Basic Function of an Organelle

Organelles are sub-compartments of the cells of certain eukaryotes and prokaryotes, each dedicated to its own specific function. It is thought that some, such as mitochondria, may have evolved from bacteria becoming incorporated within the cell body.

Nucleus

The "brain" of the cell is the nucleus, the most important of eukaryotic organelles, which administers all cellular activity. It is the warehouse of genetic information.

Endoplasmic Reticulum

This organelle---often shortened to "ER"---creates proteins (as rough ER) and fatty acids, steroids and lipids (as smooth ER). It also functions with the cell's protein trafficking system.

Golgi Apparatus

This stacked organelle packages freshly made proteins for shuttling elsewhere.

Mitochondria

From these organelle pellets come the cell's energy---adenosine triphosphate, or ATP, which the mitochondria converts from sources in carbohydrates and fatty acids.

Vacuole

These organelles store various molecules, expel undesirable substances and help maintain the cell's internal hydrostatic pressure.

Chloroplasts

In some cells, chloroplasts host the photosynthesis process.

References

• Essential Cell Biology; Bruce Alberts; 2004.
• Life, the Science of Biology; David E. Sadava et al.; 2007.
• Vacuole (ISCID Encyclopedia of Science and Philosophy)

Resources

• Organelles of Eukaryotic Cells