Endomembrane System and Organelles

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts from the Endomembrane System, including structures, functions, and processes important for cellular operation.

Endomembrane System

A system of membranes within eukaryotic cells that divides the cell into functional compartments.

Cytoplasm

The contents of a cell excluding the nucleus.

Cytosol

The gelatinous internal environment of cells that surrounds organelles.

Vesicles

Small membrane-enclosed sacs that transport substances within a cell.

Exocytosis

The process by which a vesicle fuses with the cell membrane to release its contents outside the cell.

Endocytosis

The process by which a vesicle buds off from the cell membrane, trapping material from outside and bringing it into the cell.

Nucleus

The innermost organelle in the cell, surrounded by the nuclear envelope.

Nuclear Envelope

The double membrane surrounding the nucleus, consisting of an inner and outer membrane.

Nuclear Pores

Large protein complexes that allow molecules to move in and out of the nucleus.

Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)

A network of membranous tubules connected to the nuclear envelope, involved in protein and lipid synthesis.

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum

Region of the ER that contains ribosomes and synthesizes proteins.

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum

Region of the ER without ribosomes, involved in producing fatty acids and phospholipids.

Golgi Apparatus

An organelle that modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids for transport.

Cisternae

Flattened membrane stacks found in the Golgi apparatus.

Lysosomes

Specialized vesicles that degrade damaged or unneeded macromolecules.

Hydrolytic Enzymes

Enzymes found in lysosomes that break down macromolecules.

Phagocytosis

The process by which a cell engulfs particles or other cells.

Mitochondria

Organelles that harness energy from chemical compounds to produce ATP.

Chloroplasts

Organelles that capture solar energy and synthesize simple sugars through photosynthesis.

Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP)

The energy currency of the cell, produced by mitochondria.

Proton Electrochemical Gradient

A gradient created by the concentration differences of protons across a membrane, used in ATP synthesis.

Thylakoid Membrane

An internal membrane in chloroplasts that contains pigments for light absorption.

Photosynthesis

The process of converting solar energy into usable energy by cells.

Pigments

Molecules like chlorophyll that capture light energy in plants.

Autonomous

Referring to mitochondria and chloroplasts, which can grow and replicate independently.

Cell Membrane

The outer layer of a cell that encloses its contents.

Lipid Bilayer

A double layer of lipids that makes up cell membranes.

Secretory Vesicle

Vesicles that carry materials to be exported out of the cell.

Protein Synthesis

The process by which cells produce proteins.

Cellular Stress

Conditions that challenge a cell's integrity, potentially leading to apoptosis.

Apoptosis

Programmed cell death that helps to remove unneeded cells.

Ribosomes

Molecular machines that synthesize proteins based on genetic instructions.

Organic Compounds

Compounds primarily made up of carbon, crucial for cellular processes.

Vesicle Budding

The process of vesicles forming by pinching off from organelles.

Cellular Communication

The methods by which cells interact and send signals to each other.

Protein Modifying

Changes made to proteins, such as the addition of carbohydrates.

Sorting Station

The role of the Golgi apparatus in directing proteins and lipids to their destinations.

Membranous Tubules

The interconnected network that makes up the endoplasmic reticulum.

Cellular Components

The various structures and organelles found within a cell.

Macromolecules

Large complex molecules, such as proteins and nucleic acids that perform various functions in cells.

Nutrient Transport

The movement of nutrients and other substances into and out of cells.

Integration in Eukaryotic Cells

The cooperation of different organelles in carrying out cellular functions.

Find three differences and similarities between mitochondria and chloroplasts

Both organelles are involved in energy processes, but mitochondria generate ATP through cellular respiration while chloroplasts convert solar energy into glucose via photosynthesis. Mitochondria are found in almost all eukaryotic cells, whereas chloroplasts are primarily in plant cells. Additionally, mitochondria have a double membrane structure, similar to chloroplasts, which also possess a double membrane.