The Microbial Cell: Eukaryotes

Vocabulary flashcards covering key organelles, structures, and concepts from the lecture notes on the microbial eukaryotic cell.

Eukaryotes

Organisms whose cells contain a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.

Nucleus

Contains DNA; site of gene expression; surrounded by a double membrane with regulated entry/exit through nuclear pores.

Nucleolus

Specialized structure where RNA is modified.

Nuclear envelope

Double membrane surrounding the nucleus.

Nuclear pores

Openings that regulate entrance and exit of materials into and out of the nucleus.

Ribosomes

On rough endoplasmic reticulum; site of protein translation.

Rough endoplasmic reticulum

ER studded with ribosomes; site of protein translation for proteins exported or located in organelles.

Smooth endoplasmic reticulum

ER involved in detoxification and the production of lipids and membranes.

Endoplasmic reticulum

Network of membranous tubules; consists of rough and smooth regions interconnected with the nuclear membrane.

Golgi apparatus

Central shipping and receiving center; receives proteins from rough ER, tags and repackages them for delivery to various compartments.

Transport vesicles

Vesicles that move proteins and other materials between cellular compartments.

Secretory vesicle

Vesicles that carry secreted proteins to the cell membrane for export.

Lysosome

Digestive organelle that breaks down organic material, often phagocytosed material.

Peroxisome

Digest lipids and fatty acids; help destroy harmful molecules.

Vesicles

Small membrane-bound compartments that contain cellular materials and aid in their transport.

Mitochondrion

Site of the citric acid cycle and oxidative phosphorylation; produces ATP.

Chloroplast

Harvests light energy to produce ATP and synthesizes glucose using that ATP.

Endosymbiotic theory

Theory that mitochondria and chloroplasts originated as free-living organisms and were incorporated into cells.

DNA-containing organelles

Nucleus and mitochondria contain their own DNA.

Cytoskeleton

Network of long protein fibers for cell structure and transport.

Microtubules

Originates from the MTOC or centrioles near the nucleus; composed of tubulin; resist compression; support transport and structure.

Microfilaments

Thin filaments made of actin; resist compression and support movement and cell shape.

Intermediate filaments

Structural, not primarily for movement; resist tension; associated with the plasma membrane.

MTOC (Microtubule Organizing Center)

Center from which microtubules originate, near the nucleus.