Chapter 12: The Endomembrane System and Protein Sorting

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts related to the endomembrane system and protein sorting.

Endomembrane System

A network of membranes within eukaryotic cells that compartmentalize cellular functions.

Trafficking

The regulated movement of lipids and proteins between organelles in the endomembrane system.

Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)

A continuous network of flattened sacs and tubules involved in protein and lipid synthesis.

Rough ER

A type of endoplasmic reticulum studded with ribosomes, involved in protein synthesis and processing.

Smooth ER

A type of endoplasmic reticulum lacking ribosomes, involved in lipid synthesis and detoxification.

Ribosomes

Molecular machines that synthesize proteins according to the gene sequence.

Glycoproteins

Proteins that have carbohydrate groups covalently attached, often synthesized in the rough ER.

Quality Control

Mechanisms in the ER that ensure only properly folded and modified proteins proceed to the Golgi.

Golgi Apparatus

A series of membrane-bound cisternae involved in the modification, sorting, and packaging of proteins.

Vesicles

Membrane-bound carriers that transport proteins and lipids between organelles.

Anterograde Transport

The movement of materials from the ER to the Golgi apparatus and then to the plasma membrane.

Retrograde Transport

The return of materials from the Golgi back to the ER.

Glycosylation

The process of adding carbohydrate chains to proteins to form glycoproteins.

Lysosomes

Organelles containing digestive enzymes that degrade macromolecules.

Endocytosis

The process by which cells internalize substances or particles from the extracellular environment.

Phagocytosis

A type of endocytosis where cells engulf large particles or other cells.

Receptor-Mediated Endocytosis

A specialized form of endocytosis that utilizes receptors on the cell surface to internalize specific molecules.

Cotranslational Import

The process by which proteins are synthesized and translocated into the ER simultaneously.

Peroxisomes

Organelles responsible for the breakdown of fatty acids and the detoxification of hydrogen peroxide.

Autophagy

The process by which cells degrade and recycle cellular components.

Exocytosis

The process through which cells expel materials by fusing vesicles with the plasma membrane.

Caveolae

Small invaginations of the plasma membrane involved in endocytosis and signaling.