Cell and Molecular Biology: Lecture Notes Review

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and definitions from the Cell and Molecular Biology lecture notes.

Intracellular compartments

Membrane-enclosed structures within eukaryotic cells that compartmentalize various biochemical processes.

Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)

An organelle that is the major site for synthesis of new membranes, existing in two forms: rough (with ribosomes) and smooth (without ribosomes).

Golgi apparatus

An organelle that modifies proteins and lipids received from the ER and dispatches them to their destinations.

Lysosomes

Organelles containing digestive enzymes that degrade worn-out organelles and macromolecules.

Signal sequences

Molecular tags that direct proteins to their appropriate organelles or locations within the cell.

Nuclear localization signal (NLS)

A specific signal sequence that directs the transport of proteins from the cytosol into the nucleus.

Vesicular transport

The process of transporting materials between membrane-enclosed compartments via vesicles.

Clathrin-coated vesicles

Vesicles that originate from clathrin-coated pits on membranes, helping in endocytosis and secretion.

Phagocytosis

A form of endocytosis where large particles, such as microorganisms, are engulfed by the cell.

Receptor-mediated endocytosis

The process by which cells absorb metabolites or other proteins through the use of receptors on their surface.

Autophagy

The cellular process of degrading and recycling cellular components, often involving lysosomes.

Translocation channel

A channel in the endoplasmic reticulum membrane through which polypeptides are translocated during protein synthesis.

Sorting Signals

Sequences that ensure proteins reach their destined organelles within the cell.

SRP (Signal Recognition Particle)

A particle that recognizes ER signal sequences and helps guide ribosomes to the endoplasmic reticulum during protein synthesis.