cell membrane

The cell's outermost layer; it protects the inside of the cell. It is semi-permeable, which means it only lets certain materials, like nutrients and lipids, into the cell and also expels wastes.

cytoplasm

This jelly-like substance is what floats between all of the cell's organelles, almost like a jello mold.

endoplasmic reticulum

These large blobs inside the cell create macromolecules, separate molecules, and transport proteins. Rough endoplasmic reticulum is covered in ribosomes; smooth ectoplasmic reticulum is not.

golgi body

These big sacs collect, modify, and package proteins and other substances created by the cell. They package proteins into vesicles.

lysosomes

The lysosomes digest old organelles and particles with digestive enzymes to keep the cell free of waste.

microtubules

These little cytoskeletal tubes float around in the cell and aid in cell growth, cell shape, and motion.

mitochondria

The mitochondria is basically the center of power for the cell. It makes energy for the cell and can reproduce on its own because it has its own DNA.

nuclear envelope

This is the large, protective sac around the nucleus. It controls all movement into and out of the nucleus.

nucleolus

The nucleolus is the smaller, darker structure inside the nucleus; it creates ribosomes.

nucleus

The control center of the cell; it can see and controls all processes that happen within the cell.

ribosomes

These tiny little bumps are found on rough endoplasmic reticulum and also freely floating around the cell. They make protiens for the cell.

vesicle

Vesicles are small "vehicles" in the cell that store synthesized proteins and transport them into and out of the cell.