🆓 Free Preview 📖 Notes LESSON 02 OF 16

Animal Cell — Organelles & Functions

⏱️ 25 min
🔬 Cell Biology

Animal Cell Organelles

Every organelle has a specific function. Master these for MDCAT — organelles are tested constantly.

Structure & Function, One by One

🧬
Nucleus
DNA storage, controls the cell. Double membrane, nuclear pores, nucleolus.
🔋
Mitochondria
ATP production. Double membrane, inner cristae, own DNA (endosymbiosis theory).
⚙️
Ribosomes
Protein synthesis. 80S in eukaryotes (60S+40S), 70S in prokaryotes (50S+30S).
📬
Golgi Apparatus
Packaging & shipping proteins — the "post office of the cell."
  • RER (rough ER): protein processing, ribosomes on its surface
  • SER (smooth ER): lipid synthesis and detoxification
  • Lysosomes: digest waste using hydrolytic enzymes — lysosomal storage diseases are a favourite MDCAT topic
🧠
Mnemonic: "Mighty Men Really Love Giving Loyal Service"
Mitochondria (energy), Membrane, Ribosomes (protein synthesis), Lysosomes (digestion), Golgi (packaging), Lysosome (waste breakdown), SER/RER (synthesis/processing).
🗒 Cheat Sheet 📝 Worksheet