| Function | | Organisms |
| Forms mitotic spindle | |
| Starch storage | |
| Synthesis of lipids and steroids | |
| Lipid storage | |
| Muscle contraction | |
| Produce hydrogen and energy (ATP) | |
| Digest worn-out organelles, food, etc. | |
| Biosynthesis, including fatty acids | |
| Translation of proteins secreted out of the cell | |
| Protein storage | |
| Pigment storage | |
| Sequesters cytoplasmic material and organelles for degradation | |
| Metabolism of fatty acids and detoxification | |
| | Function | | Organisms |
| Sorting and modification of proteins | |
| Production of ribosomes | |
| Provides magnetic orientation | |
| Production of energy (ATP) | |
| Photosynthesis | |
| Pigment storage | |
| Conducts carbon fixation | |
| Storage/transport of materials in the cell | |
| Translation of RNA into proteins | |
| Storage, homeostasis | |
| Transcription of DNA into RNA | |
| Converts fats into sugars | |
| Helps spermatozoa fuse with ovum | |
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