What are tiny cell sized organs?
Mitochondria: Often referred to as the "powerhouses of the cell," mitochondria are responsible for generating energy in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate) through cellular respiration. They have a double membrane structure and contain their own DNA (mitochondrial DNA).
Ribosomes: Ribosomes are the sites of protein synthesis. They consist of two subunits, a large subunit and a small subunit, which come together to read the messenger RNA (mRNA) sequence and assemble the correct sequence of amino acids into proteins.
Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER): The endoplasmic reticulum is an extensive network of membrane-bound structures involved in various cellular functions. There are two types of ER: rough ER (with ribosomes attached to its surface) involved in protein synthesis, and smooth ER involved in lipid metabolism, detoxification, and calcium storage.
Golgi Apparatus: Also known as the Golgi complex or Golgi bodies, the Golgi apparatus is a series of flattened membrane-bound sacs. It processes, modifies, and packages proteins, lipids, and other molecules synthesized within the cell before they are transported to their final destinations.
Lysosomes: Lysosomes are membrane-bound organelles that contain digestive enzymes capable of breaking down various molecules, including proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids. They are known as the cell's "recycling center."
Peroxisomes: Peroxisomes are small membrane-bound organelles involved in various metabolic reactions, including lipid metabolism, detoxification, and the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS).
These are just a few examples of tiny cell-sized organs, and there are numerous other organelles with specialized functions within cells. Each organelle plays a critical role in maintaining the overall structure, function, and survival of the cell.