Topic 3A The Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum & Golgi Flashcards
What is the function of organelles in cells?
Carry out particular functions, including production and secretion of proteins
Organelles are specialized parts of a cell.
What are membrane-bound organelles?
Organelles surrounded by a membrane
Examples include the rough endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus.
Which organelles are involved in protein synthesis?
- Nucleus
- Ribosomes
- Rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER)
- Golgi apparatus
- Cell surface membrane
These organelles work together to produce and secrete proteins.
What occurs in the nucleus?
Transcription of the DNA code
The nucleus is essential for synthesizing mRNA.
What is the role of ribosomes in protein synthesis?
Produce proteins through translation
Ribosomes can be free in the cytoplasm or attached to the RER.
What is the function of the rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER)?
Processes proteins and has ribosomes attached
Proteins produced here can be secreted or attached to the cell membrane.
What does the term ‘lumen’ refer to in the context of the rough endoplasmic reticulum?
The inside space of the RER
Proteins are folded and processed within this space.
What do free ribosomes produce?
Proteins that stay within the cytoplasm
These proteins are not exported from the cell.
How do processed proteins move from the rough endoplasmic reticulum to the Golgi apparatus?
In vesicles that fuse with the Golgi apparatus
This is a key step in protein modification.
What modifications does the Golgi apparatus perform on proteins?
Prepares proteins for secretion
Proteins may be exported, sent to lysosomes, or delivered to other organelles.
What does the term ‘extracellular’ refer to?
‘Outside the cell’
This term is often used in the context of enzymes that function outside the cell.
What is the role of the nucleolus?
Manufactures ribosomes for protein synthesis in the RER
The nucleolus is located within the nucleus.
What does the nucleus manufacture that is essential for protein synthesis?
mRNA
mRNA is required by ribosomes to make proteins.
What happens to proteins after they are processed in the Golgi apparatus?
They leave in vesicles to the plasma membrane
This is the final step before secretion.
Fill in the blank: The vesicles fuse with the _______ to secrete the finished protein product.
plasma membrane
This process is known as exocytosis.
