Organelles are small structures found in the cytoplasm of a cell that carry out specific tasks to ensure the cell functions properly and maintains a stable internal environment, known as homeostasis.
They are involved in essential processes such as:
Organelles are broadly categorized into membranous and non-membranous organelles.
These organelles are enclosed by their own plasma membrane, which creates a separate environment within the cytoplasm. Examples include:
Membranous organelles are critical for processes such as hormone synthesis and the breakdown of macromolecules.
These organelles lack a surrounding plasma membrane and are often part of the cytoskeleton, the cell's structural framework. Examples include:
Non-membranous organelles play essential roles in maintaining the cell's shape and facilitating movement.
Here are some common organelles found in eukaryotic cells:
Organelles like food vacuoles and lysosomes help cells digest food particles absorbed from the environment. These organelles contain digestive enzymes that break down complex molecules into simpler forms.
The cytoskeleton, composed of filaments and microtubules, acts as a highway system within the cell. It supports organelles and enables the movement of materials, guided by motor proteins.
Organelles are either bound by membranes or not, and each type plays a unique role in cellular processes.
While organs work together to support the body, organelles collaborate within a single cell to ensure its survival and proper function.
The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a large, interconnected network of membranes. It is attached to the nuclear envelope and spreads throughout the cell.
Cells can be defined as the basic unit of life on which the survival of an organism depends. Cells, tissues organs, and organs work together to keep the body healthy.
An organelle is a membrane-bound structure found inside a cell. Cells have a membrane that holds everything in place. It resides in cell organelles and is where most of the action occurs in the cell.