Granule (cell biology)
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- For other uses, see Granule.
A granule is a small grain. In describing cells, a granule may be any structure barely visible by light microscopy, but most often a secretory vesicle.
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[edit] Leukocytes
A group of leukocytes called granulocytes contain granules and play an important role in the immune system. The granules of certain cells, such as Natural Killer Cells, contain components which can lead to the lysis of neighboring cells.
The granules of leukocytes are classified as azurophilic granules or specific granules.
[edit] Platelets
The granules of platelets are classified as dense granules and alpha granules.