Functions Flashcards
(10 cards)
What is the function of the cytoplasm?
Provides a water-based medium for organelle communication and metabolic interrelationships.
Facilitates cooperation and resource sharing among organelles.
What storage molecules are found in the cytoplasm?
Glycogen.
Glycogen serves as an energy reserve.
What role does the nucleus play in a cell?
Serves as the information center and stores genetic material.
Coordinates cell activities such as metabolism, growth, protein synthesis, and cell division.
What is the primary function of the nucleolus?
Ribosomal RNA synthesis and production of ribosomes.
Prominently seen in actively protein-synthesizing cells and not visible during cell division.
How is ATP produced in mitochondria?
Via oxidative phosphorylation through the electron transport chain on the inner membrane.
Mitochondria also regulate cellular metabolism, proliferation, and apoptosis.
What is Gaucher’s disease associated with?
Mitochondrial diseases.
Gaucher’s disease is a genetic disorder affecting lipid metabolism.
What is the structure of the Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)?
An interconnecting network of membranes shaped as tubules, vesicles, and cisternae.
Scattered throughout the cytoplasm.
What is the role of Rough ER?
Protein synthesis of secretory proteins and processing of proteins before transfer.
Surface is studded with ribosomes giving it a rough appearance.
What are the functions of Smooth ER?
- Lipid biosynthesis (Steroids, Cholesterol, PL)
- Membrane synthesis and repair
- Metabolism of glycogen & detoxification processes in liver cells
- Contractile process in muscle cells (sarcoplasmic reticulum)
Smooth ER lacks ribosomes.
What does the Golgi apparatus do?
Receives, modifies, stores, and secretes proteins and lipids.
Modifications include removing and substituting sugar monomers and synthesizing carbohydrate portions.
