organelle

[awr-guh-nel, awr-guh-nel]

noun

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

organelle

/ ˌɔːɡəˈnɛl /

noun

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

organelle

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of organelle¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of organelle¹

C20: from New Latin organella, from Latin organum: see _organ

Example Sentences

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

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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.

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The ion channel controls the breakdown of important proteins in endolysosomes -- cell organelles that are involved in transport and degradation processes -- and thus influences signaling pathways that regulate tumor growth.

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It's a core function, but little studied in the setting of cancer immunology, especially when compared to other organelles like the mitochondria or endoplasmic reticulum.

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It would mark the first time synthetic vaults have been injected into humans, and perhaps the beginning of a new turn in the spotlight for these mysterious organelles.

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