organela

Organelle is a term used in cell biology to describe a specialized subunit within a cell that performs a specific function. These subunits are analogous to organs within a larger organism, as each organelle carries out a vital task to maintain the cell's life and function. The presence and type of organelles vary depending on whether the cell is prokaryotic or eukaryotic. Prokaryotic cells, such as bacteria, are simpler and lack membrane-bound organelles. Eukaryotic cells, found in plants, animals, fungi, and protists, are more complex and contain numerous membrane-bound organelles.

Key organelles in eukaryotic cells include the nucleus, which houses the cell's genetic material and controls its activities; mitochondria, responsible for energy production through cellular respiration; the endoplasmic reticulum, involved in protein and lipid synthesis and transport; the Golgi apparatus, which modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids; lysosomes, containing enzymes for digestion and waste removal; and peroxisomes, involved in metabolic processes. Plant cells also have chloroplasts for photosynthesis and a large central vacuole for storage and maintaining turgor pressure. Ribosomes, though not membrane-bound, are also considered organelles and are crucial for protein synthesis. The coordinated function of these organelles allows the eukaryotic cell to carry out its complex life processes.