Organelles Flashcards
What is the nucleus and its key functions?
The nucleus houses most of the cell’s DNA in the form of chromosomes (chromatin). It is where DNA replication and mRNA synthesis occur. The nucleus is surrounded by a double-layered nuclear envelope and plays a key role in gene regulation and DNA repair mechanisms.
Example sentence: The nucleus controls the cell’s activities.
What is the nuclear envelope and its function?
The nuclear envelope is a double-layered membrane that separates the nucleus from the cytoplasm. It has pores that selectively regulate traffic between the nucleus and cytoplasm, connecting the nucleoplasm to the cytoplasm.
Additional information: The nuclear envelope helps maintain the integrity of the nucleus.
What is the Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) and its general function?
The ER is a network of membranes throughout the cytoplasm that transports and processes materials. It consists of sac-like structures called cisternae, with the interior space called the lumen where proteins and molecules are modified, stored, or transported.
Example sentence: The ER is responsible for protein synthesis.
What are the two types of Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)?
- Rough ER (RER): Contains ribosomes for protein synthesis.
- Smooth ER (SER): Lacks ribosomes and is involved in detoxification, glycogen degradation, lipid and steroid synthesis, and calcium storage.
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What is the function of Rough ER (RER)?
The RER is involved in protein synthesis. Newly synthesized proteins are transported into the RER lumen, modified, and sent away in vesicles for further processing.
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What are the four main functions of the Smooth ER (SER)?
- Detoxifying molecules.
- Glycogen degradation in animal cells.
- Lipid and steroid synthesis.
- Calcium storage.
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What is the Golgi apparatus, and what is its role?
The Golgi apparatus modifies, concentrates, packages, and sorts proteins from the RER, adding carbohydrates to them before sending them to their destinations.
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What are the main functions of mitochondria?
Mitochondria produce energy for the cell via cellular respiration, including oxidative phosphorylation, the Krebs cycle, and ATP synthesis. They also metabolize fatty acids and amino acids.
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What is the role of the inner membrane in mitochondria?
The inner membrane regulates molecule transport, has a large surface area due to cristae, and is the site of oxidative phosphorylation and the electron transport chain.
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What is the mitochondrial matrix?
The mitochondrial matrix is the space inside mitochondria where the Krebs cycle takes place.
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What is the function of peroxisomes?
Peroxisomes degrade toxic peroxides and participate in the breakdown of long-chain fatty acids via beta-oxidation, producing acetyl-CoA. In plants, they also participate in other biochemical pathways.
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What are the functions of the cytoskeleton?
The cytoskeleton supports cell shape, holds organelles in place, facilitates cytoplasmic streaming, and interacts with extracellular structures to anchor the cell.
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What are microfilaments and their functions?
Microfilaments are involved in cytoplasmic streaming, speeding up the movement of molecules and organelles. They also function as structural supports, such as in microvilli.
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What are intermediate filaments and their functions?
Intermediate filaments anchor the cell and resist tension, providing structural support.
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What are microtubules and their functions?
Microtubules form a rigid internal skeleton, act as a framework for motor proteins to move structures, and are part of the mitotic spindle that separates chromosomes during cell division.
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