Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
An organelle is a specialized structure within a cell that performs a specific function necessary for the cell's life. These structures are analogous to the organs of a body, each contributing to the overall health and functionality of the cell.
Related terms
Mitochondria: Known as the powerhouse of the cell, mitochondria generate most of the cell's supply of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), used as a source of chemical energy.
These are molecular machines within cells that synthesize proteins, reading RNA produced in the nucleus and assembling protein molecules according to its instructions.