Question

Name the various cell organelles present in the cytoplasm of a cell.

Answer 1

Organelles (literally "little organs"), are usually membrane-bound structures inside the cell that have specific functions. Some major organelles that are suspended in the cytosol are the nucleus, mitochondria, the endoplasmic reticulum, the Golgi apparatus, vacuoles, and in plant cells, chloroplasts.

1) Nucleus - Known as the cell’s “command center,” the nucleus is a large organelle that stores the cell’s DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid).

2) Ribosomes - They are the protein factories of the cell.

3) Endoplasmic reticulum - The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a membranous organelle that shares part of its membrane with that of the nucleus. Some portions of the ER, known as the rough ER, are studded with ribosomes and are involved with protein manufacture. The rest of the organelle is referred to as the smooth ER and serves to produce vital lipids (fats).

4) Golgi apparatus - If the proteins from the rough ER require further modification, they are transported to the Golgi apparatus (or Golgi complex).

5) Mitochondria - The “powerhouses” of the cell, mitochondria are oval-shaped organelles found in most eukaryotic cells.

6) Chloroplasts - In plants and some algae, organelles known as chloroplasts serve as the site of photosynthesis.

7) Vacuole - Vacuoles are storage bubbles found in cells. Vacuoles might store food or any variety of nutrients a cell might need to survive. They can even store waste products so the rest of the cell is protected from contamination.