A cell is the basic structural and functional unit of a living

organism. According to cell theory postulates, a cell is the basic

building block of life, which makes anything alive and is self-sufficient
to carry out all the fundamental functions of an organism.

Explore more about Cells.

What are Cell Organelles?

The cellular components are called cell organelles. These cell
organelles include both membrane and non-membrane bound
organelles, present within the cells and are distinct in their structures
and functions. They coordinate and function efficiently for the normal
functioning of the cell. A few of them function by providing shape and
support, whereas some are involved in the locomotion and
reproduction of a cell. There are various organelles present within the
cell and are classified into three categories based on the presence or
absence of membrane.

Organelles without membrane: The Cell wall, Ribosomes, and

Cytoskeleton are non-membrane-bound cell organelles. They are
present both in the prokaryotic cell and the eukaryotic cell.

Single membrane-bound organelles: Vacuole, Lysosome, Golgi

Apparatus, Endoplasmic Reticulum are single membrane-bound
organelles present only in a eukaryotic cell.

Double membrane-bound organelles: Nucleus, mitochondria and

chloroplast are double membrane-bound organelles present only in a
eukaryotic cell.

Let us learn more in detail about the different cell organelles in brief.
List of Cell Organelles and their Functions

Plasma Membrane
The plasma membrane is also termed as a Cell Membrane or
Cytoplasmic Membrane. It is a selectively permeable membrane of the
cells, which is composed of a lipid bilayer and proteins.

The plasma membrane is present both in plant and animal cells. It

functions as the selectively permeable membrane, by permitting the
entry of selective materials in and out of the cell according to the
requirement. In an animal cell, the cell membrane functions by
providing shape and protects the inner contents of the cell. Based on
the structure of the plasma membrane, it is regarded as the fluid
mosaic model. According to the fluid mosaic model, the plasma
membranes are subcellular structures, made of a lipid bilayer in which
the protein molecules are embedded.

Also refer to the Difference Between Cell Membrane and Plasma

Membrane

Cytoplasm
The cytoplasm is present both in plant and animal cells. They are jelly-
like substances, found between the cell membrane and nucleus. They
are mainly composed of water, organic and inorganic compounds. The
cytoplasm is one of the essential components of the cell, where all the
cell organelles are embedded. These cell organelles contain enzymes,
mainly responsible for controlling all metabolic activity taking place
within the cell and are the site for most of the chemical reactions
within a cell.

Nucleus

The nucleus is a double-membraned organelle found in all eukaryotic

cells. It is the largest organelle, which functions as the control centre of
the cellular activities and is the storehouse of the cell’s DNA. By
structure, the nucleus is dark, round, surrounded by a nuclear
membrane. It is a porous membrane (like cell membrane) and forms a
wall between cytoplasm and nucleus. Within the nucleus, there are tiny
spherical bodies called nucleolus. It also carries an essential structure
called chromosomes.

Chromosomes are thin and thread-like structures which carry another

important structure called a gene. Genes are a hereditary unit in
organisms i.e., it helps in the inheritance of traits from one generation
(parents) to another (offspring). Hence, the nucleus controls the
characters and functions of cells in our body. The primary function of
the nucleus is to monitor cellular activities including metabolism and
growth by making use of DNA’s genetic information. Nucleoli in the
nucleus are responsible for the synthesis of protein and RNA.

Also read about the Nucleus

Endoplasmic Reticulum
The Endoplasmic Reticulum is a network of membranous canals filled
with fluid. They are the transport system of the cell, involved in
transporting materials throughout the cell.
There are two different types of Endoplasmic Reticulum:

1. Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum – They are composed of cisternae,

tubules, and vesicles, which are found throughout the cell and are
involved in protein manufacture.
2. Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum – They are the storage organelle,
associated with the production of lipids, steroids, and also responsible for
detoxifying the cell.

Also, read about Endoplasmic Reticulum

Mitochondria

Mitochondria are called the powerhouses of the cell as they produce

energy-rich molecules for the cell. The mitochondrial genome is
inherited maternally in several organisms. It is a double membrane-
bound, sausage-shaped organelle, found in almost all eukaryotic cells.

The double membranes divide its lumen into two distinct aqueous
compartments. The inner compartment is called a ‘matrix’ which is
folded into cristae whereas the outer membrane forms a continuous
boundary with the cytoplasm. They usually vary in their size and are
found either round or oval in shape. Mitochondria are the sites
of aerobic respiration in the cell, produces energy in the form of ATP
and helps in the transformation of the molecules.

For instance, glucose is converted into adenosine triphosphate –

ATP. Mitochondria have their own circular DNA, RNA molecules,
ribosomes (the 70s), and a few other molecules that help in protein
synthesis.

Also read about Mitochondria

Plastids
Plastids are large, membrane-bound organelles which contain
pigments. Based on the type of pigments, plastids are of three types:

 Chloroplasts – Chloroplasts are double membrane-bound organelles,

which usually vary in their shape – from a disc shape to spherical, discoid,
oval and ribbon. They are present in mesophyll cells of leaves, which store
chloroplasts and other carotenoid pigments. These pigments are
responsible for trapping light energy for photosynthesis. The inner
membrane encloses a space called the stroma. Flattened disc-like
chlorophyll-containing structures known as thylakoids are arranged in a
stacked manner like a pile of coins. Each pile is called a granum (plural:
grana) and the thylakoids of different grana are connected by flat
membranous tubules known as stromal lamella. Just like the mitochondrial
matrix, the stroma of chloroplast also contains a double-stranded circular
DNA, 70S ribosomes, and enzymes which are required for the synthesis of
carbohydrates and proteins.
 Chromoplasts – The chromoplasts include fat-soluble, carotenoid
pigments like xanthophylls, carotene, etc. which provide the plants with
their characteristic color – yellow, orange, red, etc.
 Leucoplasts – Leucoplasts are colorless plastids which store nutrients.
Amyloplasts store carbohydrates (like starch in potatoes), aleuroplasts
store proteins, and elaioplasts store oils and fats.

Also read about Plastids

Ribosomes
Ribosomes are non membrane-bound and important cytoplasmic
organelles found in close association with the endoplasmic reticulum.
Ribosomes are found in the form of tiny particles in a large number of
cells and are mainly composed of 2/3rd of RNA and 1/3rd of protein.
They are named as the 70s (found in prokaryotes) or 80s (found in
eukaryotes) The letter S refers to the density and the size, known as
Svedberg’s Unit. Both 70S and 80S ribosomes are composed of two
subunits. Ribosomes are either encompassed within the endoplasmic
reticulum or are freely traced in the cell’s cytoplasm. Ribosomal RNA
and Ribosomal proteins are the two components that together
constitute ribosomes. The primary function of the ribosomes includes
protein synthesis in all living cells that ensure the survival of the cell.

Also read about Ribosomes

Golgi Apparatus
Golgi Apparatus is also termed as Golgi Complex. It is a membrane-
bound organelle, which is mainly composed of a series of flattened,
stacked pouches called cisternae. This cell organelle is primarily
responsible for transporting, modifying, and packaging proteins and
lipids to targeted destinations. Golgi Apparatus is found within the
cytoplasm of a cell and is present in both plant and animal cells.
Also read about the Golgi Apparatus

Microbodies

Microbodies are membrane-bound, minute, vesicular organelles, found

in both plant and animal cells. They contain various enzymes and
proteins and can be visualized only under the electron microscope.

Also read about Microbodies

Cytoskeleton
It is a continuous network of filamentous proteinaceous structures that
run throughout the cytoplasm, from the nucleus to the plasma
membrane. It is found in all living cells, notably in the eukaryotes. The
cytoskeleton matrix is composed of different types of proteins that can
divide rapidly or disassemble depending on the requirement of the
cells. The primary functions include providing the shape and
mechanical resistance to the cell against deformation, the contractile
nature of the filaments helps in motility during cytokinesis.

Also read about Cytoskeleton

Cilia and Flagella

Cilia are hair-like projections, small structures, present outside the cell
wall and work like oars to either move the cell or the extracellular fluid.
Flagella are slightly bigger and are responsible for the cell movements.
The eukaryotic flagellum structurally differs from its prokaryotic
counterpart. The core of the cilium and flagellum is called an axoneme,
which contains nine pairs of gradually arranged
peripheral microtubules and a set of central microtubules running
parallel to the axis. The central tubules are interconnected by a bridge
and are embedded by a central sheath. One of the peripheral
microtubular pairs is also interconnected to the central sheath by a
radial spoke. Hence there are a total of 9 radial spokes. The cilia and
flagella emerge from centriole-like structures called basal bodies.

Also read about the Difference Between Cilia And Flagella

Centrosome and Centrioles

The centrosome organelle is made up of two mutually perpendicular
structures known as centrioles. Each centriole is composed of 9 equally
spaced peripheral fibrils of tubulin protein, and the fibril is a set of
interlinked triplets. The core part of the centriole is known as a hub
and is proteinaceous. The hub connects the peripheral fibrils via radial
spoke, which is made up of proteins. The centrioles from the basal
bodies of the cilia and flagella give rise to spindle fibres during cell
division.

Also read about Centrosomes

Vacuoles
Vacuoles are mostly defined as storage bubbles of irregular shapes
which are found in cells. They are fluid-filled organelles enclosed by a
membrane. The vacuole stores the food or a variety of nutrients that a
cell might need to survive. In addition to this, it also stores waste
products. The waste products are eventually thrown out by vacuoles.
Thus, the rest of the cell is protected from contamination. The animal
and plant cells have different size and number of vacuoles. Compared
to the animals, plant cells have larger vacuoles.

Also read about Vacuoles

A Brief Summary on Cell Organelles

Cell Structure
Functions
Organelles
Cell A double membrane composed of lipids Provides shape, protects the
membrane and proteins. Present both in plant and inner organelles of the cell
animal cells. and acts as a selectively
permeable membrane.

Centrosomes Composed of centrioles and found only in It plays a major role in

the animal cells. organizing the microtubule
and cell division.

Chloroplasts Present only in plant cells and contains a Sites of photosynthesis.

green-coloured pigment known as
chlorophyll.

Cytoplasm A jelly-like substance, which consists of Responsible for the cell’s

water, dissolved nutrients and waste metabolic activities.
products of the cell.

Endoplasmic A network of membranous tubules, present Forms the skeletal framework

Reticulum within the cytoplasm of a cell. of the cell, involved in the
detoxification, production of
lipids and proteins.

Golgi Membrane-bound, sac-like organelles, It is mainly involved in

apparatus present within the cytoplasm of the secretion and intracellular
eukaryotic cells. transport.

Lysosomes A tiny, circular-shaped, single membrane- Helps in the digestion and

bound organelles, filled with digestive removes wastes and digests
enzymes. dead and damaged cells.
Therefore, it is also called as
the “suicidal bags”.

Mitochondria An oval-shaped, membrane-bound The main site of cellular

organelle, also called as the “Powerhouse respiration and also involved
of The Cell”. in storing energy in the form
of ATP molecules.

Nucleus The largest, double membrane-bound Controls the activity of the

organelles, which contains all the cell’s cell, helps in cell division and
genetic information. controls the hereditary
characters.

Peroxisome A membrane-bound cellular organelle Involved in the metabolism of

present in the cytoplasm, which contains lipids and catabolism of long-
the reducing enzyme. chain fatty acids.

Plastids Double membrane-bound organelles. Helps in the process of

There are 3 types of plastids: photosynthesis and
pollination, imparts colour to
1. Leucoplast –Colourless plastids. leaves, flowers, fruits and
stores starch, proteins and
2. Chromoplast–Blue, red, and yellow
fats.
colour plastids.
3. Chloroplast – Green coloured
plastids.

Ribosomes Non-membrane organelles, found floating Involved in the synthesis of

 freely in the cell’s cytoplasm or embedded proteins.
within the endoplasmic reticulum.

Vacuoles A membrane-bound, fluid-filled organelle Provide shape and rigidity to

found within the cytoplasm. the plant cell and help in
digestion, excretion, and
storage of substances.

Frequently Asked Questions on Cell Organelles:

 Which cell organelle is called the Powerhouse of the cell?

Mitochondria is the cell organelle and is called the Powerhouse of the

cell as they carry out the cellular respiration and generate the energy
molecules called ATP or Adenosine Triphosphate.

 Where do we find Chloroplasts and Chromoplast pigments in

plants?

Chloroplasts and Chromoplasts are the plastids present in all plant

cells. Chloroplasts contain the green colour pigments, present in the
leaves, green-coloured stems, etc. Chromoplasts contain thee colourful
pigments present in all colourful parts of the plant like flowers and
fruits, etc.

Why Lysosomes are known as suicide bags?


Lysosomes are called the suicidal bags because they are capable of
breaking down or digesting all the wastes, dead and damaged cells.

 What is Nucleoid?

Nucleoid is a non-membrane, irregular-shaped cell organelle present in

all prokaryotic cells. They are the carriers of the genetic material of a
cell.

 The largest membrane-bound organelle in a eukaryotic cell is?

Organelles are special and organized structures seen in living cells.

Some of the membrane-bound organelles are vacuoles, nucleus,
chloroplasts, lysosomes etc. The nucleus is the largest organelle in the
cell.