Difference Between Organs and Organelles

The following table gives a quick glimpse on organs vs organelles :

Feature Organs Organelles
Definition It is composed of different tissues and performs specific functions in the body. Subcellular structures within cells, each with specific functions.
Location It is found at various levels of organization in multicellular organisms. Organs are part of organ systems. It is located within cells, which are the basic structural and functional units of living organisms.
Composition It comprises of tissues, which are groups of cells with similar structures and functions. It is composed of biomolecules, membranes, and other cellular structures.
Size Typically larger in size and visible to the naked eye. Extremely small, measured in micrometers, and visible only under a microscope.
Examples Heart, liver, lungs, brain, stomach, etc. Nucleus, mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, lysosomes, etc.
Structural Hierarchy Organs are higher-level structures and can consist of multiple tissues. Organelles are part of the cellular structure and are contained within cells.
Function Perform specific physiological functions necessary for the survival of the organism. Carry out various cellular processes, such as energy production, protein synthesis, and transport.
Interdependence Organs often work together as part of organ systems to maintain homeostasis and support the organism’s life. Organelles work together within cells to carry out cellular functions and maintain cell homeostasis.
Visibility Visible to the naked eye. Visible only under a microscope.

Differentiate Between Organs and Organelles

There are major differences between Organs and Organelles which are covered in this article. Organs in the body are composed of tissues that perform similar functions. Organelles are specialized structures present inside cells that carry out specific life processes. Examples of organs include the stomach, lungs, and brain. Examples of organelles include mitochondria, chloroplast, etc.

Organs collectively form organ systems, and organelles contribute to cell formation. In this article, we will study the difference between organs and organelles, what is an organ?- characteristics and functions, and organelles along with its characteristics and functions.

Table of Content

  • Difference Between Organs and Organelles
  • What is an Organ?
  • What are Organelles?
  • Conclusion: Difference Between Organs and Organelles
  • FAQs on Difference Between Organs and Organelles

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Difference Between Organs and Organelles

The following table gives a quick glimpse on organs vs organelles :...

What is an Organ?

An organ is a group of tissues that work together to perform a specific function. The word “organ” comes from the Latin word ‘organum‘, which means “instrument” or “tool”. In the hierarchy of organization, an organ lies between tissue and an organ system. Examples of organs include the heart, lungs, stomach, liver, kidney, skin, spleen, uterus, and ovary. The human body has 78 different organs. In higher animals, organs are grouped into organ systems. For example, the esophagus, stomach, and liver are organs of the digestive system....

What are Organelles?

Organelles are membrane bound structures found within a cell. They are usually enclosed within a cell’s membrane and are present in the cytoplasm of both animals and plant cells. These include the nucleus, mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, and lysosomes. These structures perform specialized functions such as genetic regulation, energy production, protein synthesis, and cellular waste management. Organelles are enclosed by membranes and work together to maintain cellular homeostasis....

Conclusion: Difference Between Organs and Organelles

Organs and organelles are both essential components of living organisms, but they serve different functions. There are various difference between organs and organelles. Organs are made up of tissues and perform specific tasks within the body, such as digesting food, pumping blood, or filtering waste. Organelles, on the other hand, are specialized structures found within cells and perform specific functions within the cell, such as producing energy, synthesizing proteins, or transporting materials. Organs are much larger than organelles and organs are found within the body, while organelles are found within cells....

FAQs on Difference Between Organs and Organelles

What is the Difference Between Organ and Organ system?...

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