How does the MCAT classify a ribosome?

[jayel]

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So I understand that there is a debate about ribosomes actually being an organelle or not. It all stems from what definition of organelle you use.

But how does the MCAT define an organelle? Is it any structure in the cell? Or does it have to be membrane bound? How should I please the MCAT gods?

 

[PiBond]

a small structure within a cell that carries out a specific cell function (ie translation in this case)

 

[docelh]

I doubt a ribosome is an organelle by itself. It is too small and is not a permanent structure.

 

[PiBond]

it's my understanding that the MCAT does classify the ribosome as an organelle. the debate centers around whether an organelle must have an membrane or not, so some consider it a non-membranous organelle. don't worry too much about its classification and instead just understand its function.

 

[jayel]

So if ribosomes are organelles, then prokaryotes have organelles right? I wish I knew the MCAT's official stance on thsi.

 

[lorenzomicron]

Well, not sure about whether a ribosome is an organelle or not, but all the Bio books I've ever read say "prokaryotes lack membrane-bound organelles." This implies that there may be organelles which are not membrane-bound.