Final answer:
The term for structures within cells that perform specialized tasks is an 'organelle.' Organelles can be membrane-bound, like the nucleus, mitochondria, and endoplasmic reticulum, or not membrane-bound like ribosomes. These organelles are essential for various cell functions including genetic information storage, energy production, and protein synthesis.
Step-by-step explanation:
The general term for a structure within cells that performs a specialized task and may or may not be enclosed in its own membranes is called an organelle.
An organelle is a structure within the cytoplasm of a eukaryotic cell that may be enclosed within a membrane and performs a specific job. Examples of organelles include the nucleus, which contains the cell’s genetic material, and the mitochondria, often referred to as the powerhouse of the cell, since they generate most of the cell’s supply of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), used as a source of chemical energy. In addition to these, other membrane-bound organelles include the endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, vesicles, lysosomes, and vacuoles. Ribosomes, while not enclosed within a membrane, are also considered organelles vital for protein synthesis in eukaryotic cells.
The organelles in a cell are analogous to the organs in the human body; each type of organelle has a specialized function critical for the cell's operation. The cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells is where these organelles reside. The plasma membrane, or cell membrane, encloses the cytoplasm and also contributes to the function and structure of the cell by exhibiting selective permeability, allowing certain substances to enter or exit the cell.