Parts of the Generalized Human Cell: Functions

Cell (plasma) membrane Lysosomes

● Forms the external barrier of the cell; ● Digest substances; and
● enables transport of substances into and out of the ● destroy harmful or useless
cell; tissues and cells.
● is involved in intercellular communication; and
● has receptor sites onto which bacteria, toxins
(poisons), or viruses can bind.
● Microvilli increase the absorptive
capacity of the cell.

Peroxisomes
● Detoxify poisons.

Cytoplasm
● Serves as a fluid container for organelles;
● assists in the movement of organelles and transport
within the cell;
● provides an environment in which chemical
reactions can occur; and Golgi apparatus
● supports and shapes the cell. ● Prepares and delivers proteins for
● Microfilaments form part of the cell’s secretion from cell or use in the cell.
“skeleton” and are involved in
mobility

Cilia Rough ER
● Move together in “waves” to ● Makes the building blocks of the cell
propel substances across the membrane; and
cell’s surface. ● helps to make, store, and deliver
proteins.

Flagellum Smooth ER
● Propels the cell. ● Makes fats, cholesterol, and some
hormones;
● stores energy;
● detoxifies drugs; and
● is involved in muscle cell contraction.

Centrioles Ribosomes
● Form the bases of cilia and flagella and ● Make proteins.
● organize the spindle during cell division.

Mitochondria Nucleus
● Manufacture the cellular energy ● Controls and regulates the cell’s activities;
storage molecules, ATP (adenosine ● transmits genetic (inherited) information
triphosphate). during cell division; and
● provides instructions for protein
synthesis.
● The nucleolus makes ribosomes.

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