Funct Flashcards
(17 cards)
What is the function of the nucleolus?
Produces ribosomes
The nucleolus is a prominent sub-nuclear structure involved in ribosome biogenesis.
What is the optimal pH range for lysosomal enzymes?
4.5 - 5.0
This acidic environment is crucial for the activity of hydrolytic enzymes within lysosomes.
What is the primary role of lysosomes in a cell?
Waste disposal system of the cell
Lysosomes digest various macromolecules and cellular debris.
What types of macromolecules do lysosomes digest?
- Peptides
- Nucleic acids
- Carbohydrates
- Lipids
Lysosomes contain enzymes specifically for the hydrolysis of these macromolecules.
What is autophagy?
Fused with phagosomes to digest large-damaged structures
Autophagy is a cellular process that recycles cellular components.
What is the role of lysosomes in phagocytosis?
Virus/bacterial lysis
Macrophages utilize lysosomes to break down pathogens they engulf.
What is the main function of peroxisomes?
Breaking down excess fatty acids to acetyl CoA
Peroxisomes also play a role in detoxifying hydrogen peroxide.
What does beta oxidation in peroxisomes refer to?
Breaking down excess fatty acids
This process converts fatty acids into acetyl CoA, a key metabolic intermediate.
What is one of the roles of peroxisomes in lipid metabolism?
- Synthesis of cholesterol
- Synthesis of bile acids
Peroxisomes are involved in various lipid metabolic processes.
How do peroxisomes contribute to purine nucleotide metabolism?
Breakdown of excess purine nucleotides (AMP, GMP) to uric acid
This process helps regulate purine levels in the cell.
What is the role of peroxisomes in the nervous system?
Participate in the synthesis of the lipids used to make myelin sheath of neurons
Myelin is crucial for proper neuronal function and signal transmission.
What are the main functions of mitochondria?
- Regulation of cellular metabolism
- Cellular proliferation
- Apoptosis - programmed cell death
Mitochondria are often called the powerhouses of the cell due to their role in energy production.
What is the endomembrane system?
A system of developmentally related membranes
This system includes various organelles and membranes involved in protein and lipid synthesis.
Which organelles are included in the endomembrane system?
- Cell membrane
- Nuclear membrane
- Endoplasmic reticulum
- Golgi apparatus
- Vesicles
- Vacuoles
These components work together in the transport and processing of biomolecules.
What is the role of the rough endoplasmic reticulum?
Protein synthesis
The rough ER is studded with ribosomes, which are the sites of protein production.
What is the relationship between ribosomes and mRNA?
Ribosomes bind mRNA and tRNA to decode it
This process is essential for translating genetic information into proteins.
What distinguishes free ribosomes from those attached to the endoplasmic reticulum?
Free ribosomes synthesize proteins to be exported from the cell
Attached ribosomes primarily synthesize proteins destined for secretion or for use within the cell.
