Question

Cells consist of many organelles, yet we do not call any of these organelles as a structural and functional unit of living organisms. Explain.

Answer 1

Cell organelles:

1. A cell organelle is a structure present in the cytoplasm of a eukaryotic cell, enclosed by the membrane and performing specific vital functions.
2. Organelles in eukaryotic cells include the nucleus, mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, vesicles, and vacuoles.
3. We do not call cell organelles the structural and functional units of living organisms because they only perform their functions if they are present inside the living cell.
4. Outside the cell, they can't function as an independent unit since they need a medium or an environment to function, which the cell does.
5. Cell organelles are unable to perform independently. They are somehow dependent on each other for various functions to take place.
6. Hence, cell organelles are not called structural and functional units of living organisms.