5.

6: CELL ORGANELLES

 RIBOSOME REVIEW
Figure 5.6.1 represents an important structure in living cells. It is a
component of a ribosome, the cell structure where proteins are
synthesized. Large ribosomal subunit (50S) of Haloarcula
marismortui, facing the 30S subunit. The ribosomal proteins are
shown in blue, the rRNA in ochre (a shade of brown and yellow), the
active site in red. All living cells contain ribosomes, whether they are
prokaryotic or eukaryotic cells. However, only eukaryotic cells also
contain a nucleus and several other types of organelles.

Figure 5.6.2 : This closeup of a cell nucleus shows that it is surrounded by

a structure called the nuclear envelope, which contains tiny perforations,
or pores. The nucleus also contains a dense center called the nucleolus.
As you can see from the model in Figure 5.6.2, the membrane enclosing
the nucleus is called the nuclear envelope. This is actually a double
membrane that encloses the entire organelle and isolates its contents from
the cellular cytoplasm. Tiny holes, called nuclear pores, allow large
molecules to pass through the nuclear envelope with the help of special
proteins. Large proteins and RNA molecules must be able to pass through
the nuclear envelope so proteins can be synthesized in the cytoplasm and
the genetic material can be maintained inside the nucleus. The nucleolus
shown in the model below is mainly involved in the assembly of
Figure 5.6.1 : Ribosomal subunit ribosomes. After being produced in the nucleolus, ribosomes are exported
to the cytoplasm where they are involved in the synthesis of proteins.
An organelle is a structure within the cytoplasm of a eukaryotic cell that
is enclosed within a membrane and performs a specific job. Organelles MITOCHONDRIA
are involved in many vital cell functions. Organelles in animal cells The mitochondrion (plural, mitochondria) is an organelle that makes
include the nucleus, mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi energy available to the cell (Figure 5.6.3). This is why mitochondria are
apparatus, vesicles, and vacuoles. Ribosomes are not enclosed within a sometimes referred to as the power plants of the cell. They use energy
membrane but are still commonly referred to as organelles in eukaryotic from organic compounds such as glucose to make molecules of ATP
cells. (adenosine triphosphate), an energy-carrying molecule that is used
almost universally inside cells for energy.
THE NUCLEUS Scientists think that mitochondria were once free-living organisms
The nucleus is the largest organelle in a eukaryotic cell and is considered because they contain their own DNA. They theorize that ancient
to be the cell’s control center. It contains most of the cell’s DNA, which prokaryotes infected (or were engulfed by) larger prokaryotic cells, and
makes up chromosomes and is encoded with the genetic instructions for the two organisms evolved a symbiotic relationship that benefited both of
making proteins. The function of the nucleus is to regulate gene them. The larger cells provided the smaller prokaryotes with a place to
expression, including controlling which proteins the cell makes. In live. In return, the larger cells got extra energy from the smaller
addition to DNA, the nucleus contains a thick liquid called nucleoplasm prokaryotes. Eventually, the smaller prokaryotes became permanent
that is similar in composition to the cytosol found in the cytoplasm guests of the larger cells, as organelles inside them. This theory is called
outside the nucleus (Figure 5.6.2). Most eukaryotic cells contain just a the endosymbiotic theory, and it is widely accepted by biologists today
single nucleus, but some types of cells, such as red blood cells, contain no
nucleus. A few other types of cells, such as muscle cells, contain multiple
nuclei.

5.6.1 https://bio.libretexts.org/@go/page/16744
 form a network. In some cells, there are dilated areas like the sacs of
RER. Smooth endoplasmic reticulum and RER form an interconnected
network.

Figure 5.6.3 : Mitochondria, organelles specialized to carry out aerobic

respiration, contain an inner membrane folded into cristae, which form
two separate compartments: the inner membrane space and the matrix.
The Krebs Cycle takes place in the matrix. The electron transport chain is
embedded in the inner membrane and uses both compartments to make
ATP by chemiosmosis. Mitochondria have their own DNA and
ribosomes, resembling those of prokaryotic organisms.

MITOCHONDRIAL COMPARTMENTS Figure 5.6.4 : The ER is a winding network of thin membranous sacs
found in close association with the cell nucleus. The smooth and rough
The double membrane nature of the mitochondria results in five distinct endoplasmic reticula are very different in appearance and function
compartments, each with an important role in cellular respiration. These (source: mouse tissue). (b) Rough ER is studded with numerous
compartments are: ribosomes, which are sites of protein synthesis (source: mouse tissue).
EM × 110,000. (c) Smooth ER synthesizes phospholipids, steroid
1. the outer mitochondrial membrane, hormones, regulates the concentration of cellular Ca2+, metabolizes some
2. the intermembrane space (the space between the outer and inner carbohydrates, and breaks down certain toxins.
membranes),
3. the inner mitochondrial membrane, GOLGI APPARATUS
4. the cristae (formed by infoldings of the inner membrane), and The Golgi apparatus (Figure 5.6.5) is a large organelle that processes
5. the matrix (space within the inner membrane). proteins and prepares them for use both inside and outside the cell. It was
identified in 1898 by the Italian physician Camillo Golgi. The Golgi
ENDOPLASMIC RETICULUM apparatus modifies, sorts, and packages different substances for secretion
The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) (plural, reticuli) is a network of out of the cell, or for use within the cell. The Golgi apparatus is found
phospholipid membranes that form hollow tubes, flattened sheets, and close to the nucleus of the cell where it modifies proteins that have been
round sacs. These flattened, hollow folds and sacs are called cisternae. delivered in transport vesicles from the Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum. It
The ER has two major functions: is also involved in the transport of lipids around the cell. Pieces of the
Transport: Molecules, such as proteins, can move from place to place Golgi membrane pinch off to form vesicles that transport molecules
inside the ER, much like on an intracellular highway. around the cell. The Golgi apparatus can be thought of as similar to a post
Synthesis: Ribosomes that are attached to the ER, similar to office; it packages and labels "items" and then sends them to different
unattached ribosomes, make proteins. Lipids are also produced in the parts of the cell. The Golgi apparatus tends to be larger and more
ER. numerous in cells that synthesize and secrete large quantities of materials;
for example, the plasma B cells and the antibody-secreting cells of the
There are two types of endoplasmic reticulum, rough endoplasmic immune system have prominent Golgi complexes.
reticulum (RER) and smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER):
The Golgi apparatus manipulates products from the Rough Endoplasmic
Rough endoplasmic reticulum is studded with ribosomes, which Reticulum (ER) and also produces new organelles called lysosomes.
gives it a “rough” appearance. These ribosomes make proteins that are Proteins and other products of the ER are sent to the Golgi apparatus,
then transported from the ER in small sacs called transport vesicles. which organizes, modifies, packages, and tags them. Some of these
The transport vesicles pinch off the ends of the ER. The rough products are transported to other areas of the cell and some are exported
endoplasmic reticulum works with the Golgi apparatus to move new from the cell through exocytosis. Enzymatic proteins are packaged as new
proteins to their proper destinations in the cell. The membrane of the lysosomes.
RER is continuous with the outer layer of the nuclear envelope.
Smooth endoplasmic reticulum does not have any ribosomes
attached to it, and so it has a smooth appearance. SER has many
different functions, some of which include lipid synthesis, calcium ion
storage, and drug detoxification. The smooth endoplasmic reticulum is
found in both animal and plant cells and it serves different functions in
each. The SER is made up of tubules and vesicles that branch out to

5.6.2 https://bio.libretexts.org/@go/page/16744
 Transport vesicles, transport contents between organelle as well as
between cell exterior and interior.

CENTRIOLES
Centrioles are organelles involved in cell division. The function of
centrioles is to help organize the chromosomes before cell division occurs
so that each daughter cell has the correct number of chromosomes after
the cell divides. Centrioles are found only in animal cells and are located
near the nucleus. Each centriole is made mainly of a protein named
tubulin. The centriole is cylindrical in shape and consists of many
microtubules, as shown in the model pictured below.

Figure 5.6.5 : The rough ER is continuous with the nuclear envelope and Figure 5.6.6 : Centrioles are tiny cylinders near the nucleus, enlarged here
has ribosomes on it's surface. The ribosomes produce proteins such as the to show their tubular structure.
one shown which remains bound to the membrane of the rough ER. The
membrane of the rough ER pinches off to form a transport vesicle RIBOSOMES
containing the protein. The vesicle fuses with the cis face of the Golgi Ribosomes are small structures where proteins are made. Although they
apparatus. The protein is now found on the membrane of the Golgi
are not enclosed within a membrane, they are frequently considered
apparatus and travels along the cisternae. Once it reaches the trans face of
the Golgi apparatus, it gets packaged into a secretory vesicle that sendsorganelles. Each ribosome is formed of two subunits, like the one pictured
the protein to the plasma membrane. at the top of this section. Both subunits consist of proteins and RNA.
The stack of cisternae has four functional regions: the cis-Golgi RNA from the nucleus carries the genetic code, copied from DNA, which
network, medial-Golgi, endo-Golgi, and trans-Golgi network. Vesicles remains in the nucleus. At the ribosome, the genetic code in RNA is used
from the ER fuse with the network and subsequently progress through the to assemble and join together amino acids to make proteins. Ribosomes
stack from the cis- to the trans-Golgi network, where they are packaged can be found alone or in groups within the cytoplasm as well as on the
and sent to their destination. Each cisterna includes special Golgi RER.
enzymes which modify or help to modify proteins that travel through it.
Proteins may be modified by the addition of a carbohydrate group REVIEW
(glycosylation) or phosphate group (phosphorylation). These 1. Define organelle.
modifications may form a signal sequence on the protein, which 2. Describe the structure and function of the nucleus.
determines the final destination of the protein. For example, the addition 3. Explain how the nucleus, ribosomes, rough endoplasmic reticulum,
of mannose-6-phosphate signals the protein for lysosomes. and Golgi apparatus work together to make and transport proteins.
4. Why are mitochondria referred to as the power plants of the cell?
VESICLES AND VACUOLES 5. What roles are played by vesicles and vacuoles?
Both vesicles and vacuoles are sac-like organelles that store and transport 6. Why do all cells need ribosomes, even prokaryotic cells that lack a
materials in the cell. Vesicles are much smaller than vacuoles and have a nucleus and other cell organelles?
variety of functions. The vesicles that pinch off from the membranes of 7. Explain endosymbiotic theory as it relates to mitochondria. What is
the ER and Golgi apparatus store and transport protein and lipid one piece of evidence that supports this theory?
molecules. You can see an example of this type of transport vesicle in the 8. Lysosomes and peroxisomes are types of:
figure above. Some vesicles are used as chambers for biochemical A. A. Organelles
reactions. Other vesicles include: B. B. Vesicles
Lysosomes, which use enzymes to break down foreign matter and C. C. Vacuoles
dead cells. D. D. Both A and B
Peroxisomes, which use oxygen to break down poisons. 9. Which of the following organelles fits best with each description of
function? Choose only one organelle for each answer: Golgi

5.6.3 https://bio.libretexts.org/@go/page/16744
 apparatus, centrioles, nucleolus, nucleus, rough endoplasmic reticulum DOI:10.15347/wjm/2014.010. ISSN 2002-4436. licensed CC BY 3.0
A. a. Contains the genetic instructions for the production of proteins via Wikimedia Commons
B. b. Organizes chromosomes before cell division 3. Animal mitochondrion by LadyofHats, released into the public
C. c. Provides a framework for ribosomes domain via Wikimedia Commons
D. d. Packages and labels proteins 4. Endoplasmic reticulum by OpenStax, licensed CC BY 4.0 via
E. e. Assembles ribosomes Wikimedia Commons
5. Golgi Apparatus by Openstax, licensed CC BY 4.0 via Wikimedia
10. True or False. All eukaryotic cells have a nucleus.
Commons
11. True or False. The outer surface of the nucleus of a eukaryotic cell is
6. Centrioles by Blausen.com staff (2014). "Medical gallery of Blausen
not completely solid.
Medical 2014". WikiJournal of Medicine 1 (2).
EXPLORE MORE DOI:10.15347/wjm/2014.010. ISSN 2002-4436. licensed CC BY 3.0
https://bio.libretexts.org/link?16744#Explore_More via Wikimedia Commons
7. Text adapted from Human Biology by CK-12 licensed CC BY-NC 3.0
ATTRIBUTIONS
This page titled 5.6: Cell Organelles is shared under a CK-12 license and was
1. 50S-subunit of the ribosome by Yikrazuul, licensed CC BY-SA 3.0 via
authored, remixed, and/or curated by Suzanne Wakim & Mandeep Grewal via
Wikimedia Commons
source content that was edited to the style and standards of the LibreTexts
2. Cell nucleus by Blausen.com staff (2014). "Medical gallery of Blausen
platform; a detailed edit history is available upon request.
Medical 2014". WikiJournal of Medicine 1 (2).

5.6.4 https://bio.libretexts.org/@go/page/16744