Protein Targeting & Endomembrane System

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to protein targeting and the endomembrane system, as discussed in the lecture.

Endomembrane system

A series of organelles that are continuous with each other, involved in packaging, transporting, and receiving proteins.

Signal sequence

A peptide sequence at the beginning or end of a protein that directs the protein to its correct location.

Chemical label

A chemical group added to a protein after synthesis to help direct it to its final destination.

ER signal

A signal sequence that initiates the transport of a protein into the endoplasmic reticulum.

Glycosylation

The process of adding carbohydrates to proteins, producing glycoproteins.

Helper proteins

Proteins that recognize signals and assist in transporting proteins to their destinations.

Nuclear DNA

The DNA located in the nucleus that contains the genetic code for most proteins.

Mitochondrial DNA

The DNA located in mitochondria that encodes specific proteins functioning within mitochondria.

Ribosome

The cellular structure that synthesizes proteins by translating mRNA into an amino acid chain.

Primary structure

The sequence of amino acids that make up a protein.

Cytoplasm

The part of a cell where ribosomes synthesize proteins and the primary structure is formed.

Lysosome

An organelle involved in degrading waste materials and cellular debris.

Smooth ER

The portion of the endoplasmic reticulum involved in lipid synthesis and transport.

Rough ER

The portion of the endoplasmic reticulum studded with ribosomes, involved in protein synthesis.

Golgi apparatus

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

Proteins

Molecules made of amino acids that perform various functions in the cell.

Signal Recognition Particle (SRP)

A protein-RNA complex that recognizes the ER signal and pauses translation until the ribosome binds to the ER.

Vesicle

A small, membrane-bound structure that transports proteins and materials within the cell.