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Biology 4.4
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Nucleus | an organelle found in eukaryotic cells that contains most of the cell's genetic material |
| endomembrane system | A network of membranes that includes the nuclear envelope, Golgi apparatus, lysosomes, vacuoles, and plasma membrane |
| vesicles | A small membrane enclosed sac within a cell. |
| nuclear envelope | A double membrane structure that encloses the cell's nucleus. |
| nuclear pores | A passageway for the movement of molecules and macromolecules into and out of the nucleus. Formed where the inner and outer nuclear membranes make contact with each other. |
| chromosome | a discrete unit of genetic material composed of DNA and associated proteins. |
| chromatin | The biochemical composition of chromosomes, which contain DNA and many types of proteins |
| nuclear matrix | A filamentous network of proteins that is found inside the nucleus and lines the inner nuclear membrane. The nuclear matrix serves to organized the chromosomes. |
| Chromosome territory | A distinct, nonoverlapping area where each chromosome is located within the cell nucleus of eukaryotic cells |
| nucleolus | A prominent region in the nucleus of nondividing cells where ribosome assembly occurs |
| endoplasmic reticulum (ER) | A convoluted network of membranes in a cell's cytoplasm that forms flattened, fluid filled tubules or cisternae |
| cisternae | Flattened, fluid like tubules of the endoplasmic reticulum |
| lumen | The internal space or hollow cavity of an organelle or an organ, such as the stomach or a blood vessel. |
| ER lumen | A single compartment enclosed by the ER membrane |
| Rough endoplasmic reticulum (rough ER) | The part of the ER that is studded with ribosomes; this region plays a key role in the initial synthesis and sorting of proteins that are destined for the ER, Golgi apparatus, lysosomes, vacuoles, plasma membrane, or outside of the cell |
| glycosylation | the attachment of carbohydrate to a protein or lipid, producing a glycoprotein or glycolipid |
| smooth endoplasmic reticulum (smooth ER) | The part of the ER that is not studded with ribosomes. This region is continuous with the rough ER and functions in diverse metabolic processes |
| Golgi apparatus | A stack of flattened, membrane bound compartments that performs three overlapping functions: secretion, processing, and protein sorting |
| proteolysis | A processing event within a cell in which enzymes called proteases cut proteins into smaller polypeptides |
| Proteases | An enzyme that cuts proteins into smaller polypeptides |
| Secretory vesicles | A membrane vesicle carrying different types of materials that fuses with the cell's plasma membrane to release the contents extracellularly. |
| Secretory pathway | a pathway for the movement of larger substances, such as carbohydrates and proteins, out of a cell. |
| Lysosomes | A small organelle found in animal cells that contains acid hydrolases that degrade macromolecules |
| Acid hydrolases | a hydrolytic enzyme found in lysosomes that functions at acid pH and uses a molecule of water to break a covalent bond |
| Vacuoles | specialized compartments found in eukaryotic cells that function in storage, the regulation of cell volume, and degradation. |
| Central vacuole | an organelle that often occupies 80% or more of the cell volume of plant cells and stores a large amount of water, enzymes, and inorganic ions |
| Contractile vacuoles | A small, membrane enclosed water filled compartment that eliminates excess liquid from the cells of certain protists. |
| Peroxisomes | a relatively small organelle found in all eukaryotic cells that catalyzes detoxifying reactions |
| Catalase | An enzyme within peroxisomes that breaks down hydrogen peroxide to water and oxygen gas |
| Glyoxysomes | a specialized organelle within plant seeds that contains enzymes needed to convert fats to sugars |
| Membrane transport | the movement of ions or molecules across a cell membrane |
| Cell signaling | a vital function of the plasma membrane that involves cells sensing changes in their environment and communicating to each other |
| Cell adhesion | a vital function of the cell membrane that allows cell to bind to each other. Critical in the formation of multicellular organisms and provides a way to convey positional information between neighboring cells. |