This page lists topics related to cell biology, including the function of each cell organelle in animal and plant cells, different cell types, and fun activities.
Cardiomyocytes are the muscle cells that make up the heart muscle. Cardiomyocytes go through a contraction-relaxation cycle that enables cardiac muscles to pump blood throughout the body.
A centrosome comprises two centrioles that serve as microtubule organizing center (MTOC). Its function is to attach to the centromeres of sister chromatids, and separate them equally into new cells during cell division.
The cytoskeleton is a network of filament proteins that extends throughout a cell. It gives cell shape, organizes organelles, involves molecule transport, cell division, cell signaling, and cell movement.
The cell membrane is a lipid bilayer that separates the interior of cells from the outside space and protects the cells from the surrounding environment.
Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is an internal membrane that forms branching networks of many interconnected sacs and tubes inside cells. Rough ER stays closer to the nucleus and coordinates protein synthesis. Smooth ER lacks ribosomes but specializes in lipid synthesis.
The peroxisome is a spherical membrane-bound organelle responsible for the fatty acid breakdown and the conversion of hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen.
All living organisms fall into one of two categories: Eukaryotes (plants, animals, and fungi) or Prokaryotes (bacteria and archaea). Prokaryotes are unicellular organisms that don’t have a membrane-bound nucleus and other organelles.
Lysosomes are small organelles that work as the recycling center in the cells. Many lysosomal digesting enzymes break down macromolecules, so they can be reuse for cells to build new components.
Mitochondrion is a rod-shaped organelle and its function is to generate energy (ATP) for the cell. Mitochondria contain their own DNA that enconde 13 proteins.
The vacuole is a membrane-bound organelle that is present in all plant cells. The main function is for storage, defense, and acting as a space divider.
