The nucleus houses the cell's genetic material and regulates all cellular activities, making it the control center. Its structure, including the nuclear envelope and pores, supports its role in managing gene expression.

Mitochondria are responsible for producing ATP, the energy currency that powers cellular processes. Their role in cellular respiration is essential for providing the energy needed for a cell's survival and function.

The cell membrane acts as a selective barrier, controlling which substances enter and exit the cell. Its phospholipid bilayer structure is fundamental to maintaining the internal environment of the cell.

Ribosomes are the sites of protein synthesis and are found both attached to the rough endoplasmic reticulum and free in the cytoplasm. Their widespread distribution allows efficient production of proteins needed throughout the cell.

Unlike plant cells, animal cells do not have a rigid cell wall; they only have a flexible cell membrane. This difference is key in determining the shape and movement capabilities of animal cells.

Peroxisomes contain enzymes that help detoxify harmful substances and break down fatty acids. Their metabolic functions are essential for maintaining cellular health by managing potentially toxic byproducts.

The Golgi apparatus is responsible for modifying proteins received from the endoplasmic reticulum before sending them to their destination. It plays a crucial role in ensuring proteins are correctly processed and packaged for transport.

The cytoskeleton is made up of microtubules, microfilaments (actin filaments), and intermediate filaments. Together, they provide structural support and serve as tracks for intracellular transport.

The rough ER is characterized by ribosomes attached to its surface, which gives it a rough appearance and facilitates protein synthesis. In contrast, the smooth ER lacks ribosomes and is involved primarily in lipid synthesis and detoxification.

The defining difference is that the rough ER carries ribosomes which are essential for protein synthesis, while the smooth ER is free of ribosomes and specializes in lipid production and detoxification. This structural distinction underpins their functional differences.

Lysosomes are filled with digestive enzymes that degrade waste materials and damaged organelles. This process of intracellular digestion is crucial for recycling cellular components and maintaining cell function.

Mitochondria generate ATP via cellular respiration, earning them the title of the cell's powerhouse. This process is essential for fueling various cellular activities.

The phospholipid bilayer forms a semi-permeable barrier that regulates the movement of substances in and out of the cell. Its unique structure, with hydrophilic heads and hydrophobic tails, is essential for maintaining the cell's internal environment.

The nucleus is the repository of the cell's genetic material and serves as the command center for controlling gene expression. It ensures that the appropriate proteins are produced in response to the cell's needs.

Ribosomes translate the genetic code from mRNA to build polypeptide chains by linking amino acids together. This process is fundamental to converting genetic information into functional proteins.

The nucleus's double membrane and nuclear pores are critical for controlling the movement of molecules in and out, which in turn regulates gene expression. This specialized structure protects DNA while allowing necessary interactions with the cytoplasm.

The rough ER plays a key role in ensuring proteins are correctly folded; when misfolded proteins build up, it triggers the unfolded protein response to protect the cell. This quality control mechanism is vital during conditions of cellular stress.

Defects in lysosomal enzymes prevent the breakdown of cellular waste, leading to the accumulation of toxic materials. This can result in lysosomal storage disorders that severely disrupt normal cell function.

The cytoskeleton not only maintains cell shape but also forms dynamic tracks that facilitate the transport of organelles and vesicles within the cell. This intracellular transport is essential for proper distribution of materials and overall cell function.

Membrane proteins are critical for cell signaling because they act as receptors that detect and respond to external signals. Their specificity in binding allows cells to regulate communication and maintain homeostasis.