Structure= Function: Organelles

Cell Organelle Structure and Function

You have learned about all the different cell organelles. They all look different and have different functions.

Think of products that you use every day...

Everything you use is built with a specific structure so that it can perform its function.

• Shoes are designed to fit and support your feet.

• A bike is designed with pedals to move the wheels.

• A hair brush is designed with bristles to detangle your hair.

• Gloves are designed to fit your fingers and keep hands warm

If the structure of those things changes, it can no longer perform the function.

• Shoes are designed to fit and support your feet.

  • If you get holes in the soles of your shoes-- no longer works

• A bike is designed with pedals to move the wheels.

  • If the pedals/chain breaks, the wheels no longer move

• A hair brush is designed with bristles to detangle your hair.

  • If the bristles of a hair brush break or change shape-- no longer works

• Gloves are designed to fit your fingers and keep hands warm

  • If the shape of the glove changes/no longer fits-- does not work

STRUCTURE = FUNCTION

Similarly, in biology, the structure of something is always connected to the function. Everything is designed to perform its function. Let's think about cell organelle structure and function

​Cristae-- Folds inside the mitochondria
Matrix-- Fluid inside the mitochondria

*The folds of the cirstae provide more surface area for reactions. More space to make energy!

Mitochondria

​Nucleolus-- makes ribosomes
Nucleus-- holds DNA; like a container
Membrane protects DNA
Pores allow certain things in and out

Nucleus

Structure = Function

Multiple Choice

The cristae of the mitochondria are...

• The folds within the mitochondria

• The liquid within the mitochondria

Multiple Choice

Why does the mitochondria have cristae?

• To provide more space for chemical reactions/energy production

• To fit better in the cell

• To provide liquid in the mitochondria

Multiple Choice

What might happen if the cristae lose their shape or break?

• Nothing would change.

• Less energy might be produced

• More energy might be produced

Rough ER-Folds/tubes that can guide proteins, with ribosomes to make proteins

Smooth ER-- folds/tubes that guide lipids

Endoplasmic Reticulum(s)

-Twisted like a latter to hold more information / instructions
-Able to split in half to replicate itself

DNA

Structure = Function

​-Made of smaller units called phospholipids
-Acts as a barrier for the cell
-Can allow certain things through the phospholipids, and keep other things out
-Flexible

Cell membrane

-Gel inside the cell
-Supports all organelles in cell-- needs to be thick but flexible
-Provides space for movement and chemical reactions

Cytoplasm

Structure = Function

Multiple Choice

What if the cytoplasm was more like water instead of gel?

• It would have a better structure to support organelles.

• It would not have the right structure to support organelles.

• Nothing would change.

Multiple Choice

Why does the cell membrane need to be flexible?

• To make it easier for the cell to move around.

• To keep things out of the cell.

• To allow certain things in and out of the cell.

Open Ended

Summarize: How is the structure of organelles related to function?