In the nucleolus, the granular component plays a crucial role in the later stages of ribosome biogenesis. It is where the final stages of rRNA processing and ribosomal subunit assembly occur. In other words, the granular component is essential for the production of functional ribosomes, which are necessary for protein synthesis.
In the cytoplasm, granular components have diverse functions depending on their type:
Lysosomes: These are involved in the breakdown of waste materials and cellular debris. Secretory granules: Found in exocrine and endocrine cells, they store and secrete hormones, enzymes, and other substances. Zymogen granules: Present in pancreatic acinar cells, they store inactive enzyme precursors that are activated upon secretion.
