Nucleus
The Nucleus is comprised of the pore perforated nuclear membranes, nucleoplasm, chromatin and the nucleolus at the core. The nuclear envelope consists of an inner and outer membrane that forms the outer structure. Contained within the nuclear membrane are nucloplasm which is the fluid medium in which the chromatin is present, chromatin being the genetic material. At the core of the nucleus is the nucleolus, where ribosomes are synthesized. The nucleus is responsible for interpreting the genetic coding wiuthin DNA and using it to control the activity of the cell.
Mitochondria
The mitochondria are the cellular organelles responsible aerobic respiration. The mitochondria are responsible for converting glucose into ATP using the electron transfer chain. Formed of a fluid matrix centre, encased within a highly convoluted inner membrane known as the christae, before being shrouded in a second phospholipid outer membrane. Contained within the the matrix are mitochondrial DNA and ribosomes which differ from the cell in which they are present.
Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum
The SER is a network of phospholipid membranes than form intricate tubular channels and sacs that branch across the cell. The SER is a storage organelle and is involved with the synthesis of lipids and steroids, the metabolism of sterols and detoxification as well regulation of calcium ions.
Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum
Similar to SER, Rough endoplasmic reticulum is a phospholipid membrane network that forms cytosol filled sheet like layers and sacs, studded with ribosomes - providing its 'rough' appearance. Formed as an extension to the nuclear envelope, the ribosomes deposit their proteins directly into the RER where they are 'pinched off' as transport vesicles to be transported throughout the cell, to the Golgi complex or beyond.
Golgi Complex
Located within the cytoplasm, the Golgi complex consists of a series of