organelle

American  

[awr-guh-nel, awr-guh-nel] / ˌɔr gəˈnɛl, ˈɔr gəˌnɛl /

noun

1. Cell Biology. a specialized part of a cell having some specific function; a cell organ.

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organelle British  

/ ˌɔːɡəˈnɛl /

noun

1. a structural and functional unit, such as a mitochondrion, in a cell or unicellular organism

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organelle Scientific  

/ ôr′gə-nĕl′ /

1. A structure or part that is enclosed within its own membrane inside a cell and has a particular function. Organelles are found only in eukaryotic cells and are absent from the cells of prokaryotes such as bacteria. The nucleus, the mitochondrion, the chloroplast, the Golgi apparatus, the lysosome, and the endoplasmic reticulum are all examples of organelles. Some organelles, such as mitochondria and chloroplasts, have their own genome (genetic material) separate from that found in the nucleus of the cell. Such organelles are thought to have their evolutionary origin in symbiotic bacteria or other organisms that have become a permanent part of the cell.

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Etymology

Origin of organelle

1905–10; < New Latin organella, diminutive of Latin organum organ; -elle

Example Sentences

One common trend is the reduction or loss of plastids -- a category of plant organelles that includes chloroplasts, which enable photosynthesis in most plants.

From Science Daily

The researchers highlight that this tubular structure represents an exceptionally rare example of an organelle within bacteria.

From Science Daily

Their work reveals that leucine stabilizes important mitochondrial proteins, enhancing the organelle's ability to produce energy.

From Science Daily

Eukaryotes are living things with cells that contain a nucleus and other specialized structures called organelles.

From Science Daily

It is most often used to study how macromolecules, cellular organelles, or cells are spatially organized, providing structural and contextual insights at sub-nanometer resolution.

From Science Daily