AP Bio Chapter 2.10: Cell Compartmentalization
Compartmentalization in Eukaryotic Cells
Cells have a plasma membrane that allow them to establish and maintain internal environments that are different from train external environments
Eukaryotic cells have additional internal membranes and membrane-bound organelles that compartmentalize the cell
Cellular compartments allow for various metabolic processes and specific enzymatic reactions to occur simultaneously, increasing the efficiency of the cell
Cellular Compartments: Lysosomes
Membrane minimizes competing interactions
The hydrolytic enzymes of the lysosomes function at an acidic environment
By having this compartmentalization, the inside of the lysosome can maintain a more acidic pH and allow for efficient hydrolysis to occur, while the rest of the cytoplasm can remain a more neutral environment
Cellular Compartments: Mitochondria
Membrane folding maximizes surface area for metabolic reactions to occur
Electron transport and ATP synthesis occur in the inner mitochondrial membrane
Folding of the inner membrane increases the surface arena which allows for more ATP to be made
Cellular Compartments: Chloroplasts
Membrane folding maximizes surface area for metabolic reactions to occur
The thylakoids are highly folded membrane compartments that increase the efficiency of the light dependant reactions
Key takeaways
Eukaryotic cells contrarian various membrane-bound organelles including, but not limited to; the ER, Golgi complex, lysosomes, mitochondria, and chloroplasts. These structures compartmentalize intracellular processes and enzymatic reactions increasing the efficiency of cellular function
Internal membranes facilitate cellular processes by minimizing competing interactions and by increasing surface areas where reactions can occur
Loss of these intracellular compartments or changes to be the unique internal surfaces and environments within membrane-bound organelles may hinder propeller cell function