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Anatomy & Physiology: Cell Organelles and Functions

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Terms in this set (29)

  • What are ribosomes and their main function?

    Ribosomes are nonmembranous structures that build proteins via translation.

  • Which organelle is the starting point for a protein destined for secretion?

    The nucleus is the correct starting point in the protein secretion pathway.

  • Why does the rough endoplasmic reticulum appear 'rough' under a microscope?

    Because ribosomes are attached to its surface.

  • What is the main function of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum (smooth ER)?

    Synthesizing lipids and detoxifying drugs/poisons.

  • Which organelle modifies proteins received from the ER and repackages them for export?

    The Golgi apparatus acts as the cell's processing center for protein modification and packaging.

  • What are the roles of the cis face and trans face of the Golgi apparatus?

    The cis face receives vesicles; the trans face ships vesicles.

  • How do lysosomes and peroxisomes differ in function?

    Lysosomes digest and recycle cellular material; peroxisomes break down toxic compounds like hydrogen peroxide and fatty acids.

  • What is the large membrane-enclosed vesicle in plant cells that stores water and helps create turgor pressure?

    The central vacuole.

  • What feature is true of both mitochondria and chloroplasts?

    They both have an outer membrane and an inner membrane.

  • What are the main functions of the plasma membrane?

    Acts as a selective barrier, regulates entry/exit, enables cell signaling/recognition, and helps maintain membrane potential.

  • What is the cytosol and its role?

    The cytosol is the fluid where many metabolic reactions occur and where organelles are suspended.

  • What are the nucleus's primary functions?

    Stores DNA, controls gene expression, and is the site of transcription (DNA → RNA).

  • What is the function of the nucleolus?

    Makes rRNA and assembles ribosomal subunits.

  • What proteins do free ribosomes make compared to bound ribosomes?

    Free ribosomes make cytosolic proteins; bound ribosomes make secreted, membrane, or lysosomal proteins.

  • What are the rough ER's main functions?

    Synthesizes, folds, and modifies proteins destined for secretion, membranes, or organelles; also makes membrane proteins and phospholipids.

  • List the functions of the smooth ER.

    Lipid and steroid synthesis, detoxification, carbohydrate metabolism, and Ca2+ storage (sarcoplasmic reticulum in muscle).

  • What are the Golgi apparatus's roles?

    Modifies, sorts, and packages proteins/lipids; forms secretory vesicles; helps form lysosomes.

  • What is the role of transport/secretory vesicles?

    Move materials within the cell and perform exocytosis to secrete substances outside the cell.

  • What are lysosomes responsible for?

    Intracellular digestion of macromolecules, breaking down worn-out organelles (autophagy), and destroying pathogens in some cells.

  • What functions do peroxisomes perform?

    Break down fatty acids, detoxify harmful substances, and convert H2O2 to H2O via catalase.

  • What is the primary function of mitochondria?

    Produce ATP through aerobic respiration; also involved in apoptosis and heat production.

  • What are the main components and functions of the cytoskeleton?

    Includes microfilaments, intermediate filaments, and microtubules; provides structure and enables cell movement.

  • What roles do microfilaments play?

    Maintain cell shape, enable muscle contraction with myosin, cell crawling, and cytokinesis.

  • What is the function of intermediate filaments?

    Provide tensile strength and stabilize the cell and nucleus.

  • What are microtubules responsible for?

    Serve as tracks for vesicle transport, form the mitotic spindle, and are the core of cilia and flagella.

  • What is the role of centrosomes and centrioles?

    Organize microtubules and help form the mitotic spindle during cell division.

  • What functions do cilia and flagella serve?

    Cilia move fluid across the cell surface; flagella enable cell movement (e.g., sperm).

  • What is the function of microvilli?

    Increase surface area for absorption, such as in intestines and kidney tubules.

  • What are the three main types of cell junctions and their functions?

    Tight junctions seal cells; desmosomes anchor and strengthen; gap junctions allow cell-to-cell communication.