"><div class="md-assembly-wrapper card-media " data-type="image"><a href="https://cdn.britannica.com/79/117279-050-3AE0F00F/membrane-system-Endoplasmic-reticulum-cells-biosynthesis-transport.jpg" target="_blank" class="gtm-assembly-link position-relative d-flex align-items-center justify-content-center " data-href="*121517"><img src="https://cdn.britannica.com/79/117279-050-3AE0F00F/membrane-system-Endoplasmic-reticulum-cells-biosynthesis-transport.jpg?w=1000" alt="Endoplasmic reticulum. cell biology" data-width="1600" data-height="1600" loading="eager"><button class="magnifying-glass btn btn-circle position-absolute shadow btn-white top-10 right-10" aria-label="Zoom in"><em class="material-icons link-blue" data-icon="zoom_in"></em></button></a></div><figcaption class=""><div class="md-assembly-caption text-muted font-14 font-serif "><span><a class="gtm-assembly-link md-assembly-title font-weight-bold d-inline font-sans-serif mr-5 media-overlay-link" target="_blank" href="https://cdn.britannica.com/79/117279-050-3AE0F00F/membrane-system-Endoplasmic-reticulum-cells-biosynthesis-transport.jpg" data-href="*121517">endoplasmic reticulum</a><span>Ribosomes on the outer surface of the endoplasmic reticulum play an important role in protein synthesis within cells.</span></span></div><cite class="credit d-block mt-5">Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.</cite></figcaption></figure><p class="topic-paragraph">The <a href="https://www.britannica.com/science/endoplasmic-reticulum" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">endoplasmic reticulum</a> (ER) is a membranous organelle that shares part of its membrane with that of the nucleus. Some portions of the ER, known as the rough ER, are studded with ribosomes and are involved with protein manufacture. The rest of the organelle is referred to as the smooth ER and serves to produce vital lipids (fats). </p><span class="MOD"></span></div><span class="LIST-ITEM-3"></span></li><li><h2>Golgi apparatus</h2><div><figure class="md-assembly md-feature-assembly print-false" data-type="1" data-descid="2"><div class="md-assembly-wrapper card-media " data-type="image"><a href="https://cdn.britannica.com/52/116252-050-A1D8E92B/Golgi-apparatus-complex-modification-proteins-role-cell.jpg" target="_blank" class="gtm-assembly-link position-relative d-flex align-items-center justify-content-center " data-href="*114953"><img src="https://cdn.britannica.com/52/116252-050-A1D8E92B/Golgi-apparatus-complex-modification-proteins-role-cell.jpg?w=1000" alt="Golgi apparatus (cellular organelle), cell biology" data-width="1600" data-height="1562" loading="eager"><button class="magnifying-glass btn btn-circle position-absolute shadow btn-white top-10 right-10" aria-label="Zoom in"><em class="material-icons link-blue" data-icon="zoom_in"></em></button></a></div><figcaption class=""><div class="md-assembly-caption text-muted font-14 font-serif "><span><a class="gtm-assembly-link md-assembly-title font-weight-bold d-inline font-sans-serif mr-5 media-overlay-link" target="_blank" href="https://cdn.britannica.com/52/116252-050-A1D8E92B/Golgi-apparatus-complex-modification-proteins-role-cell.jpg" data-href="*114953">Golgi apparatus</a><span>The Golgi apparatus, or complex, plays an important role in the modification and transport of proteins within the cell.</span></span></div><cite class="credit d-block mt-5">Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.</cite></figcaption></figure><p class="topic-paragraph">If the proteins from the rough ER require further modification, they are transported to the <a href="https://www.britannica.com/science/Golgi-apparatus" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">Golgi apparatus</a> (or Golgi complex). Like the ER, the Golgi apparatus is composed of folded membranes. It searches the protein’s amino acid sequences for specialized “codes” and modifies them accordingly. These processed proteins are then stored in the Golgi or packed in vesicles to be shipped elsewhere in the cell. </p><span class="MOD"></span></div><span class="LIST-ITEM-4"></span></li><li><h2>Chloroplasts</h2><div><figure class="md-assembly md-feature-assembly print-false" data-type="1" data-descid="2"><div class="md-assembly-wrapper card-media " data-type="image"><a href="https://cdn.britannica.com/76/53076-050-BB83032D/stacks-membrane-vesicles-stroma-matrix-chlorophyll-membranes.jpg" target="_blank" class="gtm-assembly-link position-relative d-flex align-items-center justify-content-center " data-href="*45552"><img src="https://cdn.britannica.com/76/53076-050-BB83032D/stacks-membrane-vesicles-stroma-matrix-chlorophyll-membranes.jpg?w=1000" alt="Chloroplast (cellular organelle), cell biology" data-width="1600" data-height="1268" loading="eager"><button class="magnifying-glass btn btn-circle position-absolute shadow btn-white top-10 right-10" aria-label="Zoom in"><em class="material-icons link-blue" data-icon="zoom_in"></em></button></a></div><figcaption class=""><div class="md-assembly-caption text-muted font-14 font-serif "><span><a class="gtm-assembly-link md-assembly-title font-weight-bold d-inline font-sans-serif mr-5 media-overlay-link" target="_blank" href="https://cdn.britannica.com/76/53076-050-BB83032D/stacks-membrane-vesicles-stroma-matrix-chlorophyll-membranes.jpg" data-href="*45552">chloroplast structure</a><span>The internal (thylakoid) membrane vesicles are organized into stacks, which reside in a matrix known as the stroma. All the chlorophyll in the chloroplast is contained in the membranes of the thylakoid vesicles.</span></span></div><cite class="credit d-block mt-5">Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.</cite></figcaption></figure><p class="topic-paragraph">In plants and some algae, organelles known as <a href="https://www.britannica.com/science/chloroplast" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">chloroplasts</a> serve as the site of photosynthesis. Chloroplasts contain a pigment known as chlorophyll, which captures the sun’s energy to transform water and carbon dioxide into glucose for food. Chloroplasts allow autotrophic organisms to meet their energy needs without consuming other organisms. </p><span class="MOD"></span></div><span class="LIST-ITEM-5"></span></li><li><h2>Mitochondria</h2><div><figure class="md-assembly md-feature-assembly print-false" data-type="1" data-descid="2"><div class="md-assembly-wrapper card-media " data-type="image"><a href="https://cdn.britannica.com/89/22489-050-EB3B8C59/membrane-mitochondrion-cristae-structures-Proteins-majority-components.jpg" target="_blank" class="gtm-assembly-link position-relative d-flex align-items-center justify-content-center " data-href="*17869"><img src="https://cdn.britannica.com/89/22489-050-EB3B8C59/membrane-mitochondrion-cristae-structures-Proteins-majority-components.jpg?w=1000" alt="Mitochondrion cut longitudinally." data-width="1600" data-height="997" loading="eager"><button class="magnifying-glass btn btn-circle position-absolute shadow btn-white top-10 right-10" aria-label="Zoom in"><em class="material-icons link-blue" data-icon="zoom_in"></em></button></a></div><figcaption class=""><div class="md-assembly-caption text-muted font-14 font-serif "><span><a class="gtm-assembly-link md-assembly-title font-weight-bold d-inline font-sans-serif mr-5 media-overlay-link" target="_blank" href="https://cdn.britannica.com/89/22489-050-EB3B8C59/membrane-mitochondrion-cristae-structures-Proteins-majority-components.jpg" data-href="*17869">Mitochondrion cut longitudinally.</a></span></div><cite class="credit d-block mt-5">Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.</cite></figcaption></figure><p class="topic-paragraph">The “powerhouses” of the cell, <a href="https://www.britannica.com/science/mitochondrion" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">mitochondria</a> are oval-shaped organelles found in most eukaryotic cells. As the site of cellular respiration, mitochondria serve to transform molecules such as glucose into an energy molecule known as ATP (adenosine triphosphate). ATP fuels cellular processes by breaking its high-energy chemical bonds. Mitochondria are most plentiful in cells that require significant amounts of energy to function, such as liver and muscle cells. </p><span class="MOD"></span></div><span class="LIST-ITEM-6"></span></li></ul><span class="AM-END-OF-ARTICLE am-inline"></span></article> </div> </div> </div> <aside class="cm-rightrail d-none d-md-block ad-rail"></aside> </div> </div> </div> <div class="grid gx-0"> <div class="col"> <div class="md-loading hidden display-4 font-weight-normal"></div> <div class="text-center my-20 mb-100"> <button class="md-infinite-load-next btn btn-blue" data-value="next-page">Load More</button> </div> </div> <div class="col-md-da-320 hidden-xs"> </div> </div></div> </div> </main> <div id="md-footer"></div> <noscript><iframe src="//www.googletagmanager.com/ns.html?id=GTM-5W6NC8" height="0" width="0" style="display:none;visibility:hidden"></iframe></noscript> <script type="text/javascript" id="_informizely_script_tag"> var IzWidget = IzWidget || {}; (function (d) { var scriptElement = d.createElement('script'); scriptElement.type = 'text/javascript'; scriptElement.async = true; scriptElement.src = "https://insitez.blob.core.windows.net/site/f780f33e-a610-4ac2-af81-3eb184037547.js"; var node = d.getElementById('_informizely_script_tag'); node.parentNode.insertBefore(scriptElement, node); } )(document); </script>  <script> window.ap3c = window.ap3c || {}; var ap3c = window.ap3c; ap3c.cmd = ap3c.cmd || []; ap3c.cmd.push(function() { ap3c.init('ZO4siT4cLwnykPnzZWJtd3Byb2Q', 'https://engage.email.britannica.com/'); ap3c.track({v: 0}); }); ap3c.activity = function(act) { ap3c.act = (ap3c.act || []); ap3c.act.push(act); }; var s, t; s = document.createElement('script'); s.type = 'text/javascript'; s.src = "https://engage.email.britannica.com/app.js"; t = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; t.parentNode.insertBefore(s, t); </script> <script class="marketing-page-info" type="application/json"> {"pageType":"List","templateName":null,"pageNumber":1,"pagesTotal":11,"pageId":3861,"pageLength":null,"initialLoad":true,"lastPageOfScroll":false} </script> <script class="marketing-content-info" type="application/json"> [] </script> <script src="https://cdn.britannica.com/mendel-resources/3-130/js/libs/jquery-3.5.0.min.js?v=3.130.14"></script> <script type="text/javascript" data-type="Init Mendel Code Splitting"> (function() { $.ajax({ dataType: 'script', cache: true, url: 'https://cdn.britannica.com/mendel-resources/3-130/dist/list-page.js?v=3.130.14' }); })(); </script> <script class="analytics-metadata" type="application/json"> {"leg":"D","adLeg":"D","userType":"ANONYMOUS","pageType":"List","pageSubtype":null,"articleTemplateType":null,"gisted":false,"pageNumber":1,"hasSummarizeButton":false,"hasAskButton":false} </script> <script type="text/javascript"> EBStat={accountId:-1,hostnameOverride:'webstats.eb.com',domain:'www.britannica.com', json:''}; </script> <script type="text/javascript"> ( function() { $.ajax( { dataType: 'script', cache: true, url: '//www.britannica.com/webstats/mendelstats.js?v=1' } ) .done( function() { try {writeStat(null,EBStat);} catch(err){} } ); })(); </script> <div id="bc-fixed-dialogue"></div> </body> </html>

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6 Cell Organelles | Britannica