What is an Organelle

Inside every cell, there are special parts that do important jobs. These parts are called organelles (pronounced or-guh-nells). The word “organelle” means “little organ,” and just like organs in your body have specific functions—like the heart pumping blood—organelles help the cell stay alive and carry out its work.

Organelles are found in eukaryotic cells, such as those in animals, plants, fungi, and protists. Each organelle has a different job and most are surrounded by a membrane, which helps keep the cell organized. These tiny structures work together to keep the cell healthy and functioning.

One of the most important organelles is the nucleus. It acts like the control center of the cell and holds the cell’s DNA, which contains the instructions for everything the cell does. Another organelle is the mitochondrion (plural: mitochondria), which is known as the “powerhouse” of the cell because it makes energy. Plant cells also have chloroplasts, which use sunlight to make food in a process called photosynthesis.

Other organelles include the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), which helps make proteins and fats, and the Golgi apparatus, which packages and delivers materials the cell needs. The vacuole stores water, food, or waste, and the lysosome breaks down unwanted materials.

Without organelles, cells wouldn’t be able to survive, grow, or do their jobs. Each one plays a part in keeping the cell—and the organism—alive and well.

Fun Fact: Mitochondria have their own DNA, which means they can make some of their own proteins!