Is Cell Membrane An Organelle: 5 Facts You Should Know

An organelle is defined as a subcellular component that performs a very specific function or a set of it. Let us see if cell membrane is an organelle.

Cell membrane form a semi-permeable layer around a cell and regulate the entry and exit of molecules, gases and ions. As it is present outside of the cell, it is not a subcellular structure, so cannot be referred to as an organelle although it performs a very specific set of functions like any other organelle of a cell.

Let us discuss if they are an organelle or not and if so, then why, followed by some examples in this article.

Why is the cell membrane considered as organelles

Whether cell membranes are an organelle on not can vary based on the different aspects of the definition of an organelle as it is strictly based on their structure.

Let us discuss some points in favor of cell membranes being an organelle.

• Function of cell membrane: Based on their functions, cell membrane can be referred to as an organelle. They not only perform a very specific set of tasks which cannot be accomplished by any other organelle or subcellular structure but their existence is vital for the viability of a cell.
• Non membrane bound organelles: As they are complexes of various macromolecules performing a very specific and indispensable tasks and yet are referred to as organelles, so can be cell membranes. The cell membranes are also an assemblage of several biomolecules such as lipids, proteins, fatty acids and carbohydrates.

Let us also discuss some points in the argument against the cell membrane being called an organelle.

• Organellar membrane: Not only cells but some organelles present within a cell are also surrounded by lipid bilayers. If the cell membrane qualifies to be called as a separate organelle, so will the organellar membranes.
• Double membranous organelles: Another point to focus on is that some double membranous organelles are suggested to have become a part of the present-day cells by the process endosymbiosis. This means that they used to exist as individual living entities on the primitive earth. Hence, their membrane system should be referred to as an organelle as well.
• Other outer membranes: Cells are also covered by some extra layers such as cell wall and capsule, apart from the cell membrane which play important roles as well. Calling cell membrane an organelle will allow them to qualify as one too.

What is considered an organelle?

Organelles may or may not be bounded by a membrane. Let us discuss what is considered an organelles.

Organelles are defined as subcellular compartments having specialized functions. Some examples of organelles enclosed within the double membranous layers are mitochondria, chloroplast and nucleus while other organelles such as ER, vacuoles and Golgi apparatus are bounded by a single membrane.

Non membrane bound organelles such as ribosomes, centrioles and cytoskeletons are often also called large biomolecular complexes as these are formed by an assemblage of macromolecules of similar or different nature and properties.

What organelles does the cell membrane work with?

Cell membranes work with many different organelles present inside a cell. Let us discuss more about them.

Cell membranes work with organelles such as the membrane trafficking system. It involves movement of biomolecules enclosed within transport vesicles within the cytoplasm or outside of the cell. Some of the organelles involved in it are ER, Golgi apparatus, endosomes, exosomes and cytoskeletons.

Is a plant cell membrane an organelle?

Plant cell membrane has similar composition as that of an animal cell. Let us discuss more about them.

A plant cell membrane may or may not qualify as an organelle based on similar points as discussed earlier in this article. It is composed of proteins embedded within the lipid bilayers possessing different types of phospholipids.

Is a fungi cell membrane an organelle?

Fungal cell membrane has a different set of composition when compared to that of the plant and animal cell membranes. Let us read if fungal cell membrane is an organelle.

Fungal cell membrane may be called an organelle functionally but it is not present inside the cell cytosol like an organelle. The unique cell membrane composition of fungus regulates its pathogenicity as it has sterols, glycophospholipids and sphingolipids in its cell wall.

Conclusion

Whether a cell membrane is an organelle or not, is actually very subjective, yet no text has referred to it as an organelle nor has any denied so.

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