Compartmentalization and the Endomembrane System (Vocabulary)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts and organelles of the compartmentalized eukaryotic cell and the endomembrane system.

Compartmentalization

Division of the cell’s interior into membrane-bound organelles, creating distinct environments for specialized processes.

Endomembrane system

Group of organelles and membranes that together produce, modify, and transport proteins and lipids.

Nucleus

Organelle that houses DNA and is the site of transcription of DNA into mRNA.

Ribosome

Molecular machine that translates mRNA into proteins; can be free or attached to the rough ER.

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (Rough ER)

ER studded with ribosomes; site of synthesis and initial modification of proteins destined for secretion, membranes, or certain organelles.

Glycoprotein

Protein with attached carbohydrate (sugar) chains, formed through glycosylation in the ER and Golgi.

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum (Smooth ER)

ER lacking ribosomes; involved in lipid synthesis, detoxification, and calcium storage; supplies lipids for vesicle formation.

Golgi apparatus

Receives proteins from the rough ER, modifies/sorts/packages them into vesicles for final destinations.

Vesicles

Small membrane-bound sacs that transport proteins and lipids between organelles and to/from the cell membrane.

Lysosome

Organelle containing digestive enzymes that break down waste and damaged components; enzymes often received from the Golgi.

Cell membrane (plasma membrane)

Phospholipid bilayer boundary of the cell; vesicles deliver proteins/lipids for secretion or incorporation into the membrane.

Transcription

Process of copying DNA into messenger RNA (mRNA) in the nucleus.

Translation

Process by which ribosomes synthesize proteins from mRNA.

Glycosylation

Addition of sugar chains to proteins, forming glycoproteins during ER and Golgi processing.