Week 11: Transmembrane Proteins and Cell Organelles

A series of vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts from week 11's lecture on transmembrane proteins, cellular organelles, and related disorders.

Transmembrane protein

Proteins that span the entire membrane, playing critical roles in cellular function.

Golgi apparatus

An organelle that modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids for secretion or delivery.

Endocytosis

The process by which cells internalize substances from their external environment.

Peroxisomes

Small organelles involved in the breakdown of fatty acids and detoxifying harmful substances.

Zellweger syndrome

A genetic disorder caused by malfunctioning peroxisomes, leading to developmental defects.

Hydrogen peroxide

A reactive oxygen species that can kill bacteria but can damage cells at high levels.

Cystic fibrosis

A genetic disorder caused by a mutation that affects the CFTR protein, leading to mucus buildup.

Mucins

Large glycoproteins that form mucus when hydrated, secreted by specialized epithelial cells.

Lysosome

Membrane-bound organelles containing enzymes for breaking down waste and cellular debris.

Autophagy

The process by which cells recycle damaged organelles and proteins.

Coat proteins

Proteins that aid in the formation of vesicles and selection of cargo during intracellular transport.

Signal recognition particle (SRP)

A protein-RNA complex that recognizes and targets proteins to the endoplasmic reticulum.

Catalase enzyme

An enzyme that breaks down hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen.

Cytoskeleton

A structural network within cells that helps maintain shape, provides support, and facilitates movement.

Signal sequence

A short peptide that directs the transport of the protein to specific locations within the cell.

Endomembrane system

A series of membranes in eukaryotic cells that facilitates the transport and modification of proteins.