Definition of organelle
: a specialized cellular part (such as a mitochondrion, chloroplast, or nucleus) that has a specific function and is considered analogous to an organ
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Recent Examples of organelle from the Web
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Mitochondria are cellular organelles that contain their own DNA and are best known as the cell’s energy producers.
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Mitochondria are organelles that contain their own DNA.
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A technique called ribosome profiling enabled them to pinpoint which mRNAs the organelles were reading—and thus determine their end products.
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However, four were absent from 30% to 40% of the organelles, suggesting that those ribosomes were distinctive.
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During the process, free radicals and singlet oxygen are also formed and can inflict damage on cellular membranes, organelles, and proteins.
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Within yourself, your organelles and proteins and genes have stuff to do.
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In those with Batten, a defect occurs in the lysosomes, cell organelles that remove cell waste.
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The cause of death was a subtle one: neonatal lactic acidosis, a problem brought about by a defect in the mitochondria – microscopic organelles that control the metabolism of individual cells – in her mother's egg.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'organelle.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of organelle
New Latin organella, from Latin organum
ORGANELLE Defined for Kids
organelle
Definition of organelle for Students
: a structure (as a lysosome) in a cell that performs a special function
Medical Dictionary
Learn More about organelle
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See words that rhyme with organelle Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about organelle
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