Chapter 12: Intracellular Compartments and Protein Soring

Compartmentalization of cells

The separation of cytoplasm into distinct compartments due to the presence of membrane-bound organelles in eukaryotic cells.

Membrane-bound organelles

Organelles in eukaryotic cells that are surrounded by a membrane, including mitochondria, nucleus, and chloroplasts.

Endoplasmic reticulum

A network of tubular structures in the cytoplasm that divides the intracellular space into distinct compartments and plays a role in protein synthesis, lipid synthesis, and detoxification.

Golgi body

An organelle responsible for the formation and packaging of glycoproteins and glycolipids, found in secretory cells.

Lysosome

Membrane-bound vesicular structures filled with hydrolytic enzymes that help in the digestion of carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids.

Mitochondria

Double-membrane bound organelles that generate ATP, the energy currency of the cell, and are involved in various cellular reactions.

Chloroplast

Double-membrane bound organelles found only in plant cells, responsible for photosynthesis and containing chlorophyll pigment.

Vacuole

A single membrane-bound structure found in plant cells that occupies a large volume and contains secretory and waste materials.

Nucleus

Double membrane-bound structure containing the genetic material DNA and responsible for maintaining hereditary relations across generations.

Endosymbiotic theory

The theory that eukaryotic cells originated from the engulfment of prokaryotes, leading to the development of organelles such as mitochondria.

Gated transport

The movement of proteins and RNA molecules between the cytosol and the nucleus through nuclear pore complexes in the nuclear envelope