An organelle is said to be a subcellular structure that has to perform one or more than one job in the cell just like an organ in the body. Some more essential cell organelles are nuclei that store genetic information; and mitochondria, which produces mechanical energy as well as ribosomes for assembling proteins, among others. Here, we take a quick tour of some essential and major organelles, this will make your concepts clear. There are numerous cell organelles structures and functions, varying upon the type of organelles.

Some Major Cell Organelles:

Nucleus

The nucleus is said to be the command centre of the cell. The nucleus is a huge organelle that contains the DNA of the cell. The nucleus can control and direct all the activities of the cell using the genetic information of the DNA. It controls activities like growth, metabolism, etc. There is a smaller structure inside the nucleus that is known as the nucleolus. The nucleolus houses RNS, also known as ribonucleic acid. The nucleus has different cell organelle structures and functions just like every organelle has a unique structure and function.

Function of Nucleus

Structurally, the nucleus comprises a nuclear envelope, chromatin, as well as a nucleolus. The nuclear envelope’s structure and composition are similar to the cell membrane’s structure and composition. It has pores that permit the movement of proteins and RNA inside as well as outside the nucleus. It allows interaction with multiple other cell organelles while keeping chromatin and nucleoplasm inside the envelope.

Ribosomes

The ribosomes are said to be the protein factories of the cell that are composed of 2 subunits. These can be easily found in the cell’s cytoplasm or fixed inside the endoplasmic reticulum. Ribosomes synthesise variations of proteins that are necessary for the survival of the cell. It is done with the use of instructions and templates provided by 2 different types of RNA.

Function of Ribosomes

The function of ribosomes is translation. It is the procedure where decoding of the information takes place in the messenger RNA. It also creates continuous chains of amino acids that result in the formation of the proteins. In the case of prokaryotic cells, the ribosomes are of the 70S ribosomes, which are composed of a small 30S subunit and large 50S subunit.

Endoplasmic reticulum

The endoplasmic reticulum is a membranous organelle that can share part of its membrane with part of the nucleus. Some parts of the endoplasmic reticulum are studded with ribosomes and are also part of the protein manufacturing process. These ERs are also known as rough ERs. The rest of the organelle is known as the smooth ER that produces fats (vital lipids).

Function of ERs

Endoplasmic Reticulum is present in 3 forms viz. cisternae, vesicles, as well as tubules. Cisternae are sac-like flattened structures that are unbranched and stay stacked on top of one another.

Golgi apparatus

In case the proteins from the rough ER need some modification, they are transferred to the Golgi apparatus or Golgi complex. Just like the ER, the Golgi apparatus is made up of folded membranes. It finds out the amino acid sequences of the proteins for special ‘codes’ and their modification is done accordingly. Later, these processed proteins are stored in the Golgi or packed inside the vesicles to be transferred elsewhere inside the cell.

Golgi apparatus Function

The Golgi complex’s structure is pleomorphic. However, it usually exists in 3 forms — cisternae, vesicles, as well as tubules.

Mitochondria

Mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell and it is oval in shape, mostly in the maximum number of cells. The mitochondria also helps convert molecules like glucose into ATP, which is an energy molecule. ATP conducts cellular procedures by breaking the high-energy chemical bonds.

Function of Mitochondria

A mitochondrion comprises 2 membranes with the smoother outer layer and the inner layer is marked with folding and finger-like structures known as cristae. The inner mitochondrial membrane has numerous enzymes, coenzymes, and components of multiple cycles along with pores for the conveyance of substrates, ATP, as well as phosphate molecules.

Conclusion

This cell organelles-structure and function study material concludes that the cellular components are referred to as the cell organelles which are membrane-bound, available within the cells and are distinct in their functions and structures. They also coordinate with the functions so that the cell functions properly.