organelle
Pronunciation
Noun
B2 Upper-intermediate
Quick answer
A specialised structure within a cell that carries out a particular function, roughly equivalent to an organ within the body.
Usage notes
Organelles let a cell divide up its labour, much as organs divide up functions within a whole body.
Test yourself
Which word fits the gap? "The mitochondrion is the _____ responsible for producing most of a cell's usable energy."
Answer: organelle
In your own words, what does "organelle" mean?
A specialised structure within a cell that carries out a particular function, roughly equivalent to an organ within the body.
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