cell organelles ch.2 Flashcards
Nucleolus
A dense structure in the core of the nucleus where ribosomal RNA (rRNA) is synthesized and ribosome assembly occurs.
Golgi Apparatus
A series of membranous sacs where proteins are further processed and tagged for trafficking within the endomembrane system. Many of the proteins traveling through the Golgi apparatus will be secreted from the cell.
Centriole
A structure located near the nucleus where microtubules are organized to form pathways for protein trafficking during interphase and the mitotic spindle during the mitotic phase.
Vesicle
Membrane-bound organelles that transport proteins and other molecules between cellular compartments
Rough endoplasmic reticulum
Reticulum Network of membrane folds that is contiguous with the nuclear envelope. The rough ER assists with protein synthesis and derives its name from the bumpy appearance due to ribosomes docking on the ER membrane. Proteins that are destined for endomembrane compartmentalization will be inserted into the ER lumen where they are properly folded by chaperone proteins and undergo N-linked glycosylation for identification through the endomembrane trafficking process.
Cytosol
The aqueous component of the cytoplasm in which organelles, structures, and biomolecules are suspended.
lysosome
An organelle responsible for biomolecule degradation and recycling. Lysosomes contain a collection of approximately 40 different hydrolytic enzymes capable of breaking down nearly all substances as well as an acidic pH of 4.5-5.
Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum
A region of the endoplasmic reticulum that performs lipid synthesis, metabolizes carbohydrates, stores calcium for rapid signaling events, and houses detoxifying enzymes to clear drugs and toxins.
Cytoskeleton
Long, fibrous protein polymers that provide the cell with architectural support with regard to shape and structure. Cytoskeletal components also aid in cell movement, protein transport, chromosome division, and organelle positioning.
Ribosomes
A structure made up of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and proteins that orchestrates the protein translation process. It has a large and small ribosomal subunit that assembles around the messenger RNA transcript. Transfer RNA molecules move through different binding sites within the large ribosomal subunit and peptide bond formation is catalyzed between each amino acid through the ribosomal complex.
Cell Membrane
A phospholipid bilayer that encloses the contents of the cell to provide separation from the external environment. The cell membrane is a semipermeable barrier that permits selective passage of molecules into and out of the cell.
Mitochondrion
An organelle that orchestrates metabolic activity associated with cellular respiration/energy production. It is constructed by a dual membrane layer with the inner membrane displaying excessive folding which increases the available surface area for the electron transport chain to occur in abundance.
Vacuole
Membrane-bound organelles that contain biomolecules that are often in transit between other major organelles during the endocytosis and exocytosis processes.
Nucleus
An organelle formed by a double membrane layer called the nuclear envelope. It contains most of the cell’s genetic information (DNA) and is the site of DNA replication, RNA transcription, and RNA processing.
