Eukaryotic Cells

Organelles and Properties

Proteome

Set of proteins of a gene that changes at different times and under different conditions. This is how cells can be differentiated from one another.

Energy-Related Organelles

These are semiautonomous organelles (namely mitochondria and chloroplasts) which are basically self-sufficient, but no less important to cell function.

Chloroplasts

Bounded by double membrane, with folded inner membrane - they run photosynthesis, synthesizing carbs from CO2 and H2O. Thought to come from cyanobacteria through endosymbiotic theory.

Thylakoids

Disc-like membrane bound structures within organelles that contain the photosynthetic pigment chlorophyll

Grana

Stacks of thylakoids, so they also contain chlorophyll, and by being stacks they increase the surface area of the chloroplast

Stroma

The semi-fluid filled space that surrounds the thylakoids and grana. The Calvin cycle occurs within these. 

Mitochondria

Produces ATP, and bounded by smooth outer and folded inner cristate. The folds increase its surface area, and within it is the mitochondrial matrix, a fluid compartment bound by the inner cristae. Thought to come from alpha proteobacteria. 

Plasma Membrane

Phospholipid bilayer with embedded proteins and other macromolecules. It regulates what comes in and out of the cell, and acts as a surface for chemical reactions. - “Sensitivity, support, protection.”

Nucleus

Contains all of the cells DNA, and controls what is done with it. It is separated from the cytoplasm by the nuclear envelope, which has nuclear pores that facilitate the exchange from nucleoplasm to cytoplasm.

Chromatin

Contained within the nucleus, condenses to form chromosomes, and contains the genes DNA.

Dark Nucleolus

Made of ribosomal RNA, so also functions as the site for all ribosomal creation processes.

Ribosomes

Site of protein synthesis, made of rRNA and Proteins. It has a large and small subunit, each made in the nucleolus. Ribosomes can exist in singles or clusters in the cytoplasm, or line the Rough ER.

Endomembrane System

The system that works to modify, package, and transport lipids and proteins. Made up of: Nuclear membrane, ER membranes, Golgi apparatus, endosomes, lysosomes, and vacuoles (larger lysosomes). This system allows enzymatic reactions to happen in compartments, and not affect the rest of the cell. 

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum

Studded with ribosomes on cytoplasm. Synthesizes protein, oversees protein folding (with Chaperone proteins), also creates proteins meant to be inserted into other parts of the cell.

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum

No ribosomes: important in the synthesis and modification of lipids (detoxification). Sometimes stores Ca+ ions. Called sarcoplasmic reticulum in muscles.

Golgi Apparatus

Made of 3-20 flat and curved saccules: modifies proteins and lipids, packages them into vesicles, receives vesicles from ER on cis face and prepares them for “shipment” (through medial saccules) in vesicles to trans face.

Lysosomes

Peroxisomes

Vacuoles

Cytoskeleton

Actin Fibers

Intermediate Fibers

Microtubules