Question

How is compartmentalization using organelles a benefit to eukaryotic cells? Be specific in your answer and use examples if appropriate

Answer 1

Compartmentalization improves the efficiency of certain subcellular processes by restricting the necessary components inside the cell to a confined space. Where a particular condition is required to facilitate a given subcellular process, it may allow cell not to interfere with the function of other subcellular compartments. Lysosomes, for example, require a lower pH to enable the destruction of the internalized content. This condition is maintained by proton pumps present on the lysosome's membrane.
Similarly, Mitochondria requires a large membrane surface for efficient ATP generation from the electron transport chain. The components of the electron transport chain are present on the mitochondrial membrane. It is important to remember that individual organelles can be transferred across the cell, and this locates whole subcellular processes to regions where they are required. This has been found in neurons that have exceptionally long axonal processes that allow mitochondria at different positions along the axon to produce ATP.