Question

Define and write functions of the following

1. endoplasmic reticulum

2. lysosome

3.vacuoles

4.Golgi apparatus

5. plastids

Answer 1

1. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER):

1. A network of membranous tubules within the cytoplasm of a eukaryotic cell, continuous with the nuclear membrane.
   
2. They are of two types, of which rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) performs protein synthesis, while smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER) helps with lipid synthesis.
   

2. Lysosome:

1. An organelle in the cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells containing degrading or hydrolytic enzymes enclosed in a membrane.​
   
2. They digest excess or worn-out organelles, food particles, and engulfed viruses or bacteria.
3. They can also completely digest the cell to destroy it when the cell functions abnormally.
   

3. Vacuoles:

1. A space or vesicle within the cytoplasm of a cell, enclosed by a membrane and typically containing fluid.​
   
2. In mature plant cells, vacuoles tend to be very large and are extremely important in providing structural support, as well as serving functions such as storage, waste disposal, protection, and growth.

4. Golgi apparatus:

1. A complex of vesicles and folded membranes within the cytoplasm of most eukaryotic cells, involved in secretion and intracellular transport.​
   
2. A major function is the modifying, sorting, and packaging of proteins for secretion.
3. Vesicles produced from the Golgi apparatus either carry the component outside the cell or different regions inside the cell.

5. Plastids:

1. The organelles present in the plant cells containing pigments that help with the biosynthesis of nutrients are called plastids.
   
2. The main function of the plastids like the chloroplast is to perform photosynthesis.
   
3. The chromoplast provides color to the plant parts where it is present.