Cell Organelles

Cell organelles are the cellular components that make up the body of the cell. Membrane-bound organelles and non-membrane-bound organelles are both types of cell organelles that are present within the cells and are distinct in their structures and functions. 

They cooperate and perform efficiently in order for the cell to function normally. They serve a variety of functions, some of which are to provide shape and support, while others are involved in the movement and reproduction of a cell. There are a variety of organelles present within the cell, which are divided into three categories based on whether or not a membrane is present.

Organelles that do not have a membrane: The cell wall, ribosomes, and cytoskeleton are examples of organelles that do not have a membrane. In both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, they are found in varying amounts.

Individually membrane-bound organelles: The vacuole, the lysosome, the Golgi apparatus, and the endoplasmic reticulum are examples of single membrane-bound organelles that can only be found in eukaryotic cells.eukaryotic cells only include double membrane-bound organelles, such as the nucleus, mitochondria, and chloroplast, which are found only in eukaryotic cells.

Plasma Membrane

The plasma membrane is referred to as a Cell Membrane or a Cytoplasmic Membrane in some instances. It is a cell membrane that is formed of a lipid bilayer and proteins, and it is selectively permeable to certain substances.

Plant and animal cells both have the plasma membrane, which serves as a selectively permeable membrane, allowing only specific elements to enter and exit the cell according to the needs of each individual cell. In an animal cell, the cell membrane has two functions: it gives the cell its form and it protects the contents of the cell’s inside. It is referred to as the fluid mosaic model since it is based on the structure of the plasma membrane. According to the fluid mosaic concept, plasma membranes are subcellular structures that are composed of a lipid bilayer in which the protein molecules are incorporated.

Cytoplasm

Plant and animal cells both include cytoplasm, which can be found in both. They are jelly-like substances that are located in the space between the cell membrane and the nucleus of the cell. They are mostly composed of water, organic chemicals, and inorganic substances. The cytoplasm is one of the most important components of the cell, as it is where all of the cell’s organelles are housed and function. Located within the cell, these organelles contain enzymes that are primarily responsible for managing all metabolic activity occurring within the cell, as well as serving as the site of the majority of chemical reactions occurring within the cell.

Nucleus

The nucleus is an organelle with two membranes that can be found in all eukaryotic cells. It is the biggest organelle in the cell and serves as the control centre for all cellular operations as well as the repository for the cell’s genetic material. The nucleus is spherical and dark in appearance, and it is surrounded by a nuclear membrane. It is a porous membrane (similar to the cell membrane) that acts as a barrier between the cytoplasm and the nucleus. 

Nucleolus are little spherical bodies found within the nucleus that serve as a source of energy. Chromosomes are another crucial structure that is carried by the genome.

A gene is an important structure that is carried by chromosomes, which are thin and thread-like structures. Genes are hereditary units in organisms, which means that they aid in the transmission of features from one generation (parents) to another generation  (offspring).

Endoplasmic Reticulum

The Endoplasmic Reticulum is a network of membranous tubes filled with fluid that is found throughout the body. They are the transport system of the cell, and they are responsible for carrying things throughout the cell.

There are two forms of Endoplasmic Reticulum: the ER and the ERX.

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum – Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum is a kind of endoplasmic reticulum. They are made up of cisternae, tubules, and vesicles, which can be found all over the cell and are involved in the production of protein in various ways.

SER (Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum) – They are the storage organelle of the cell, and they are involved in the creation of lipids and steroids, as well as the detoxification of the cell.

Mitochondria

Because they produce energy-dense molecules for the cell, mitochondria are referred to as the “powerhouses of the cell.” In several organisms, the mitochondrial genome is passed down through the maternal line. It is a sausage-shaped organelle with a double membrane surrounding it that can be found in practically all eukaryotic cells.Because of the multiple membranes, the lumen is divided into two different aqueous chambers. Matrix (inner compartment), which is folded into cristae, separates the cell from the cytoplasm (outer compartment), which is formed by a continuous membrane with the cytoplasm.

They are typically seen in either a round or oval shape, and their sizes and shapes vary. Mitochondria are the sites of aerobic respiration in the cell, which generates energy in the form of ATP and aids in the transformation of the molecules passing through them.

Plastids

Plastids are huge organelles that are membrane-bound and that contain pigments. Plastids are classified into three types based on the sort of pigments they contain:

Chloroplasts are a type of chloroplast. In plants, chloroplasts are double-membrane-bound organelles that can be found in a variety of shapes ranging from a disc form to a spherical, discoid, oval, and ribbon shape. Mesophyll cells of leaves, which contain chloroplasts and other carotenoid pigments, contain them in high concentration. These pigments are responsible for capturing light energy, which is then used to fuel photosynthesis.

The stroma is an area enclosed within the inner membrane of the cell. Thylakoids, flattened disc-like chlorophyll-containing structures, are stacked on top of one another, much like a stack of coins, to form a layered structure.

Xanthophylls, carotene, xanthophyll, and other carotenoid pigments are found in the chloroplasts of plants, and these pigments are responsible for the plants’ unique colour – yellow, orange, and red, for example.

Cells called leucoplasts are colourless plastids that serve to store nutrients in the body. Amyloplasts are responsible for storing carbs (such as starch in potatoes), chloroplasts are responsible for storing proteins, and elaioplasts are responsible for storing oil and fat.

Ribosomes

Ribosomes are non membrane-bound cytoplasmic organelles that are found in close connection with the endoplasmic reticulum and play a crucial role in the cell’s metabolism. Ribosomes are microscopic particles that may be found in a significant number of cells and are mostly composed of RNA and protein, with RNA accounting for two-thirds of the total weight of the particle. Ribosomes are either encapsulated within the endoplasmic reticulum or are freely distributed throughout the cytoplasm of the cell. Ribosomal RNA and ribosomal proteins are the two components of ribosomes that work together to form the structure. All live cells rely on ribosomes for protein synthesis, which is essential for the survival of the cell. Ribosomes perform this activity as their principal purpose.

Golgi Apparatus

The Golgi Apparatus, also known as the Golgi Complex, is a structure found in the human body. Cisternae are flattened pouches that are stacked on top of one another and are surrounded by a membrane. Cisternae are the most important organelle in the body of the cell. Among its many functions, this cell organelle is responsible for transporting, altering, and packing proteins and lipids to their final destinations. The Golgi Apparatus is a structure found within the cytoplasm of a cell that can be found in both plant and animal cells.

Microbodies

Microbodies are minute vesicular organelles that are membrane-bound and can be found in both plant and animal cells. Their composition includes a variety of enzymes and proteins, which can only be seen under an electron microscope.

Vacuoles  

Vacuoles are storage bubbles with irregular shapes that are seen in cells and are commonly defined as such. They are organelles that contain fluid and are surrounded by a membrane. The vacuole is responsible for storing food or a range of nutrients that a cell may require in order to thrive. In addition, it serves as a storage facility for waste items. 

Vacuoles are responsible for removing waste items from the body. As a result, the remainder of the cell is kept safe from contamination. The size and quantity of vacuoles in an animal cell and a plant cell are different. Plant cells contain larger vacuoles as compared to their animal counterparts.

Conclusion

Cell Organelles are the cellular components that make up the body of the cell. These cell organelles are membrane-bound, present within the cells, and each has a unique structure and function that distinguishes them from the others. They efficiently coordinate with their roles in order for the cell to function normally. Organelles are tiny structures found in the cytoplasm of cells that perform actions that are essential for the maintenance of homeostasis in the cell. They are involved in a variety of functions, including energy synthesis, protein and secretion production, toxin elimination, and responding to external signals.