Nucleolus

The nucleolus, a small structure located within the nucleus of a cell, functions as a factory for creating ribosomes. Researchers have discovered that it is composed of various compartments, each with distinct roles, and that it plays a crucial role in regulating gene expression to ensure proper cell function and health.

Chromatin

Chromatin, a substance found in the cell nucleus, holds the DNA that controls cell function, much like an "instruction manual." While loosely packed in non-dividing cells, it condenses during cell division into visible chromosomes, which the cell can easily distribute to the two new daughter cells.

Mitochondrion

Mitochondria are present in almost all body cells and are comparable to tiny powerhouses that generate the energy required for cellular function. The outer and inner membranes of mitochondria enclose a gel-like substance called matrix, which holds enzymes that break down nutrients from our diet into ATP, a usable form of energy for the cell.

Golgi Apparatus

The Golgi apparatus or complex, an organelle found in eukaryotic cells, is responsible for modifying, processing, and transporting proteins and lipids. After entering the Golgi apparatus, molecules are modified, sorted, and packaged into vesicles, which are small sacs bound by membranes.

Vacuole

Plant cells contain vacuoles that maintain cell shape by retaining fluid and serve as a storage system for vital molecules like amino acids and sugars, as well as for waste disposal. However, vacuoles in animal cells primarily store waste materials.

Cell Membrane

The cell membrane, a thin and flexible layer, encircles the cell and safeguards it while regulating the movement of molecules in and out of the cell. Composed of two layers of phospholipids, it creates a barrier by bonding hydrophobic tails and hydrophilic heads to impede the easy passage of water and molecules.

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum

The rough endoplasmic reticulum is called "rough" because it's studded with tiny structures called ribosomes. These ribosomes help to make proteins, which are then transported through the endoplasmic reticulum for further processing and modification.

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum

The smooth endoplasmic reticulum doesn't have ribosomes, but it's still important for many different functions in the cell. It helps to make lipids and hormones, stores calcium ions and detoxifies harmful substances.

Nucleus

The nucleus is a specialized organelle that holds a cell's genetic material. It is surrounded by a protective double membrane called the nuclear envelope, which contains small pores for material exchange.

Ribosomes

Ribosomes are responsible for synthesizing proteins, which are essential for many cellular processes. The nucleolus is responsible for the assembly of the ribosomes, which are composed of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and proteins.

Microbody

Microbodies (peroxisomes and glyoxomes) are small, membrane-bound organelles found in eukaryotic cells. They are specialized structures that perform a variety of metabolic functions, such as lipid metabolism and detoxification.