Module 1 Organelles (Lesson 1) Flashcards
What are the primary difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell
Eukaryotic cell has a internal membrane bound organelle, where prokaryotic does not
What are Organelles
Organelles are “little organs” found in eukaryotic cells that perform specific cellular functions.
What type of macromolecule are proteins made from?
Proteins are made from amino acids.
What is the function of ribosomes?
Ribosomes synthesize polypeptides (proteins) from messenger RNA (mRNA).
Define quaternary protein structure.
Quaternary structure refers to the arrangement of multiple protein subunits into a single functional complex.
What is the role of chaperone proteins?
Chaperone proteins assist in the proper folding of other proteins
What unit is used to measure protein mass at the molecular level?
The Dalton (Da), typically expressed in kilodaltons (kDa).
Name two types of post-translational modifications (PTMs).
Phosphorylation and ubiquitination.
What does the term “Svedberg unit” (S) measure?
It measures the rate of sedimentation of particles during centrifugation, which depends on size, shape, and density.
What is an example of a membraneless organelle?
The nucleolus or centrosome.
Why do eukaryotic cells have organelles, while prokaryotic cells do not?
Eukaryotic cells require compartmentalization for efficient cellular functions, while prokaryotic cells rely on diffusion.
How does protein structure influence its function?
Protein function is determined by its 3D structure, allowing for specific binding and enzymatic activity.
Why do cells use multi-subunit protein complexes instead of single proteins?
Multi-subunit complexes provide functional complexity, regulation, and flexibility.
How does phosphorylation affect protein function?
It can activate/inhibit function, change localization, or mark it for degradation.
What advantage does phase separation provide for cellular organization?
It enables dynamic compartmentalization without membranes.
How do different protein subunits contribute to enzyme function?
They provide support, catalytic activity, regulation, and substrate specificity.
Why is protein folding important, and what can happen if it goes wrong?
Misfolding can lead to aggregation and diseases like Alzheimer’s
Explain the difference between allosteric regulation and post-translational modifications.
Allosteric regulation involves non-covalent binding, while PTMs involve covalent modifications like phosphorylation.
How does protein compartmentalization influence cell function?
It increases efficiency and prevents unwanted interactions.
What is the functional significance of domains within a protein?
Domains allow modularity and specialized activity.
How would you determine if a protein is part of a macromolecular complex?
Use size-exclusion chromatography, co-immunoprecipitation, or electron microscopy.
Describe how you could use centrifugation to analyze protein size.
Differential or density gradient centrifugation separates proteins by mass and sedimentation rate.
If you wanted to study protein phosphorylation, what experimental techniques could you use?
Western blotting with phospho-specific antibodies, mass spectrometry, or kinase assays.
How could you test if a protein undergoes phase separation in a cell?
Use fluorescence microscopy and analyze solubility changes.
Explain how a researcher might use ribosomal RNA to study protein synthesis.
Sequence rRNA or use polysome profiling to analyze translation rates.
What steps would you take to determine if a protein functions as an enzyme?
Perform activity assays, measure reaction rates, and use inhibitors.
How can you experimentally determine whether a protein is regulated by allosteric interactions?
Conduct binding assays, measure activity with ligands, and use mutagenesis.
How would you identify whether a protein structure is tertiary or quaternary using lab techniques?
Use X-ray crystallography, cryo-electron microscopy, or gel filtration chromatography.
What procedure would you use to determine the function of a newly discovered protein?
Identify its sequence, conduct functional assays, and determine its interactions.
How could you manipulate protein compartmentalization to study its effects?
Use fluorescence tagging, knockouts, or chemical inhibitors.
