Eukaryotic Cell Structure

Eukaryotic Cells

Cells with a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.

Prokaryotic Cells

Cells without a nucleus, simpler structure.

Cell Theory

Cells are fundamental units of life.

Metabolism

Chemical processes for maintaining life.

Genome

Complete set of genetic material in a cell.

Plasma Membrane

Barrier controlling communication with environment.

Cell Composition

90% water, 50% protein, 15% carbohydrates.

Ribosomes

Molecular machines for protein synthesis.

Subcellular Organelles

Specialized structures within eukaryotic cells.

Microscopy Techniques

Methods for visualizing cell structures.

Subcellular Fractionation

Separation of cellular components for analysis.

Flow Cytometry

Technique for analyzing cell characteristics.

Cell Wall

Rigid outer layer in some prokaryotic cells.

Peptidoglycan

Polymer forming prokaryotic cell walls.

Cell Size Comparison

Eukaryotic cells are 10 times larger than prokaryotic.

Nuclear Envelope

Membrane enclosing eukaryotic cell's genetic material.

ATP

Energy currency of the cell.

NAD

Coenzyme involved in redox reactions.

Cellular Processes

Enzymatic reactions driving cell functions.

Immune Receptors

Detect bacterial infections via peptidoglycan.

Electron Micrograph

High-resolution image of cellular structures.

Fern Root Tip Cells

Example of visible cells in microscopy.

Urine Collecting Ducts

Example of cellular structure in kidneys.

Cell Cycle

Series of events leading to cell division.

Cell Signalling

Communication processes between cells.

Cell Culture Techniques

Methods for growing and manipulating cells in the lab.

Light Microscopy

Basic technique to visualize cells and components.

Fluorescence Microscopy

Technique for detailed imaging of cellular components.

Electron Microscopy (EM)

High-resolution imaging technique using electron beams.

Transmission EM (TEM)

EM type for viewing thin tissue cross sections.

Scanning EM (SEM)

EM type for examining surface details of samples.

Kupffer Cell

Specialized liver macrophage removing blood particulates.

Relative Centrifugal Force (RCF)

Measurement of centrifugal force during centrifugation.

Centrifugation

Process of spinning samples to separate components.

Fluorescent Activated Cell Sorter (FACS)

Device used in flow cytometry for cell sorting.

Laser Beam Deflection

Method to measure cell properties in flow cytometry.

Fluorescent Tags

Labels used to identify specific proteins in cells.

Cell Sorting

Process of separating cells based on specific properties.

Membrane Bound Organelles

Organelles enclosed by membranes in eukaryotic cells.

Cellular Components

Various structures within a cell, such as organelles.

3D Imaging

Visualization technique providing three-dimensional views.

2D Imaging

Visualization technique providing two-dimensional views.

Centrifuge

Device used to perform centrifugation processes.

Supernatant

Liquid remaining after centrifugation of cell components.

Pellet

Solid residue collected after centrifugation.

Cell Lysing

Process of breaking open cells to study contents.

Cell Characteristics

Attributes such as size and granularity measured in flow cytometry.

Protein Expression

Production of specific proteins within cells.

Intracellular Protein Transport

Mechanisms for moving proteins within cells.

Nuclear Pores

Entry and exit sites for nuclear transport.

Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)

Organelle for protein synthesis and processing.

Mitochondria

Powerhouse organelles involved in energy production.

Chloroplasts

Plant organelles for photosynthesis.

Transport Vesicles

Membrane-bound carriers for protein transport.

Lipid Bilayer

Double layer of lipids forming cell membranes.

Hydrophilic Head

Water-attracting part of a lipid molecule.

Hydrophobic Tail

Water-repelling part of a lipid molecule.

Nuclear Envelope

Double membrane surrounding the nucleus.

Signal Sequence

Amino acid sequence directing protein localization.

KEDL

Signal sequence for ER localization.

Nuclear Localisation Sequence (NLS)

Sequence required for nuclear protein entry.

Nucleoporins

Proteins forming nuclear pore complexes.

Nuclear Transport Receptors

Proteins guiding cargo into the nucleus.

GTP Hydrolysis

Energy source for nuclear transport processes.

Ran-GTP

Protein facilitating nuclear transport receptor function.

Translocase of the Inner Membrane (TIM)

Complex for mitochondrial protein import.

Transporter Outer Membrane (TOM)

Complex recognizing mitochondrial signal sequences.

Endomembrane System

Network of membranes for cellular transport.

Rough ER

ER with ribosomes for protein synthesis.

Electron Micrograph (EM)

High-resolution imaging technique for cellular structures.

Cytosol

Fluid component of the cytoplasm.

Free Ribosomes

Ribosomes not attached to ER, synthesizing cytosolic proteins.

Membrane-Enclosed Organelles

Organelles surrounded by lipid membranes.

Compartmentalization

Separation of cellular processes within membranes.

Protein Fibrils

Structures projecting from nuclear pore complexes.

Cytosolic Proteins

Proteins functioning within the cytosol.

TOM Complex

Translocator of the Outer Membrane for mitochondrial proteins.

TIM Complex

Translocase of the Inner Membrane for mitochondrial proteins.

Chaperone Proteins

Assist in protein translocation and refolding inside mitochondria.

Signal Peptidase

Enzyme that cleaves signal sequence post-translocation.

Polyribosome

Multiple ribosomes translating a single mRNA molecule.

Signal Recognition Particle (SRP)

Guides ribosomes to ER for protein translocation.

Translocation Channel

Channel in ER membrane for protein transport.

Water-Soluble Proteins

Proteins that completely cross ER membrane into lumen.

Transmembrane Proteins

Proteins that partially embed in the ER membrane.

Stop Transfer Sequence

Hydrophobic sequence halting protein transfer into ER.

Start Transfer Sequence

Initiates translocation of proteins into the ER.

Internal Signal Sequence

Starts transfer of proteins within the membrane.

Membrane-Spanning Segment

Region anchoring transmembrane proteins in lipid bilayer.

Mitochondrial DNA

DNA within mitochondria, allowing protein synthesis.

Vesicles

Transport carriers for proteins to organelles or membranes.

Cleavage

Process of removing the signal sequence from proteins.

Affinity

Attraction between signal sequence and mitochondrial receptor.

Protein Folding

Process of achieving 3D structure post-translocation.

ER Signal Sequence

Hydrophobic amino acids directing proteins to the ER.

Lumen

Interior space of the ER where proteins are released.

Hydrophobic Amino Acids

Amino acids that facilitate membrane protein insertion.

Contact Site

Area where mitochondrial membranes are closely aligned.

Backsliding Prevention

Chaperone proteins prevent proteins from exiting translocation.

Multi-Pass Proteins

Proteins with multiple hydrophobic regions spanning membranes.