Protein Synthesis & Liver Anatomy – Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering the processes of protein synthesis, components of the endomembrane system, and the gross and microscopic anatomy of the liver.

Plasma Proteins

Proteins predominantly synthesized in the liver and released into circulation.

Immunoglobulins

Antibody proteins produced by B-lymphocytes, not by the liver.

Genetic Code

The three-nucleotide (codon) language in DNA that specifies each amino acid in a protein.

Codon

A sequence of three nucleotides that codes for a specific amino acid.

Transcription

Nuclear process in which RNA polymerase uses DNA as a template to create complementary mRNA.

mRNA (Messenger RNA)

RNA copy of a gene that carries the genetic message from nucleus to cytoplasmic ribosomes.

Translation

Cytoplasmic process (on ribosomes) where the mRNA sequence is decoded to assemble a polypeptide.

tRNA (Transfer RNA)

Adaptor molecule that delivers specific amino acids to the growing polypeptide during translation.

Ribosome

Cellular organelle where translation occurs and protein chains are built.

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum

Membranous organelle studded with ribosomes; accepts newly made proteins for initial processing.

Golgi Apparatus

Organelle that modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids received from the ER.

Secretory Vesicle

Vesicle budding from the Golgi that transports and releases finished proteins to the cell exterior.

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum

ER region lacking ribosomes; synthesizes lipids and carries out other metabolic functions.

Transport Vesicle

Membrane sac that shuttles proteins or lipids between cellular compartments (e.g., ER to Golgi).

Lysosome

Organelle containing digestive enzymes that break down worn-out cell parts or incoming material.

Liver

Large (1.2–1.5 kg), second-largest organ beneath the diaphragm; chief metabolic organ of the body.

Right Lobe of Liver

The larger liver lobe, roughly six times the size of the left lobe.

Falciform Ligament

Peritoneal fold that anatomically divides the liver into right and left lobes.

Hepatic Artery

Branch of the aorta delivering oxygen-rich blood to the liver (≈25 % of hepatic blood flow).

Portal Vein

Vessel bringing nutrient-rich blood from the digestive tract to the liver (≈75 % of hepatic flow).

Liver Lobule

Microscopic functional unit of the liver responsible for metabolic and excretory activities.

Hepatocyte

Parenchymal liver cell (≈80 % of liver volume) that performs most liver functions and regenerates tissue.

Kupffer Cell

Macrophage lining hepatic sinusoids; phagocytoses bacteria, toxins, and debris in portal blood.

Hepatic Sinusoid

Capillary-like channel within a lobule through which mixed arterial and portal blood flows.