What is the Difference Between Membranous and Nonmembranous Organelles?

The main difference between membranous and non-membranous organelles lies in the presence or absence of a plasma membrane.

Membranous organelles possess their own plasma membrane, which creates a lumen separate from the cytoplasm. These organelles are involved in various cellular functions, such as hormone synthesis and degradation of macromolecules. Examples of membranous organelles include:

• Endoplasmic reticulum
• Golgi apparatus
• Mitochondria
• Peroxisomes
• Lysosomes
• Transport vesicles

Non-membranous organelles are not surrounded by a plasma membrane and are often part of the cytoskeleton, which is the major support structure of the cell. These organelles are involved in functions such as cell structure and movement. Examples of non-membranous organelles include:

• Ribosomes
• Microtubules
• Cytoskeleton (actin filaments, intermediate filaments, centrioles)

In summary, membranous organelles have a plasma membrane that separates their contents from the rest of the cell, while non-membranous organelles do not have a plasma membrane and are often part of the cell's cytoskeleton.

Comparative Table: Membranous vs Nonmembranous Organelles

Here is a table comparing the differences between membranous and nonmembranous organelles:

Membranous organelles are present only in eukaryotic cells and have a membrane surrounding them, creating a separate lumen from the cytoplasm. On the other hand, nonmembranous organelles are present in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells and lack a surrounding membrane.