Lecture 3-10: Organelles and trafficking of proteins and vesicles

Nucleus

The compartment that contains the main genome and is involved in DNA and RNA synthesis.

Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)

An organelle responsible for the synthesis of most lipids and proteins for distribution to organelles and the plasma membrane.

Golgi Apparatus

An organelle that modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids for secretion or delivery to other organelles.

Lysosomes

Organelles responsible for intracellular degradation.

Mitochondria

Organelles that produce ATP through oxidative phosphorylation.

Peroxisomes

Organelles that are involved in the oxidative breakdown of toxic molecules.

Signal Sequence

A specific sequence of amino acids in a protein that directs the protein to its correct location within the cell.

Nuclear Pores

Multi-protein complexes that span the nuclear envelope and facilitate transport of molecules in and out of the nucleus.

Ran Protein

A G protein that cycles between the cytosol and the nucleus, facilitating the recycling of nuclear import receptors.

Translocator

A protein complex that facilitates the transport of proteins across membranes.

Clathrin

A protein that forms a basket-like structure around vesicles, aiding in their formation.

Signal Recognition Particle (SRP)

A protein that pauses translation of a protein until the ribosome docks with the ER membrane.

Single-pass Transmembrane Protein

A protein that passes through the ER membrane only once, with a portion in the lumen and another in the cytosol.

Multi-pass Transmembrane Protein

A protein that contains multiple membrane-spanning regions and has internal signal sequences.

Exocytosis

The process by which vesicles release their contents outside the cell.

Endocytosis

The process by which cells internalize substances by engulfing them in vesicles.

Vesicle Trafficking

The directed movement of vesicles within the cell to transport proteins and other molecules.

Cytosol

The liquid portion of the cytoplasm where various cellular components are suspended.

ER Signal Sequence

A sequence that directs a ribosome to the endoplasmic reticulum for protein synthesis.

Cargo Receptor

A protein that binds to specific cargo molecules for transport into or out of the cell.

Amino Acid Sequence

The specific order of amino acids in a protein that determines its function and location.