Cell Organelles and Structures Review

Summary

The Amoeba Sisters' video offers a quick review of cell organelles and structures, essential for understanding cellular functions. They discuss the cell membrane, cell wall, centrioles, chloroplasts, cytoplasm, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, lysosomes, mitochondria, nucleus, ribosomes, and vacuoles. Each organelle is rated for its importance and described with humor, emphasizing their roles in maintaining cell life and the broader implications for human health.

Takeaways

• 🧬 The cell membrane is crucial for all cells, regulating substances' entry and exit, and is essential for homeostasis.
• 🌿 The cell wall provides structural support and protection, and is found in prokaryotic and some eukaryotic cells like plants.
• 🔬 Centrioles, associated with the centrosome, are involved in cell division and spindle fiber formation, and are present in animal cells but not plant cells.
• 🌱 Chloroplasts, exclusive to plant cells, are responsible for photosynthesis and sugar production, earning them a 'cinnamon roll' analogy for their role.
• 🚫 Cytoplasm, containing the cytosol and cytoskeleton, is present in all cells and supports organelles, despite being humorously rated 'extra'.
• 🛤️ The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a transport network within eukaryotic cells, with rough ER involved in protein synthesis and smooth ER in lipid production and detoxification.
• 📦 The Golgi apparatus modifies, sorts, and packages materials for delivery in eukaryotic cells, functioning like a cell's 'packaging facility'.
• 💣 Lysosomes contain enzymes for breaking down substances, acting as the cell's 'wrecking ball' and are found in eukaryotic cells, though their presence in plant cells is debated.
• ⚡ Mitochondria are the 'powerhouses' of the cell, producing ATP through cellular respiration, and are present in both plant and animal cells.
• 🧠 The nucleus houses and controls DNA and cell activities, and is found in all eukaryotic cells, with a playful critique of its plural form 'nuclei'.
• 🏭 Ribosomes, present in all cells, are the protein-producing factories and are appreciated for their work ethic.
• 💧 Vacuoles store materials such as water, proteins, and waste, and are found in eukaryotic cells, with plant cells typically having a large central vacuole.

Q & A

What is the primary function of the cell membrane mentioned in the script?

The cell membrane's primary function is to control what goes in and out of the cell, which is crucial for maintaining homeostasis.

Why does the script give the cell wall a rating of 6/10?

The cell wall is rated 6/10 because the speaker is not fond of walls, preferring an open floor plan, and notes that not all cells have one, which feels unfair.

What is the role of centrioles in eukaryotic cells?

Centrioles are involved in cell division, originating from the centrosome, and are associated with the formation of spindle fibers during mitosis.

Why does the script describe chloroplasts as 'cinnamon rolls'?

Chloroplasts are described as 'cinnamon rolls' because the speaker finds them endearing and they are essential for photosynthesis, making sugar.

What is the main difference between the rough and smooth endoplasmic reticulum (ER)?

The rough ER has ribosomes that make proteins, while the smooth ER is involved in lipid synthesis and detoxification.

What is the function of the Golgi apparatus in eukaryotic cells?

The Golgi apparatus modifies, sorts, and packages materials for delivery in eukaryotic cells, functioning like a cell's packaging facility.

Why does the script give lysosomes a perfect score of 10/10?

Lysosomes are given a 10/10 because they contain enzymes that can break down substances, acting as a 'wrecking ball and an enzyme grenade' for pathogens.

What is the primary function of mitochondria in cellular processes?

Mitochondria are responsible for making ATP through cellular respiration, which serves as the energy currency for many cellular processes.

Why does the script rate the nucleus an 8/10 and express a dislike for the plural form 'nuclei'?

The nucleus is rated 8/10 for being easy to draw and holding important cellular components. The dislike for 'nuclei' as a plural form is due to the speaker's preference for a simpler term like 'nucleuses'.

What is the general function of ribosomes in all types of cells?

Ribosomes are responsible for protein synthesis in all types of cells, demonstrating a solid work ethic as described in the script.

How does the script describe the function of vacuoles in eukaryotic cells?

Vacuoles in eukaryotic cells store materials such as water, proteins, and waste, with plant cells typically having one large central vacuole and animal cells having several smaller ones.

Outlines

00:00

🔬 Cell Organelles and Structures Overview

The video script introduces a review of cell organelles and structures, focusing on their functions and importance in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. The narrator provides clues for each structure and organelle, then reveals their names and rates them based on personal criteria. The cell membrane is described as crucial for homeostasis, earning an 8/10. The cell wall, present in some eukaryotic and many prokaryotic cells, is given a 6/10 for its structural and protective roles. Centrioles, found in animal cells, receive a 4/10 for their involvement in cell division. Chloroplasts, essential for photosynthesis in plant cells, are highly rated at 10/10. The cytoplasm, which includes the cytosol and cytoskeleton, is given a 2/10, criticized for being 'extra.' The endoplasmic reticulum (ER), with its rough and smooth forms, is detailed for its roles in protein synthesis, lipid production, and detoxification, receiving a 6/10. The Golgi apparatus, involved in material modification and packaging, is appreciated with a 9/10. The lysosome, with its digestive capabilities, is a favorite at 10/10. The mitochondrion, known as the powerhouse of the cell, is given a 2/10, criticized for its overused 'powerhouse' meme.

05:07

🧬 The Nucleus and Beyond

Continuing the review, the script discusses the nucleus, the DNA-containing control center of the cell, which is rated 8/10 for its simplicity and importance. Ribosomes, essential for protein synthesis, are given a 9/10, appreciated for their work ethic. Vacuoles, which store various materials depending on the cell type, receive a 3/10, with the narrator expressing suspicion about their vague functions. The video concludes with a challenge for viewers to identify the structures in provided diagrams of animal and plant cells and to recall their functions. It emphasizes the significance of organelle function for cell health and the broader implications for the organism, drawing parallels to human diseases that can result from organelle dysfunction. The script ends with a reminder of the importance of understanding cell organelles and structures for medical and scientific advancements.

Keywords

💡Cell membrane

The cell membrane, also known as the plasma membrane, is a biological membrane that separates the interior of all cells from the outside environment. It is crucial for maintaining homeostasis by regulating the movement of substances into and out of the cell. In the video, the cell membrane is described as 'external' and 'important for controlling what goes in and out of the cell,' highlighting its role in cellular function and survival.

💡Cell wall

The cell wall is a structural layer surrounding some types of cells, providing them with additional support and protection. It is particularly prominent in plant cells and some prokaryotic cells. The video mentions the cell wall as 'part of most prokaryotic cells and some eukaryotic cells,' emphasizing its role in maintaining cell shape and offering protection.

💡Centrioles

Centrioles are cylindrical structures found in animal cells and some lower plants, involved in the formation of the spindle fibers during cell division. The video describes centrioles as 'in eukaryotic cells, but not all eukaryotic cells,' and they 'come from the centrosome,' which illustrates their specific role in cell division and their presence in certain cell types.

💡Chloroplast

Chloroplasts are organelles found in plant cells and some algae, responsible for photosynthesis—the process by which light energy is converted into chemical energy to fuel the cell's activities. The video refers to chloroplasts as 'all about making sugar' and 'for photosynthesis,' underscoring their critical role in energy production within plant cells.

💡Cytoplasm

Cytoplasm is the jelly-like substance within a cell, which contains many of the cell's organelles suspended in the cytosol. It is the site of many cellular activities. The video describes the cytoplasm as 'everything inside the cell except the nucleus,' which encapsulates its role as the medium where cellular processes occur.

💡Endoplasmic reticulum (ER)

The endoplasmic reticulum is a network of membranous tubules and sacs within a cell, involved in the synthesis of proteins and lipids, and the detoxification of harmful substances. The video mentions the ER as having 'many folds, making it like a highway for materials to get around the cell,' highlighting its role in the cell's internal transport and processing of molecules.

💡Golgi apparatus

The Golgi apparatus is an organelle found in eukaryotic cells that functions in the modification, sorting, and packaging of proteins and lipids for secretion or delivery to other organelles. The video describes it as 'a lot like a packaging facility,' which aptly illustrates its role in the cell's distribution and export processes.

💡Lysosome

Lysosomes are membrane-bound organelles containing enzymes that break down various biomolecules. They are involved in the digestion of excess or damaged organelles, food particles, and the digestion of certain pathogens that the cell has engulfed. The video refers to lysosomes as 'enzymatic grenades,' emphasizing their role in the cell's waste management and defense mechanisms.

💡Mitochondrion

Mitochondria are known as the 'powerhouses' of the cell because they generate most of the cell's supply of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is used as a source of chemical energy. The video mentions mitochondria as the site of ATP production in 'cellular respiration,' highlighting their critical role in energy metabolism within the cell.

💡Nucleus

The nucleus is a double-membrane bound organelle found in eukaryotic cells that contains the cell's genetic material and controls the cell's activities. It is often referred to as the control center of the cell. The video describes the nucleus as 'where DNA is found in the cell' and 'controls the cell activities,' emphasizing its role in gene expression and cellular regulation.

💡Ribosome

Ribosomes are the cellular structures responsible for protein synthesis, translating the genetic code from mRNA into a sequence of amino acids to build proteins. The video refers to ribosomes as 'makers of protein,' which succinctly captures their essential role in protein production within the cell.

💡Vacuole

Vacuoles are membrane-bound organelles that appear in both plant and animal cells, primarily for storage, maintaining turgor pressure, and waste degradation. In plant cells, a large central vacuole is often present, while animal cells may contain smaller vacuoles. The video mentions vacuoles as 'can store materials depending on the cell type,' which illustrates their role in cellular storage and maintenance.

Highlights

Introduction to a quick review video on cell organelles and structures.

The cell membrane is crucial for controlling what enters and exits the cell, maintaining homeostasis.

The cell wall provides structure and additional protection in prokaryotic and some eukaryotic cells.

Centrioles, found in animal cells, are involved in cell division and spindle fiber formation.

Chloroplasts, present in plant cells, are essential for photosynthesis and sugar production.

Cytoplasm is the internal part of a cell, excluding the nucleus, and contains cytosol and the cytoskeleton.

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a network of membranes that aids in material transport and processing within the cell.

The Golgi apparatus modifies, sorts, and packages materials for delivery in eukaryotic cells.

Lysosomes contain enzymes that break down substances, playing a role in digestion within the cell.

Mitochondria are the powerhouse of the cell, producing ATP through cellular respiration.

The nucleus houses and protects DNA, controlling cell activities in eukaryotic cells.

Ribosomes are the protein-making factories found in all cells.

Vacuoles store materials such as water, proteins, and waste, depending on the cell type.

Challenge for viewers to identify cell structures in an animal and plant cell diagram.

Emphasis on the importance of organelle function for cell health and the potential impact on the entire organism.

Mention of diseases resulting from organelle dysfunction, such as mitochondrial disorders and ribosomopathies.

Encouragement for viewers to stay curious about cell organelles and their significance in health and disease.

Transcripts

So, if you’re reviewing cell organelles and  structures, we thought we’d make a video that  

is a quick review: most of these are mentioned  in our intro to cells video but some show up  

in other videos. I’m going to go through them  individually –try to guess the name of each  

of them based on the clues I mention. Then,  I’ll tell you the organelle or structure name. 

And I’M going to rate them. Rate them? What do you mean? 

Oh you’ll see. Uh ok.

First structure. This is something  all cells have: both prokaryotic  

and eukaryotic cells. It’s external. Really  important for controlling what goes in and  

out of the cell. Which means it is important  for homeostasis. It is…the cell membrane. 

Ok I give it an 8/10. Not very cute, but I  know that thing is important. Mainly because  

you’ve used the word homeostasis  over 9000 times in our videos. 

Over 9000 times?? Really? Dragon Ball Z reference – just move on.

Okay, so this external structure is part of most  prokaryotic cells and some eukaryotic cells,  

like plant cells. Really important for structure,  you know it helps the cell maintain shape and  

offer additional protection. It’s…the cell wall. Eh, I give this a 6/10. I’m not really into  

walls, I like an open floor plan…plus not  all cells have one so that feels unfair. 

You’re just mad because you don’t have one. I said what I said.

Right then…these are in eukaryotic cells,  but not all eukaryotic cells, for example:  

it’s in animal cells but not plant cells.  They come from the centrosome – there are  

2 of these per centrosome so that’s why I’m  making it plural here – and they’re involved  

with cell division. The spindle fibers we  mention in our mitosis video are definitely  

involved with these. They are… centrioles. 4/10. Pulling chromosomes around is kinda rude. 

Rude? Really? I do like that they remind me of tamales though… 

Tamales. Oh! Or maybe churros…man, I’m hungry.

Yeah... Ok you find this in eukaryotic cells,  but not all eukaryotic cells. For example,  

it’s in plant cells but not animal cells.  It’s all about making sugar so it’s for  

photosynthesis. It’s…the chloroplast. 10/10. Total cinnamon roll. AND it makes  

sugar? What’s not to like? Cinnamon roll? What? 

It’s a reference to…you know what, nevermind.

Now this one: it’s something all cells have:  both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. And  

you know it’s kind of confusing out there with  diagrams; I mean, if you want to get technical,  

in a eukaryotic cell, this would be everything  inside the cell except the nucleus. It’s…the  

cytoplasm. And the cytoplasm has cytosol.  Cytosol is the jelly like substance part of  

it. And just to know, that as well as the  cytoskeleton both support the organelles. 

Yeah, I’m going to give it a  2/10 because if it’s everything  

except the nucleus, it’s just extra. You’re calling the cytoplasm extra. 

It’s like highlighting a  whole page in your textbook.

This next structure is found in eukaryotic cells,  both plant and animal cells. It has many folds,  

making it like a highway for materials to get  around the cell, but it has other important  

functions like processing those molecules.  There’s also more than one type. It’s…the  

endoplasmic reticulum, or ER for short. The  rough ER has ribosomes that make protein,  

and the smooth ER makes lipids and is  involved in detoxification. But they  

both can ship out items in vesicles  to the NEXT structure we’ll mention. 

That’s a 6/10. I like organelles with a nickname,  but this is a really confusing nickname. 

I agree the nickname can be a bit alarming. Also, it looks like a labyrinth,  

which could either be really fun  or really scary to get lost in.

So we said the ER can send assembled items to this  next structure. This structure will then modify,  

sort, and package the materials for  delivery. It’s found in eukaryotic  

cells (both plant and animal cells),  and it’s a lot like a packaging  

facility. It’s…the Golgi apparatus. 9/10. Golgi is just fun to say. 

Golgi was actually named after a scientist! He - Okaaay science first please, then you can do  

history. Fiiiine.

Next one! This is found in eukaryotic cells –  typically it’s stated to be in animal cells and  

not plant cells but I will say there is some  debate about whether these are also in plant  

cells… kind of depends on the specifics  on how you define this organelle. Check  

out our description for more on that. It usually  contains enzymes that can break down substances,  

digesting them. It’s…the lysosome. Total 10/10. It’s like a wrecking  

ball and an enzyme grenade all in one.  The stuff of nightmares for pathogens. 

Wasn’t your last 10/10 the  cute little chloroplast? 

My tastes are complex.

This next one is found in eukaryotic cells – both  plant and animal cells- this makes the ATP in  

cellular respiration. ATP is an energy currency.  So what’s this one? It is…the mitochondrion,  

or plural: mitochondria. Ok, 2/10. This one has way  

too many memes of being a powerhouse of a cell. Alright but is a very important organelle. ATP is  

needed for so many cellular processes. Fine, fine.

This one is in eukaryotic cells – both plant and  animal cells. This is where DNA is found in the  

cell. It not only houses the DNA, but it also  controls the cell activities. It’s…the nucleus. 

I give it an 8/10. Easy to  draw and holds cool stuff. 

BUT you know I’m not a fan of the plural form  - nuclei. Why can’t it just be nucleuses? Why  

must it be so fancy? But I’ll move on.  This organelle can be found in all cells.  

It makes protein. It is… the ribosome! 9/10. I can appreciate a creator with  

a solid work ethic. On that, we agree.

This one can be found in eukaryotic cells, both  plant and animal cells. It can store materials  

depending on the cell type. It is…the vacuole!  And in plant cells, it’s usually one large one  

called the central vacuole; you tend to have  smaller ones and several in the animal cell. 

Vague much? What kind of stuff does it store? Well it could be water, proteins, waste:  

it depends on what type of cell. Suspicious. I’m going to give it a 3/10.

So, there it is: we just went through an  alphabetized list of organelles and structures.  

Now remember, there are more organelles  and structures than what we went through,  

but these are some basics. Now, we  challenge you to pause this review  

video to see if you can name these structures  in this animal and plant cell here. And try  

to also recall each structure’s general  function. So, seriously, pause it now.  

Here they are! And if you need to see any of  the functions, review it again in our video.

You may be reviewing all of this for a  quiz or test, but we want to emphasize  

this matters far beyond that. Remember, these  organelles and structures are what keep a cell  

living. And all of life is made up of 1 or  more cells, that’s part of the modern cell  

theory after all. To really show the importance  of organelle function: you know how the human  

body can have problems when an organ doesn’t  function as it should? Well, a cell can have  

a problem when an organelle doesn’t function as  it should. And it can affect the entire organism.

For example, there are diseases that can result  from the dysfunction of the endoplasmic reticulum.  

There are mitochondrial disorders when the  mitochondria are not functioning as they normally  

do. There are ribosomopathies from ribosome  dysfunction. There are scientists working to  

further understand these conditions and with more  knowledge gained about these cell organelles and  

structures, the more potential for understanding  how to best treat conditions where they are not  

functioning well. Well, that’s it for the Amoeba  Sisters, and we remind you to stay curious.