lecture recording on 24 February 2025 at 10.57.59 AM

Endosymbiotic Theory

The theory that mitochondria and chloroplasts originated as free-living prokaryotes that were engulfed by a larger host cell.

Mitochondria

Organelles that produce ATP via cellular respiration, evolved from engulfed prokaryotes.

Chloroplasts

Organelles in plants and algae that conduct photosynthesis, originating from engulfed photosynthetic bacteria.

Symbiotic Relationship

A mutual relationship between two organisms benefiting both, such as mitochondria and host cells.

Cytoskeleton

A network of protein fibers within a cell that helps maintain its shape, aids in movement, and organizes organelles.

Cell Wall

A rigid outer layer found in many prokaryotic and plant cells that provides structural support and protection.

Nucleus

A membrane-bound organelle in eukaryotic cells that holds genetic material and is crucial for DNA replication and RNA synthesis.

Lysosome

An organelle containing enzymes that break down waste materials and cellular debris.

Golgi Apparatus

An organelle involved in modifying, sorting, and packaging proteins and lipids for secretion or use within the cell.

Ribosomes

Molecular machines that synthesize proteins by translating messenger RNA.

Plasma Membrane

A phospholipid bilayer that serves as a barrier to regulate what enters and exits the cell.

Nuclear Pore Complex

Structures that allow the transport of materials into and out of the nucleus.

Prokaryotic Cells

Simple, unicellular organisms without a membrane-bound nucleus, typically smaller than eukaryotic cells.

Eukaryotic Cells

Complex cells with a membrane-bound nucleus and organelles, including plants and animals.

Cotranslational Import

The process where proteins are imported into the endoplasmic reticulum while they are still being synthesized.

Cyanobacteria

Photosynthetic bacteria that are believed to be ancestors of chloroplasts.

Actin Filaments

Protein fibers in the cytoskeleton that are involved in cell shape and movement.

Vesicles

Small membrane-bound sacs within the cell that transport materials between organelles or to the cell surface.

Cell Cycle

The series of phases that cells go through in order to divide and replicate their genetic material.

Nuclear Localization Signal (NLS)

A sequence of amino acids that allows proteins to be transported into the nucleus.

Flagella

Long, whip-like structures that propel some prokaryotic cells through their environment.

Pili

Hair-like structures on the surface of bacteria that help with attachment and genetic exchange.

Plasmodesmata

Channels that connect plant cells, allowing for communication and transport of materials.

Vacuole

A large storage organelle in plant cells, involved in maintaining turgor pressure.

Endomembrane System

A group of organelles, including the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus, that work together to modify, package, and transport lipids and proteins.