Lecture 02

• What are the key components of a typical eukaryotic cell?

  Nucleus, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus
• What is the endomembrane system and its components?

  • Series of closed membranes
  • Components:
  • Nuclear envelope
  • Endoplasmic reticulum (rough and smooth)
  • Golgi apparatus
  • Transport vesicles
  • Lysosomes
  • Vacuoles
• What is the function of the nucleolus?

  Site of rRNA synthesis
• What is the structure adjacent to the inner nuclear membrane?

  Intermediate filaments (lamin)
• How do the components of the endomembrane system communicate?

  Via vesicles or are continuous with each other
• What are the functions of the endomembrane system?

  Control protein folding and perform reactions
• What is the function of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum?

  Lipid synthesis and detoxification
• What is the primary function of the rough endoplasmic reticulum?

  Synthesis of secretory proteins
• What does the Golgi apparatus do?

  Processes and sorts proteins for localisation
• How do lysosomes digest material?

  Through phagocytosis, endocytosis, and autophagy
• What is the structure of the plasma membrane?

  Not part of the endomembrane system
• What is the primary function of vacuoles?

  Storage of fluid, nutrients, and waste products
• What is the function of mitochondria?

  Generate energy by creating ATP
• What type of junctions connect cells tightly?

  Tight junctions
• What do adherens junctions connect?

  Actin filaments of neighbouring cells
• What is the role of gap junctions?

  Form tunnels for aqueous connectivity
• What do desmosomes do?

  Join intermediate filaments of neighboring cells
• What is the function of hemidesmosomes?

  Anchor intermediate filaments to the basal lamina
• Where can cell-to-cell junctions be found?

  In the gut
• How does a red blood cell get its energy?

  Through glycolysis in the cytoplasm
• What does a pancreatic acinar cell secrete?

  Pancreatic enzymes
• What organelles are found in a plasma cell?

  RER, SER, Golgi apparatus, vesicles
• What does a goblet cell contain?

  RER, nucleus, Golgi apparatus, secretory vesicles
• What do bone marrow progenitor cells primarily contain?

  Neutrophils
• What is the function of macrophages?

  Digest bacteria using lysosomes
• What do gap junctions allow between adjacent cells?

  Movement of small molecules and ions
• Why are gap junctions important in cardiac tissues?

  Allow rapid movement of ions for rhythm
• What is the primary function of adipose tissue?

  Storage of energy reserves
• What are the key terms related to cell junctions?

  • Lamin: proteins in animal cell nucleus
  • Endomembrane system: series of closed membranes
  • Glycosylation: enzyme-catalysed attachment of sugars
  • Autophagy: breakdown of damaged proteins
  • Basal lamina: supporting structure for epithelial tissue
  • Tight junctions: stitch cells together tightly
  • Adherens junctions: connect actin filaments
  • Gap junctions: form aqueous connectivity
  • Desmosomes: join intermediate filaments
  • Hemidesmosomes: anchor to basal lamina