Cell Organelles
Structure and function of eukaryotic cell organelles
🏭 Cell Organelles
Nucleus
Structure:
- Nuclear envelope (double membrane with pores)
- Nucleolus (ribosome assembly)
- Chromatin (DNA + proteins)
Function:
- Stores genetic information (DNA)
- Controls cell activities
- Site of transcription
Endomembrane System
Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)
Rough ER:
- Studded with ribosomes
- Protein synthesis and modification
- Makes membrane proteins and secreted proteins
Smooth ER:
- No ribosomes
- Lipid synthesis
- Detoxification (liver)
- Calcium storage (muscle)
Golgi Apparatus
- Stack of membrane sacs (cisternae)
- Modifies, sorts, packages proteins
- Adds tags (glycosylation)
- Ships proteins to destinations
Lysosomes (Animals)
- Contain digestive enzymes
- Break down macromolecules
- Autophagy (digest old organelles)
- Apoptosis (programmed cell death)
Vacuoles
Plant central vacuole:
- Storage (water, ions, pigments)
- Maintains turgor pressure
- Waste disposal
Animal vacuoles:
- Smaller, temporary
- Food vacuoles (phagocytosis)
- Contractile vacuoles (osmoregulation)
Energy Organelles
Mitochondria
Structure:
- Double membrane
- Outer membrane (smooth)
- Inner membrane (cristae - folded)
- Matrix (inner space)
Function:
- Cellular respiration
- ATP production
- Own DNA (maternal inheritance)
- Divide independently
Chloroplasts (Plants)
Structure:
- Double membrane
- Thylakoids (stacked in grana)
- Stroma (fluid)
Function:
- Photosynthesis
- Convert light → chemical energy
- Own DNA
- Divide independently
Cytoskeleton
Three types of fibers:
-
Microfilaments (actin):
- Thinnest (7 nm)
- Cell shape, movement
- Muscle contraction
- Cytoplasmic streaming
-
Intermediate filaments:
- Medium (8-12 nm)
- Structural support
- Nuclear lamina
- Keratin in hair/nails
-
Microtubules:
- Thickest (25 nm)
- Cell shape, organelle movement
- Chromosome separation (spindle fibers)
- Cilia and flagella structure
Other Organelles
Ribosomes
- Protein synthesis
- Free ribosomes → cytoplasmic proteins
- Bound ribosomes → secreted/membrane proteins
- NOT membrane-bound
Peroxisomes
- Contain enzymes
- Break down fatty acids
- Detoxify harmful substances
- Produce hydrogen peroxide → water
Centrioles (Animals)
- Pair of cylindrical structures
- Organize microtubules
- Form spindle apparatus in cell division
Key Concepts
- Nucleus stores DNA and controls cell
- Endomembrane system makes, modifies, transports proteins
- Mitochondria produce ATP (cellular respiration)
- Chloroplasts capture light energy (photosynthesis)
- Cytoskeleton provides structure and movement
- Organelles compartmentalize cellular functions
📚 Practice Problems
1Problem 1medium
❓ Question:
Describe the structure and function of: (a) mitochondria, (b) chloroplasts, and (c) explain the endosymbiotic theory and evidence supporting it.
💡 Show Solution
(a) Mitochondria:
Structure:
- Double membrane:
- Outer membrane: smooth, permeable
- Inner membrane: highly folded into cristae (increases surface area)
- Matrix: fluid-filled interior space
- Contains enzymes for Krebs cycle
- Own circular DNA (mtDNA)
- 70S ribosomes
- Size: 1-10 μm
Function:
- Cellular respiration → ATP production
- Krebs cycle (matrix)
- Electron transport chain (inner membrane)
- ATP synthase in cristae
- ~36-38 ATP per glucose molecule
(b) Chloroplasts:
Structure:
- Double membrane (outer and inner)
- Thylakoids: flattened membrane sacs
- Stack to form grana (singular: granum)
- Contains chlorophyll and photosystems
- Stroma: fluid-filled space surrounding thylakoids
- Contains enzymes for Calvin cycle
- Own circular DNA
- 70S ribosomes
- Size: 5-10 μm
Function:
- Photosynthesis → glucose production
- Light reactions (thylakoid membrane)
- Calvin cycle (stroma)
- Converts light energy to chemical energy (glucose)
(c) Endosymbiotic Theory:
Hypothesis: Mitochondria and chloroplasts originated as free-living prokaryotes that were engulfed by ancestral eukaryotic cells in an endosymbiotic relationship.
Timeline:
- ~2 billion years ago: aerobic bacterium engulfed → mitochondria
- ~1.5 billion years ago: photosynthetic cyanobacterium engulfed → chloroplasts
Evidence Supporting Theory:
-
Double membrane:
- Inner membrane from original prokaryote
- Outer membrane from host cell's food vacuole
-
Own DNA:
- Circular DNA (like bacteria)
- No histones (prokaryotic feature)
- Can replicate independently
-
70S ribosomes:
- Same size as bacterial ribosomes
- Different from eukaryotic 80S ribosomes
- Similar rRNA sequences to bacteria
-
Binary fission:
- Divide independently of cell
- Similar to bacterial reproduction
-
Gene similarity:
- mtDNA similar to α-proteobacteria
- Chloroplast DNA similar to cyanobacteria
- Double membrane structure:
- Consistent with phagocytosis model
Modern examples: Corals with zooxanthellae, paramecium with algae show similar relationships.
2Problem 2medium
❓ Question:
Describe the structure and function of: (a) mitochondria, (b) chloroplasts, and (c) explain the endosymbiotic theory and evidence supporting it.
💡 Show Solution
(a) Mitochondria:
Structure:
- Double membrane:
- Outer membrane: smooth, permeable
- Inner membrane: highly folded into cristae (increases surface area)
- Matrix: fluid-filled interior space
- Contains enzymes for Krebs cycle
- Own circular DNA (mtDNA)
- 70S ribosomes
- Size: 1-10 μm
Function:
- Cellular respiration → ATP production
- Krebs cycle (matrix)
- Electron transport chain (inner membrane)
- ATP synthase in cristae
- ~36-38 ATP per glucose molecule
(b) Chloroplasts:
Structure:
- Double membrane (outer and inner)
- Thylakoids: flattened membrane sacs
- Stack to form grana (singular: granum)
- Contains chlorophyll and photosystems
- Stroma: fluid-filled space surrounding thylakoids
- Contains enzymes for Calvin cycle
- Own circular DNA
- 70S ribosomes
- Size: 5-10 μm
Function:
- Photosynthesis → glucose production
- Light reactions (thylakoid membrane)
- Calvin cycle (stroma)
- Converts light energy to chemical energy (glucose)
(c) Endosymbiotic Theory:
Hypothesis: Mitochondria and chloroplasts originated as free-living prokaryotes that were engulfed by ancestral eukaryotic cells in an endosymbiotic relationship.
Timeline:
- ~2 billion years ago: aerobic bacterium engulfed → mitochondria
- ~1.5 billion years ago: photosynthetic cyanobacterium engulfed → chloroplasts
Evidence Supporting Theory:
-
Double membrane:
- Inner membrane from original prokaryote
- Outer membrane from host cell's food vacuole
-
Own DNA:
- Circular DNA (like bacteria)
- No histones (prokaryotic feature)
- Can replicate independently
-
70S ribosomes:
- Same size as bacterial ribosomes
- Different from eukaryotic 80S ribosomes
- Similar rRNA sequences to bacteria
-
Binary fission:
- Divide independently of cell
- Similar to bacterial reproduction
-
Gene similarity:
- mtDNA similar to α-proteobacteria
- Chloroplast DNA similar to cyanobacteria
- Double membrane structure:
- Consistent with phagocytosis model
Modern examples: Corals with zooxanthellae, paramecium with algae show similar relationships.
3Problem 3medium
❓ Question:
Describe the structure and function of: (a) mitochondria, (b) chloroplasts, and (c) explain the endosymbiotic theory and evidence supporting it.
💡 Show Solution
(a) Mitochondria:
Structure:
- Double membrane:
- Outer membrane: smooth, permeable
- Inner membrane: highly folded into cristae (increases surface area)
- Matrix: fluid-filled interior space
- Contains enzymes for Krebs cycle
- Own circular DNA (mtDNA)
- 70S ribosomes
- Size: 1-10 μm
Function:
- Cellular respiration → ATP production
- Krebs cycle (matrix)
- Electron transport chain (inner membrane)
- ATP synthase in cristae
- ~36-38 ATP per glucose molecule
(b) Chloroplasts:
Structure:
- Double membrane (outer and inner)
- Thylakoids: flattened membrane sacs
- Stack to form grana (singular: granum)
- Contains chlorophyll and photosystems
- Stroma: fluid-filled space surrounding thylakoids
- Contains enzymes for Calvin cycle
- Own circular DNA
- 70S ribosomes
- Size: 5-10 μm
Function:
- Photosynthesis → glucose production
- Light reactions (thylakoid membrane)
- Calvin cycle (stroma)
- Converts light energy to chemical energy (glucose)
(c) Endosymbiotic Theory:
Hypothesis: Mitochondria and chloroplasts originated as free-living prokaryotes that were engulfed by ancestral eukaryotic cells in an endosymbiotic relationship.
Timeline:
- ~2 billion years ago: aerobic bacterium engulfed → mitochondria
- ~1.5 billion years ago: photosynthetic cyanobacterium engulfed → chloroplasts
Evidence Supporting Theory:
-
Double membrane:
- Inner membrane from original prokaryote
- Outer membrane from host cell's food vacuole
-
Own DNA:
- Circular DNA (like bacteria)
- No histones (prokaryotic feature)
- Can replicate independently
-
70S ribosomes:
- Same size as bacterial ribosomes
- Different from eukaryotic 80S ribosomes
- Similar rRNA sequences to bacteria
-
Binary fission:
- Divide independently of cell
- Similar to bacterial reproduction
-
Gene similarity:
- mtDNA similar to α-proteobacteria
- Chloroplast DNA similar to cyanobacteria
- Double membrane structure:
- Consistent with phagocytosis model
Modern examples: Corals with zooxanthellae, paramecium with algae show similar relationships.
4Problem 4medium
❓ Question:
Trace the pathway of a secreted protein from synthesis to export: (a) list each organelle involved in order, (b) describe what happens at each step, and (c) explain the role of vesicles in this process.
💡 Show Solution
Protein Secretion Pathway (Endomembrane System):
(a) Organelles in order:
- Ribosome (on rough ER)
- Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (RER)
- Transport vesicle
- Golgi apparatus (cis → medial → trans)
- Secretory vesicle
- Plasma membrane
(b) Step-by-step process:
Step 1: Translation begins (Ribosome)
- mRNA binds to free ribosome in cytoplasm
- Signal sequence (first amino acids) synthesized
- Begins: NH₂-Met-...signal peptide...
Step 2: ER targeting (Signal Recognition)
- Signal Recognition Particle (SRP) recognizes signal sequence
- SRP binds to ribosome, pauses translation
- SRP-ribosome complex binds to SRP receptor on RER
Step 3: Synthesis in RER
- Ribosome docks on ER membrane
- Polypeptide fed through translocon channel into ER lumen
- Translation resumes
- Signal peptidase cleaves signal sequence
- Protein folds in ER lumen with help of chaperones
- Glycosylation begins (adds carbohydrate groups)
Step 4: Quality control
- Properly folded proteins continue
- Misfolded proteins → ER-associated degradation (ERAD)
Step 5: Vesicle formation
- COPII-coated vesicles bud from ER
- Carry proteins toward Golgi
- Vesicles fuse to form vesicular-tubular clusters
Step 6: Golgi processing
- Cis face (receiving side): vesicles fuse
- Proteins move through Golgi stack:
- Cis → medial → trans cisternae
- Modifications:
- Further glycosylation
- Phosphorylation
- Proteolytic cleavage
- Sorting signals added
Step 7: Sorting at Trans Golgi Network (TGN)
- Proteins sorted by destination
- Packaged into specific vesicles
- Molecular tags determine fate
Step 8: Secretory vesicle
- Clathrin-coated or other vesicles bud from TGN
- Move along cytoskeleton (microtubules) using motor proteins
- Approach plasma membrane
Step 9: Exocytosis
- Vesicle fuses with plasma membrane
- v-SNARE (vesicle) + t-SNARE (target) proteins mediate fusion
- Protein released outside cell
- Vesicle membrane becomes part of plasma membrane
(c) Role of vesicles:
Functions:
- Transport: Move proteins between organelles
- Protection: Shield proteins from cytoplasm
- Compartmentalization: Maintain separation
- Membrane expansion: Add membrane to plasma membrane
- Regulation: Allow controlled, timed secretion
Types of secretion:
Constitutive secretion:
- Continuous, unregulated
- Default pathway
- Example: antibodies from plasma cells
Regulated secretion:
- Stored in vesicles until signal received
- Triggered by Ca²⁺ or other signals
- Example: insulin from pancreatic β-cells, neurotransmitters
Vesicle formation mechanisms:
- Coat proteins (COPII, COPI, clathrin) deform membrane
- Cargo receptors select specific proteins
- Vesicles pinch off using dynamin (GTPase)
- Coats removed before fusion
Time: Entire process takes ~30-120 minutes depending on protein and cell type.
5Problem 5medium
❓ Question:
Trace the pathway of a secreted protein from synthesis to export: (a) list each organelle involved in order, (b) describe what happens at each step, and (c) explain the role of vesicles in this process.
💡 Show Solution
Protein Secretion Pathway (Endomembrane System):
(a) Organelles in order:
- Ribosome (on rough ER)
- Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (RER)
- Transport vesicle
- Golgi apparatus (cis → medial → trans)
- Secretory vesicle
- Plasma membrane
(b) Step-by-step process:
Step 1: Translation begins (Ribosome)
- mRNA binds to free ribosome in cytoplasm
- Signal sequence (first amino acids) synthesized
- Begins: NH₂-Met-...signal peptide...
Step 2: ER targeting (Signal Recognition)
- Signal Recognition Particle (SRP) recognizes signal sequence
- SRP binds to ribosome, pauses translation
- SRP-ribosome complex binds to SRP receptor on RER
Step 3: Synthesis in RER
- Ribosome docks on ER membrane
- Polypeptide fed through translocon channel into ER lumen
- Translation resumes
- Signal peptidase cleaves signal sequence
- Protein folds in ER lumen with help of chaperones
- Glycosylation begins (adds carbohydrate groups)
Step 4: Quality control
- Properly folded proteins continue
- Misfolded proteins → ER-associated degradation (ERAD)
Step 5: Vesicle formation
- COPII-coated vesicles bud from ER
- Carry proteins toward Golgi
- Vesicles fuse to form vesicular-tubular clusters
Step 6: Golgi processing
- Cis face (receiving side): vesicles fuse
- Proteins move through Golgi stack:
- Cis → medial → trans cisternae
- Modifications:
- Further glycosylation
- Phosphorylation
- Proteolytic cleavage
- Sorting signals added
Step 7: Sorting at Trans Golgi Network (TGN)
- Proteins sorted by destination
- Packaged into specific vesicles
- Molecular tags determine fate
Step 8: Secretory vesicle
- Clathrin-coated or other vesicles bud from TGN
- Move along cytoskeleton (microtubules) using motor proteins
- Approach plasma membrane
Step 9: Exocytosis
- Vesicle fuses with plasma membrane
- v-SNARE (vesicle) + t-SNARE (target) proteins mediate fusion
- Protein released outside cell
- Vesicle membrane becomes part of plasma membrane
(c) Role of vesicles:
Functions:
- Transport: Move proteins between organelles
- Protection: Shield proteins from cytoplasm
- Compartmentalization: Maintain separation
- Membrane expansion: Add membrane to plasma membrane
- Regulation: Allow controlled, timed secretion
Types of secretion:
Constitutive secretion:
- Continuous, unregulated
- Default pathway
- Example: antibodies from plasma cells
Regulated secretion:
- Stored in vesicles until signal received
- Triggered by Ca²⁺ or other signals
- Example: insulin from pancreatic β-cells, neurotransmitters
Vesicle formation mechanisms:
- Coat proteins (COPII, COPI, clathrin) deform membrane
- Cargo receptors select specific proteins
- Vesicles pinch off using dynamin (GTPase)
- Coats removed before fusion
Time: Entire process takes ~30-120 minutes depending on protein and cell type.
6Problem 6medium
❓ Question:
Trace the pathway of a secreted protein from synthesis to export: (a) list each organelle involved in order, (b) describe what happens at each step, and (c) explain the role of vesicles in this process.
💡 Show Solution
Protein Secretion Pathway (Endomembrane System):
(a) Organelles in order:
- Ribosome (on rough ER)
- Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (RER)
- Transport vesicle
- Golgi apparatus (cis → medial → trans)
- Secretory vesicle
- Plasma membrane
(b) Step-by-step process:
Step 1: Translation begins (Ribosome)
- mRNA binds to free ribosome in cytoplasm
- Signal sequence (first amino acids) synthesized
- Begins: NH₂-Met-...signal peptide...
Step 2: ER targeting (Signal Recognition)
- Signal Recognition Particle (SRP) recognizes signal sequence
- SRP binds to ribosome, pauses translation
- SRP-ribosome complex binds to SRP receptor on RER
Step 3: Synthesis in RER
- Ribosome docks on ER membrane
- Polypeptide fed through translocon channel into ER lumen
- Translation resumes
- Signal peptidase cleaves signal sequence
- Protein folds in ER lumen with help of chaperones
- Glycosylation begins (adds carbohydrate groups)
Step 4: Quality control
- Properly folded proteins continue
- Misfolded proteins → ER-associated degradation (ERAD)
Step 5: Vesicle formation
- COPII-coated vesicles bud from ER
- Carry proteins toward Golgi
- Vesicles fuse to form vesicular-tubular clusters
Step 6: Golgi processing
- Cis face (receiving side): vesicles fuse
- Proteins move through Golgi stack:
- Cis → medial → trans cisternae
- Modifications:
- Further glycosylation
- Phosphorylation
- Proteolytic cleavage
- Sorting signals added
Step 7: Sorting at Trans Golgi Network (TGN)
- Proteins sorted by destination
- Packaged into specific vesicles
- Molecular tags determine fate
Step 8: Secretory vesicle
- Clathrin-coated or other vesicles bud from TGN
- Move along cytoskeleton (microtubules) using motor proteins
- Approach plasma membrane
Step 9: Exocytosis
- Vesicle fuses with plasma membrane
- v-SNARE (vesicle) + t-SNARE (target) proteins mediate fusion
- Protein released outside cell
- Vesicle membrane becomes part of plasma membrane
(c) Role of vesicles:
Functions:
- Transport: Move proteins between organelles
- Protection: Shield proteins from cytoplasm
- Compartmentalization: Maintain separation
- Membrane expansion: Add membrane to plasma membrane
- Regulation: Allow controlled, timed secretion
Types of secretion:
Constitutive secretion:
- Continuous, unregulated
- Default pathway
- Example: antibodies from plasma cells
Regulated secretion:
- Stored in vesicles until signal received
- Triggered by Ca²⁺ or other signals
- Example: insulin from pancreatic β-cells, neurotransmitters
Vesicle formation mechanisms:
- Coat proteins (COPII, COPI, clathrin) deform membrane
- Cargo receptors select specific proteins
- Vesicles pinch off using dynamin (GTPase)
- Coats removed before fusion
Time: Entire process takes ~30-120 minutes depending on protein and cell type.
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