The Building Blocks of Life: A Comprehensive Guide to Organs and Organelles
FAQs on Difference Between Organ and Organelle
1. What is the difference between an organ and an organelle?
The main difference between an organ and an organelle is that an organ is a complex structure composed of two or more types of tissues that perform specific functions in the body, while an organelle is a specialised structure within a cell that performs specific functions within the cell. Organs are larger in size and are visible to the naked eye, while organelles are much smaller in size and are only visible under a microscope. Finally, organs are vital to the survival of the organism, while organelles are vital to the survival of the cell.
2. Do organs have organelles?
Yes, organs do have organelles. Organs are made up of many different types of cells, and each cell contains many organelles that perform specific functions within the cell. For example, the liver is an organ that contains many different types of cells, including hepatocytes. Hepatocytes contain many different organelles, including mitochondria, ribosomes, and the smooth and rough endoplasmic reticulum. These organelles work together to perform the various functions of the hepatocyte and the liver as a whole.
3. Are organelles bigger than organs?
No, organelles are not bigger than organs. Organelles are much smaller in size than organs and are only visible under a microscope. Organelles are typically measured in nanometers (nm) or micrometers (μm), while organs are measured in centimeters (cm) or larger. For example, a typical animal cell is only about 10-30 μm in diameter, while a human heart can be up to 15 cm in length and 10 cm in width. While organelles are much smaller than organs, they are still important because they perform specific functions within the cell that are essential for the survival of the organism.