Cell Biology: Lysosomes, Vacuoles, Peroxisomes, and Mitochondria

Vocabulary flashcards covering cellular organelles, hydrolytic enzymes, cellular processes, and chemical equations from the lecture notes.

Lysosomes

Organelles not found in plant cells that contain enzymes capable of digesting all types of macromolecules through hydrolysis.

Proteases

Enzymes contained in lysosomes that breakdown proteins.

Lipases

Enzymes contained in lysosomes that breakdown lipids.

Carbohydrases

Enzymes contained in lysosomes that breakdown carbohydrates.

Nucleases

Enzymes contained in lysosomes that breakdown nucleic acids.

Phagocytosis

A process meaning "cell eating" (from phago = to eat, cyte = cell) where enzymes help the cell break down ingested macromolecules for energy.

Autophagy

A lysosomal process meaning "eating of self" where the cell digests other organelles or the cytoplasm for recycling purposes and to make room for a new version of the organelle.

Programmed cell destruction

A lysosomal process that releases all enzymes in a burst to dissolve the entire cell's contents, causing cell death to make room for the next generation of cells.

Central vacuole

A large vacuole found in plant cells that helps store organic and inorganic compounds, poisons, water, and certain pigments.

Contractile vacuole

A specialized vacuole that helps to pump excess water out of the cell.

Peroxisomes

Organelles containing enzymes that use oxygen to breakdown fatty acids and amino acids, producing hydrogen peroxide ($H_2O_2$) as a toxin breakdown by-product.

Catalase

An enzyme in peroxisomes that causes hydrogen peroxide ($2H_2O_2$) to be broken down into water ($2H_2O$) and oxygen ($O_2$).

Mitochondria

Organelles that act as the site of cellular respiration, creating ATP by transferring energy from carbohydrates only if oxygen is present.

ATP (Adenosine Tri-phosphate)

An energy storage molecule created during cellular respiration in the mitochondria.

Symbiosis

A situation where two organisms live in direct contact with each other and both benefit.