Question

What are organelles and which type of cells (prokaryotic or eukaryotic) contains them?

Short answer

Answer: Organelles are specialized structures within a cell that carry out specific functions. They are present in eukaryotic cells only, as these cells have specialized structures for different functions. Prokaryotic cells, on the other hand, lack membrane-bound organelles and perform all their cellular functions within the cytoplasm.

Step-by-step solution

Definition of organelles

Organelles are specialized structures within a cell that carry out specific functions. They are surrounded by a membrane and are present within the cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells.

Prokaryotic cells

Prokaryotic cells are simpler, smaller cells that don't have a nucleus or membrane-bound organelles. Examples of prokaryotes include bacteria and archaea. They perform all cellular functions within the cytoplasm, without the assistance of organelles.

Eukaryotic cells

Eukaryotic cells are more complex, larger cells with a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles. They perform cellular functions using specialized structures, or organelles, that are either self-contained or separate from the rest of the cell. Examples of eukaryotes include plants, animals, and fungi.

Organelles in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells

Organelles are found in eukaryotic cells only, as they have specialized structures for different functions. In contrast, prokaryotic cells lack membrane-bound organelles and perform all their cellular functions within the cytoplasm.