Organelles
Organelles are structures in a cell that have specific functions such as energy production and controlling growth. These cellular structures are embedded in the cytoplasm of both prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms, they enable cellular processes to take place normally. Animal and plant cells have the same types of organelles. However, there are particular types found in animals while others are specifically in plants (Dashek & Miglani, 2017). For instance, lysosomes and centrosomes are found in animals only while cell walls, plastids, central vacuole, and chloroplasts are found in plants.
Animal Cell Organelles
- Nucleus
- Mitochondria
- Ribosome
- Vesicle
- Microfilament
- Rough endoplasmic reticulum
- Golgi apparatus
- Cytoskeleton
- Vacuole
- Cytosol
- Lysosome
- Centriole
- Plasma membrane
Functions of a Cell Organelle
Plasma membrane forms boundaries in a cell, it allows selective permeability of nutrients into and out of the cell using proteins. The nucleus assembles ribosomes, and it stores deoxyribose nucleic acid, which is a genetic code. In addition, this organelle controls the activities of all the other organelles and facilitates cell division, protein synthesis, and cell growth. The nucleolus synthesizes ribosomes while ribosomes are useful in the translation process when an amino acid is linked to the messenger RNA. The mitochondria produce energy (ATP) through oxidative phosphorylation.
The rough endoplasmic reticulum makes protein-membrane, which is transferred into a lumen. It also exports protein and synthesizes lysosomes. On the other hand, the smooth endoplasmic reticulum helps in breaking down glycogen. It also contains enzymes for detoxification. Golgi apparatus functions in the glycosylation process (protein modification) and the export of lysosomes. It also packages macromolecules into the vesicles. Cytoskeletons support the body and aids in movement. Vesicles transport materials such as enzymes across compartments and lysosomes function like a cell stomach by engulfing food particles through endocytosis and digestion (Delevoye et al., 2019). Microfilament gives strength to aid in the movement of the cell.
Examples of Metabolic Disorders Caused by Malfunctioning of Cell Organelle
Dysfunction or deficit of ribosomes in the body leads to the development of Treacher-Collins syndrome disorder. Ribosomes are vital in the synthesis of proteins, which are fundamental in cell survival. Its deficiency causes facial abnormalities like cleft palate, and ribosomopathy with mandibular hypoplasia. Patients with this condition are mostly anemic and they develop skeletal abnormalities. Malfunctioning of mitochondria in a cell causes MELAS syndrome, which is characterized by mitochondrial encephalopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes (Severiche, 2018). This illness reduces the cell’s ability to generate adenosine triphosphate (ATP).
References
Dashek, W. V., & Miglani, G. S. (Eds.). (2017). Plant cells and their organelles. John Wiley & Sons.
Delevoye, C., Marks, M. S., & Raposo, G. (2019). Lysosome-related organelles as functional adaptations of the endolysosomal system. Current opinion in cell biology, 59, 147-158.
Severiche, C. (2018). Diseases associated with specific cell-organelles. Web.