Which of the following did you remember? the nucleus directs cell activity. ribosomes produce proteins for the cell. these proteins are then moved through the cell by the endoplasmic reticulum. the golgi apparatus packages and distributes proteins from the endoplasmic reticulum. vacuoles store water, waste products, food, etc. lysosomes break down waste material and debris. mitochondria break down sugar molecules to supply energy. similarly, chloroplasts capture the energy from sunlight and convert it into chemical energy. the cell membrane protects the cell and controls what enters and leaves it. the cell wall supports the cell membrane, maintains the cell’s shape, and protects the cell. the cytoplasm supports and protects organelles in the cell.