What is an organelle?

An organelle refers to a tiny structure within a cell that has a specific function essential for the cell's overall operation and health. Organelles are specialized components, each performing unique tasks that contribute to the cell's metabolism, energy production, growth, and reproduction. Common examples of organelles include the mitochondria, which produce energy, the ribosomes, which synthesize proteins, and the nucleus, which houses genetic material.

Understanding that an organelle is distinct from other biological terms, such as a type of cell or tissue, is important. Cells are the basic units of life, while tissues are groups of similar cells working together. An organelle, on the other hand, refers specifically to a subunit within a cell that contributes to its function and structure. Additionally, while the nucleus is indeed an organelle that plays a critical role in cellular function, characterizing it merely as a "function" does not accurately represent what an organelle is.