This simple cartoon shows general similarities and differences between eukaryote and prokaryote cells.
Image courtesy of Windows to the Universe

Organelles of Eukaryotic Cells

Below is a list of organelles that are commonly found in eukaryotic cells.

Organelle Function
Nucleus The “brains” of the cell, the nucleus directs cell activities and contains genetic material called chromosomes made of DNA.
Mitochondria Make energy out of food
Ribosomes Make protein
Golgi Apparatus Make, process and package proteins
Lysosome Contains digestive enzymes to help break food down
Endoplasmic Reticulum Called the "intracellular highway" because it is for transporting all sorts of items around the cell.
Vacuole Used for storage, vacuoles usually contain water or food. (Are you are thirsty? Perhaps your vacuoles need some water!)
Plant cells also have:
Chloroplasts Use sunlight to create food by photosynthesis
Cell Wall For support
Last modified April 13, 2004 by Lisa Gardiner.

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