title: Cell organelles--fact or fancy.
abstract: The paper reappraises a definition of cell organelles previously suggested as part of a general classification of cellular components. According to that scheme cellular components are subdivided in a) nuclear and cytoplasmic organelles, b) groundplasm and nuclear sap, and c) inclusions. Cell organelles, defined as entities characterized by specific morphologic, chemical, and physical features, are considered representatives of particular subcellular functions. Functional energy consumption, though unequivocally associated with the activity of some organelles, is not a general criterium of cell organelles. The application of these criteria is outlined in the case of chromosomes, polysomes, microtubules, and myofilaments.
mesh_terms: D002477:Cells / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D002875:Chromosomes / Q000502:physiology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D003599:Cytoskeleton / Q000502:physiology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D005057:Eukaryotic Cells / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D008870:Microtubules / Q000502:physiology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D009940:Organoids / Q000145:classification* / Q000648:ultrastructure