Difference between Organ and Organelle
When we talk about biology and its sub-disciplines, we often come across terms like ‘organ’ and ‘organelle.’ While both are integral parts of the study of living organisms, they hold different meanings and functions.
What is an Organ?
An organ refers to a structure that carries out a specific function in the body of a living organism. Organs comprise different tissues that work together to perform the required purpose. For instance, the heart is an organ that pumps blood to various parts of the body. Similarly, the lungs are organs that help in breathing by exchanging oxygen and carbon dioxide.
In animals, organs are organized to form organ systems that carry out vital functions for the survival of the organism. These systems range from the digestive system, circulatory system, and respiratory system, among others.
What is an Organelle?
On the other hand, organelles refer to miniature structures within cells that carry out specific functions for the cell. Organelles are found in eukaryotic cells, which are cells that have a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles.
There are various organelles within cells, such as mitochondria, which are responsible for producing energy in the cell, and the nucleus, which contains the genetic material of the cell. Other organelles include the endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, and lysosomes, among others.
The Differences between Organ and Organelles
The key distinction between organs and organelles is the scale at which they operate. Organs are much larger and more complex than organelles. They are made up of various tissues and are often visible to the naked eye, whereas organelles are microscopic and require a microscope to observe.
Organs work together to carry out specific functions in the body of an organism, such as circulation, respiration, digestion, and movement. Organelles, on the other hand, work together to maintain the cellular organization and carry out cellular functions such as energy production, protein synthesis, and waste disposal.
Another difference between organs and organelles is their structural organization. Organs are made up of different tissues that have specific structures and functions. In contrast, organelles have specific structures and functions within a cell, such as the mitochondria, which have an inner and outer membrane.
Conclusion
In conclusion, organs and organelles are essential structures in the study of biology. While both play critical roles in the functioning of living organisms, they operate on different scales and have different structures and functions. Understanding the difference between organs and organelles is crucial in advancing our knowledge of the living organisms around us.
Table difference between organ and organelle
| Organ | Organelle |
|---|---|
| Highly specialized structure made up of different tissues working together to perform a specific function in an organism | Specialized structure inside a cell that performs a specific function |
| Macroscopic | Microscopic |
| Found in multicellular organisms | Found in both unicellular and multicellular organisms |
| Examples include heart, lungs, liver, and brain | Examples include mitochondria, ribosomes, endoplasmic reticulum, and lysosomes |
| Composed of different types of tissues such as muscle, connective, nervous, and epithelial | Composed of different types of biomolecules such as proteins, lipids, nucleic acids, and carbohydrates |
| Not self-replicating | Some are self-replicating (e.g. mitochondria and chloroplasts) |