Cytoplasm definition and function

The Cytoplasm is the entire cell except the nucleus. Proteins are made in the cytoplasm, and many of the cell's life activities take place there.

Many tiny structures called organelles are located in the cytoplasm.

Each has a particular job to do. These organelles are called mitochondria, lysosomes, the endoplasmic reticulum, centrioles, and Golgi bodies.

Mitochondria - What is mitochondria?

Mitochondria are the power producers of the cell. A cell may contain hundreds of mitochondria. These sausage-shaped structures produce almost all the energy the cell needs to live and to do its work.

Lysosome function and definition

Lysosomes are small, round bodies containing many different enzymes, which can break down many substances. For example, lysosomes help white blood cells break down harmful bacteria.

Endoplasmic Reticulum

Endoplasmic Reticulum is a complex network of membrane-enclosed spaces in the cytoplasm. The surfaces of some of the membranes are smooth. Others are bordered by ribosomes—tiny, round bodies that contain large amounts of RNA. Ribosomes are the cell's manufacturing units. The proteins the cell needs in order to grow, repair itself, and perform hundreds of chemical operations, are made on the ribosomes.

Centrioles

Centrioles look like two bundles of rods. They lie near the nucleus and are important in cell reproduction.

Golgi Bodies

Golgi Bodies, also called Golgi complex or Golgi apparatus, consist of a stack of flat, bag-like structures that store and eventually release various products from the cell.