Five Cell Organelles And Their Functions

Mitochondria

Mitochondria are sometimes called "power plants," or the powerhouse of the cell. These organelles are capable of converting the energy in our energy-yielding nutrients (carbohydrate, protein, and fat) to a form that cells can use. This is an aerobic process that uses the oxygen we inhale, and water, enzymes, and other compounds. With the exception of red blood cells, all cells contain mito­chondria; only the size, shape, and numbers vary. Without them, it would be impossible to actually use any of the energy that is consumed.




Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)

The outer membrane of the cell nucleus is continuous with a network of tubes called the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). There are two different types: the rough endoplasmic reticulum and the smooth endoplasmic reticulum. The rough endoplasmic reticulum contains the ribosomes, whereas the smooth does not. Ribosomes are essentially the site where proteins are synthesized. Many of these proteins play a central role in human nutrition. The smooth ER is involved in lipid synthesis (such as fats), detoxification of toxic substances, and calcium storage and release in the cell.

Golgi Complex

The Golgi complex is a packaging site for proteins that are used in the cytoplasm or exported from the cell. The Golgi complex consists of sacs within the cytoplasm in which products of the rough endoplasmic reticulum are received, processed, separated according to function and destination, and "packaged" as secretory vesicles for secre­tion by the cell.




Lysosomes


Lysosomes are the cell's digestive system. They are sacs that contain enzymes for the digestion of foreign material. Sometimes known as "suicide bags," they are responsi­ble for digesting worn-out or damaged cells. Certain cells that are associated with im­munity contain many lysosomes.

Peroxisomes

Peroxisomes contain enzymes that detoxify harmful chemicals. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is formed as a result of such enzyme action. Peroxisomes contain a protective enzyme called catalase, which prevents excessive accumulation of hydrogen peroxide in the cell, which would be very damaging. Peroxisomes also play a minor role in me­tabolizing one possible source of energy for cells alcohol.




All five of these cell organelles are extremely important to the maintenance of every cell. While there are many other organelles which also play a huge role (cell nucleus, cell membrane, cytoplasm, ribosomes, nucleolus, centrioles, etc.), these five organelles are arguably a few of the most important ones. Without all of the cell organelles working side by side, a cell may become mutated (or cancerous) or even cease to exist altogether.