Cellular Organelles & Cytoskeleton: Structure & Function | PATHOPHYSIOLOGY

Vocabulary flashcards covering the major organelles and cytoskeletal components from the lecture notes.

Rough ER

Ribosome-studded region of the ER; site of protein synthesis and folding; connected to the nuclear envelope.

Smooth ER

Lacks ribosomes; lipid synthesis; detoxification of drugs; calcium storage.

Golgi Apparatus

Receives proteins from the ER, modifies them (adds sugars, phosphates, sulfates), sorts and directs to destinations, and packages them into transport vesicles.

Lysosome

Membrane-bound digestive organelle containing acid hydrolases; breakdowns and digests waste, obsolete organelles, and ingested particles; maintains acidic pH (~4.5). Lysosomal storage diseases; Enzyme deficiencies lead to substrate accumulation

Mitochondria

Powerhouse of the cell; site of cellular respiration; double membrane organelle with outer smooth membrane and inner cristae, matrix contains mitochondrial DNA, `~36 ATP produced per glucose

Cristae

Folded inner mitochondrial membrane increasing surface area for the electron transport chain and ATP production.

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)

DNA located in mitochondria; maternally inherited; linked to high-energy tissues and aging-related conditions.

Cytoskeleton

Network of protein filaments providing cellular architecture, shape, and mechanical support; facilitates movement and intracellular transport.

Microfilaments

Composed of actin
Cell shape, contraction, migration
Forms contractile ring during cell division

Actin

Protein subunit of microfilaments that assembles into filaments facilitating shape and movement.

Nucleus

Double-membrane organelle that stores genetic material and controls cellular activities; contains chromatin and nucleolus; main control center of the cell.

Nuclear envelope

Double membrane that encloses the nucleus, controlling molecular traffic.

Chromatin

DNA and proteins inside the nucleus that store genetic information.

Nucleolus

Region where ribosomal RNA is synthesized and ribosome assembly begins.

Control Center

Regulates gene expression and cell activities ensuring proper functions