Summary of Structure and Function of Cytoplasmic Organelles

Vocabulary flashcards based on the lecture notes detailing the structures, locations, and functions of cytoplasmic organelles.

Ribosomes

Organelles that float free in the cytoplasm or are attached to the Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (RER), serving as sites of protein synthesis.

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER)

A membranous system of tubules that extends throughout the cytoplasm, existing in two varieties: Rough ER and Smooth ER.

Rough ER

A region of the endoplasmic reticulum studded with ribosomes that serves as an area for storage and transport of proteins made on the ribosomes to other cell areas.

Smooth ER

A region of the endoplasmic reticulum that serves as a site of lipid synthesis, lipid metabolism, and drug detoxification.

Golgi apparatus

A stack of flattened sacs with bulbous ends that packages proteins or other substances for export from the cell or incorporation into the plasma membrane.

Lysosomes

Membranous sacs containing digestive enzymes that destroy worn-out cell organelles and foreign substances; capable of total cell destruction if ruptured, earning them the nickname "suicide sacs".

Peroxisomes

Membranous sacs containing enzymes that detoxify alcohol and other harmful chemicals, which are particularly abundant in liver and kidney cells.

Mitochondria

Organelles referred to as the "powerhouses of the cell" that contain enzymes that oxidize foodstuffs to produce cellular energy ($ATP$).

Centrioles

Paired, cylindrical bodies that lie close to the nucleus and direct the formation of the mitotic spindle during cell division.

Cytoskeleton

An internal scaffolding formed by microfilaments, intermediate filaments, and microtubules that provides cellular support and functions in intracellular transport.

Microfilaments

Cytoskeletal elements important in cell motility, particularly in muscle cells.

Intermediate filaments

Cytoskeletal elements that resist mechanical forces acting on cells.

Microtubules

Cytoskeletal elements that help determine cell shape.

Synthesis

To build or produce.

Vesicles

A small fluid-filled sac or vacuole within the body, an animal or plant organ, or within a cell.

Organelles

Specialized structures or subunits within a cell that perform specific functions, analogous to organs in a living organism.