General Function (s) Organelle (s) Specific Function
Genetic control Nucleus
chromosomes location of inherited DNA which programs
cell's protein synthesis
nucleolus site of ribosome subunit assembly
Manufacture of
macromolecules Ribosomes polypeptide synthesis
Rough ER membrane synthesis, protein modification
Smooth ER lipid synthesis
carbohydrate metabolism (liver)
Ca++ storage (muscles)
detoxification (liver)
Golgi body modification, storage, sorting and
shipping of cell's chemical products
Cellular maintenance lysosomes digestion of food, foreign material
and damaged organelles
peroxisomes lipid and carbohydrate
metabolism; removal of
hydrogen peroxide
central vacuole intracellular digestion, storage,
(plants) protection, growth
Energy production mitochondrion cellular respiration;
synthesis of ATP
chloroplast conversion of light energy to
chemical energy, manufacture
of carbohydrates
Support, movement cytoskeleton maintenance of cell shape
and communication anchor organelles
between cells cell movement
organelle movement
cell wall maintenance of cell shape
surface protection
fusion of cells in tissues
glycocalyx surface protection
(animals) binding of cells in tissues
intercellular recognition
intercellular junctions communication between cells
binding cells in tissues
barrier