The Endomembrane System + Lactase Lab

Endomembrane System

a group of organelles (with membranes) inside a eukaryotic cell that work together to create and transport proteins.

DNA

genetic material that contains all the instructions for how to build and run a living thing.

RNA

nucleic acid that acts as a messenger to carry information from DNA to make proteins.

Protein

large, complex molecules made of amino acids that do most of the work in cells and are essential for life.

Gene

specific segment of DNA that contains the instructions to make or do one specific thing.

Nucleus

control center of eukaryotic cells that protects the DNA.

Nuclear membrane

protective barrier that surrounds the nucleus and controls what enters and exits.

Membrane bound (non-membrane bound)

an organelle that is surrounded by a protective membrane (phospholipid bilayer).

Phospholipid bilayer

double layer of fat molecules that forms all cell membranes.

Hydrophilic

"water-loving" - it's attracted to and can interact with water.

Hydrophobic

"water-fearing" - it repels and avoids water.

Transcription

the process of making an mRNA copy of a specific gene from DNA.

mRNA

"quick/cheap copy" of DNA that carries genetic instructions from the nucleus to ribosomes.

Translation

the process of reading mRNA and making a polypeptide chain at ribosomes.

Polypeptide Chain

a chain of amino acids connected by peptide bonds - it's what ribosomes actually make during translation.

Ribosome

a small, dot-like structure that reads mRNA and makes polypeptide chains during translation.

rRNA

a type of RNA that makes up part of ribosomes and helps them function.

Large & Small subunit

the two parts that make up a ribosome.

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum

a folded membrane organelle covered with ribosomes that folds polypeptide chains into proteins.

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum

a folded membrane organelle without ribosomes that makes lipids and detoxifies harmful substances.

Secretory Vesicle

a membrane-bound package that carries materials to be secreted (released) outside the cell.

Golgi Body/Apparatus/Complex

a folded membrane organelle that modifies proteins and packages them into secretory vesicles.

Cell Membrane

the outer boundary of the cell that controls what enters and exits the cell.

Prokaryotic cell (Prokaryote)

type of cell that does NOT have a nucleus or membrane-bound organelles.

Eukaryotic cell (Eukaryote)

type of cell that HAS a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.

Exocytosis

the process where secretory vesicles merge with the cell membrane and release their contents outside the cell.

Lactase

an enzyme (a type of protein) that breaks down lactose (milk sugar)

Lactose

a type of sugar found in milk

Lactase persistent

the genetic trait that allows you to digest lactase

Lactase non-persistent

the genetic trait that doesn’t allow you to digest lactas

Lactose tolerant

your body can digest lactose throughout adulthood

Lactose intolerant

your body cannot digest lactose throughout adulthood

Transport Vesicle

a membrane-bound package that moves materials around inside the cell from organelle to organelle.