Major Eukaroytic Cell Organelles: subcell parts with special catalytic
functions
Campbell
animal cell 7.7* [animal cell]
&
Campbell
plant cell 7.8*
[plant cell]
NUCLEUS
1st described & named by
Robert Brown 1831 -
stamens of Tradescantia
virginiana
1st localization of
DNA in cells was by
Frederich
Meischer 1869 -
from
white blood cells and the sperm of trout
- Largest organelle (picture)* Concept Activity - 6.1 -
Metric System Review
6.1 -
Size and Scale of Our World
-
maximum dia 10 um,
volume up to 40 um3
(10% of cell volume),
-
found in all eukaryotic's (except
erythrocytes &
sieve tubes cells of phloem)
-
evolutionary origin... not well known, possibly via
mesosome* like
process, i.e.,?
simple infoldings of the plasma membranes in bacteria
during EM prep;
...may have "surrounded" a primitive nucleoid
(genophore)
of early prokaryotes.

-
-
-
-
-
- Components*
of the nucleus - fig
6.9 (8e-overview of cell)
a. nuclear
envelope* - nucleus is a
double membrane bound organelle -
pic
b. nuclear
pore complexes* &
structure nuclear pore complex*
functional diameter of pores - 10 nm &
NUCLEAR TRANSPORT*
c. chromatin
- the genetic stuff 'inside of' the nucleus is...
DNA (5x10-12gm)
complexed with
histone proteins &
acidic nuclear proteins
heterochromatin
(condensed &
inactive
- dark in EM's)
euchromatin
(less dense &
active
- greyish in EM's)
TEM*
chromatin distribution within a chromosome
- d. nucleolus
- site of rDNA genes which make
rRNA
e. nucleoplasm
- soluble (aqueous) phase of the nucleus that contains...
enzymes, RNA's, solutes, chromatin, etc.
-
Role of Nucleus - site of genetic information, control of cell
divisions
Concept Activity
- chapter 6.3 -
Role of Nucleus-Ribosomes in Protein Synthesis
-
Chromosome Structure* =
nucleosomes
animation*
&
DNA supercoil
chromosome
locales
within nucleus*
john kyrk's animation of chromosomes
-
-
-
-
-
Nuclear
Transport Experiments to Determine Transport & Pore Sizes
1960's
- Carl Feldherr injects gold
particles in unicellular amoeba's
TEM's showed particles congregating at nuclear
pores within a minute;
within 10 min, gold particles were in nucleoplasm
see a micrograph*
1970's - used
fluorescent
tagged proteins -
showed proteins of less than 60,000 MW passed
1980's - How do large proteins
get in/out? (such
as ribosomal proteins & rRNA of ribosome)
Ron Laskey - studied a nuclear
protein...
nucleoplasmin (a
chromosomal protein)
he radioactively tagged nucleoplasmin
& used
autoradiographyG
to follow movement [pic]
see experiment*
panel a - shows
nucleoplasmin (head &
tail regions) enters nucleus
and suggests protein has an aa sequence that helps
mobility
panel b - where is signal in head or
tail? - they split & tagged
tail entered nucleus, thus it holds aa sequence
panel c- where in the tail? cut tail into pieces & spliced to a
non-nuclear cytoplasmic protein -
µ result:
nucleoplasmin holds a 17
amino acid sequence that targets transport into nucleus
it is known as the NUCLEAR LOCALIZATION SIGNAL (NLS)
a likely
mechanism*
for nuclear protein transport.
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- Current Model of Nuclear Pore Transport includes
as many as 6 different molecules including:
the
molecules
an analogy to a moving company
Importins
the delivery truck proteins
ATP & ADP
the gas
GTP & GDP
the unloading crew
and a protein called
Ran
the moving supervisor
an
importin binds to cytoplasmic protein with an
NLS (requires ATP)
figure
*
Ran + bound GDP complexes with
importin-cyto-protein & diffuses into nucleus
in nucleus GDP is phosphorylated & cytoplasmic protein is released,
Ran escorts importin
back to cytoplasm.
Exportins - proteins found in nucleus
that are counterpoints of importins
RAN & GTP are also required, and a
Nuclear Export Signal may be involved
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Mitochondria
site of
:
cellular respiration - redox
rx's... oxidation of
CH2O
--> CO2 + H2O
-
gas exchange in cell -
CO2 is released
&
O2 is taken up
& reduced
-
Krebs cycle
- metabolic pathway oxidizes PYRUVATE --->
CO2 + H2O
-
Respiratory ETC chain &
Oxidative Phosphorylation, which make ATP
role of
: site of conversion of covalent bond energy of food molecules --> into
ATP...
it couples redox transfers of
e- & H+
protons... to ATP-synthase
--> ATP
-

1st described 1900's - Vital stains (req
living cells) as Janus Green B
(pic)
today: best seen via
TEM* & with fluorescent
dyes,
false color
scanning EM's*
-
double membrane bound organelle*
outer
membrane - contains transport protein
porin (passes molecules up to 5K)
-
inner membrane - very selectively permeable (i.e.,
impermeant
to most molecules)
peri-mitochondrial space - (in
between) area where H+
accumulate
cristae*
- inner membranes that hold the respiratory assemblies of ETC
mitoplasm*
- "matrix" aqueous compartment - DNA,
ribosomes, KC, etc
structure
: elongate cylinders to
oblate spheroids*
3-5 um long by 0.5-1.0 um dia,
-
"shape-shifters", mobile
- number
: 20 to 1,000 per cell ;
the more active a cell = the greater their #'s
can make-up as much as 20% of cell's volume
contents:
has its own DNA - 16,569 nucleotide pairs:
about
37 genes
has its own ribosomes (prokaryotic size)
& protein synthesizing ability
holds
enzymes for cellular respiration
-
john kyrk's animation of mitochondria
-
plastids
-
group of
double membrane bound
plant cell organelles...
found in
all higher plants
produce
all the organics required by metazoan cells [sucrose,
etc...],
store polymers of carbon & contains various pigments
PROPLASTID
precursor plastid to all the other plant plastids...
found in
apical meristems - dividing cells of root/shoot tips
local cell environment defines
Type of Plastids to be made from proplastids...
ETIOPLASTS ... chloroplasts
developed in dark, have an interior array of cystalline-
membranes & yellow-chlorophyll precursor-like molecules [pic1
+ pic2]
LEUCOPLASTS
... non-pigmentous, 2x5 µm, variable shaped plastids for storage
3 types:
AMYLOPLASTS
(starch),
ALEUROPLAST
(protein),
ELAIOPLASTS
(oils)
CHROMOPLASTS
... plastids with water soluble pigments, flower color, etc...
[fig*]

CHLOROPLAST.....
develops in the light from proplastids,
as a plastid -->
site* of autotrophic metabolism =
PHTS, O2
evolution,
CO2
reduction
shape*
- oblate spheroid = shape variable (stellate, reticulate)
Scanning E.M.
of chloroplast*
size:
2-3 um dia by 5-10 um
long & number: 15/20 - 100's/cell
-
contents = aqueous
stroma (CHLOROPLASM)
holds within itself...
1) internal membrane system made of THYLAKOID
membranes*
GRANA Stacks
and
INTERGRANAL membranes*
2) 70s ribosomes (bacterial size)
(eucarya have
different size ribosomes [80s])
-
3) lipid droplets
4) naked DNA pieces (highly supercoiled & repetitive)
-
5)
starch granules & pyrenoids
6) enzymes of CO2 fixation (reduction)
Concept Activity - chapter 6.5 -
Build a Chloroplast and a Mitochondrion
endosymbionts ? by
Lynn Margulis - 1981
"Mitochondria & Chloroplasts are derived from
prokaryotes,
which were once free living, but joined into a symbiotic
relationship with eukaryotic aerobes during cellular evolution"
Preliminary support includes:
many of
today's single celled eukaryotes live in oxygen
poor places (gut),
lack
mitochondria, & function anaerobically.
Pelomyxa palustris is a eukaryotic amoeba,
that lacks mitochondria, yet holds aerobic bacteria
within its cytoplasm (in a symbiotic relationship).
-
Chloroplasts
share a common molecular ancestry [DNA sequences are
similar]
with the cyanobacteria
(the 1st photosynthetic prokaryotes).
Ribosome...
(a non-membrane bound organelle)
-
RIBOSOME ... is a subcell
ribonucleo-protein particle
(RNP)
a complex of RNA
& Proteins
- discovered by
George
Palade in 1940's using TEM
- ... site of
cellular protein synthesis
(artistic
concept)
-
-
spheroid shape - 17 to 23 nm dia
composed of 2 subunits* oo
(computer model &
Noller model &
2009 Nobel Prize)
small subunit and a
large subunit, which binds tRNA's (functional
structure*)
prokaryotic vs. eukaryotic composition*
= 35%
protein and 65%
rRNA
-
found in 3 different places in cells...
-
1. free in
cytoplasm, as individual subunits or dimers,
- 2.
membrane
bound* on outer surface of
Endoplasmic Reticulum membranes,
3.
attached to
mRNA molecule in a
POLYSOME [or
polyribosome*]
end
-
ENDOPLASMIC
RETICULUM... (just membranes)
is found in
all eukaryotic
cells with a nucleus
has structural
continuity with the nucleus (i.e., it's
contiguous* +
fig 7.7a)
-
makes up 50% of all membranes of a cell
-
-
composed* of flattened
sheets-sacs & tubes
of membranes.
-
convoluted 3-D membrane network enclosing internal spaces
-
LUMEN
- is internal compartment of cisternae
[makes up to 10% of cell's volume]
-
-
2 Types:
Smooth E.R. (SER
- tubular membranes without ribsosomes) &
Rough E.R.*
(RER - surface of cisternae with ribosomes)
Functions:
SER: lipid & bile biosynthesis and
drug detoxification
RER: makes, transports, & packages
proteins into membrane
vesicles
SIGNAL
SEQUENCE* :
aa's @ N-term, bind, release into lumen...
Gunter
Blobel
glycosylation*
- adding carbohydrate groups to ER proteins --->
glycoproteins
which will help transport the proteins to specific cell sites
proteins have many sorting signals - table of signals
Golgi Bodies:
a part of the ENDOCYTOTIC
Pathway...
the cell's internal membrane system for
1.
endocytosis - packaging of extracellular
molecules for internal digestion
2.
exocytosis (secretion) - packaging & delivery of newly
synthesized
proteins/carbo's for extra-cellular secretion
Size*
- 1 to 3 µm diameter by 4 to 7 membranes stacks high
Number*
- up to 100 per cell
Structure
-
three parts (or sides)... |
 |
CIS side [entry side]... faces R.E.R
proteins made on R.E.R.
pass
from E.R. lumen -->
vesicles --> cis Golgi |
MEDIAL cisternae elements...
proteins are
modified by adding sulfates,
carbohydrates & lipids
these modifications --> "address" membrane
vesicles to a destination |
TRANS side [exit]... Golgi side
modified vesicles leave as...
export vesicles, lysosomes,
other
membrane bound vesicles |
|
protein trafficking through the Golgi & Cis
Matauration* |
LYSOSOME ...
a cytoplasmic single
membrane bound vesicle
containing hydrolytic enzymes with acid pH optima
(pH 5.0).
lysosomal membrane has ATP driven membrane
H+pumpG
(faces
in*)
|
a sample of lysosomal enzymes |
|
ENZYME |
SUBSTRATE |
|
acid phosphatase |
removes phosphates |
|
acid nucleases |
digest nucleic acids
|
|
proteases |
digest proteins |
|
glucosidase |
digest polysaccharides |
|
phospholipase |
phospholipids & membranes |
-
have
diverse shapes, mostly spherical*
functions in intracellular digestion (phagosomes*
&
autophagy)
Sumanas, Inc. animation - signal sequence & vesicle processing*
listen at home
PROTEASOMES...
barrel shaped protein complex responsible for
Protein Digestion
ubiquitin binds to protein & transports it into
a
proteasome
fig 19.12*
(Structure)
-
Endocytotic
Pathways -
Concept Activity -
Chapter 6.4 -
The Endomembrane System
-
migration path through the various organelles of the
endomembrane
system,
first proposed by
George Palade in 1940's.
- The
endomembrane system is a complex part of the cell's compartmental
organization.
-
-
Nuclear envelope is connected to the
rough ER
& smooth ER.
-
vesicles made by the ER flow... as transport vesicles to the Golgi.
- Exocytosis:
Golgi modifies the molecular composition and metabolic function
-
of the endomembranes as they flow from
ER through the Golgi.
-
Golgi, in turn, pinches off vesicles that give rise
to lysosomes and vacuoles.
c8 fig 6.16*
-
Plasma membrane
can fuse with vesicles born in the ER and Golgi...
-
results in release of proteins -
Secretory protein pathway
and
-
other products to the outside of the cell in
exocytosis.
Endocytosis: external material is
pinched off into a vesicluar endosome,
which can fuse with a lysosome for intracellular digestion -->
vesicular transport
-
Protein Sorting* - proteins bound
for different destinations have diff carbohydrate tags

-
- cytoskeleton
- network of
protein fibers running throughout the cytoplasm
that give a cell its shape & provide a basis
for movement (cytoplasmic streaming)
stained
cytoskeleton*,
TEM's*,
an SEM* &
fluorescent
microscopy pic1* &
pic2*
Cytoskeletal proteins
include...
1. microfilaments (actin)
..... 7 to 8nm dia & of indefinite lengths
actin*
is a universal
(from protists to verts) eukaryotic protein
5% of total cell protein
linear filaments[ F-actin ] of polymerized
monomeric globular proteins of
G-actin*
... a "conserved" polypeptide of 375aa + 1 ATP
molecule
-
3 types of G-actins:
-
alpha actins of muscle cells
beta & gamma
actins of non-muscle cells (microvilli
of epithelia*)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
2. intermediate filaments...
(10nm dia - ex:
keratin, vimentin & lamin)
protein fibers [rope-like] with an intermediate
diameter
spans cytoplasm providing framework for mechanical strength
made from a heterogeneous family of filamentous proteins
3.
microtubules... 25nm dia
tubulin
proteins (highly conserved evolutionarily)
21-25 nm dia, up to several um long
make long fibrillar protein complexes that form spontaneously
repeating globular units: 2 different proteins:
alpha & beta
tubulin
-
summary of
types of proteins* &
location & pics of proteins with cells
which are universal in eucaryotic cells
-
Role of cytoskeleton in cell structure*
OTHER CYTOSKELETAL ELEMENTS and/or
ORGANELLES...
Centrosome*
: Centriole:
9 sets of MT triplets... facilitate
spindle fibers
Concept Activity - Chapter 6.6
-
Cilia and Flagella*
Cilia and
Flagella and
cell movements:
Flagellum
are microtubule (MT) extensions projecting from cells
for
propulsions via an
undulating-like motion*
(ex: sperms
& algae)
Cillum
are MT extensions held in place in tissues that move fluids over the
tissues
like oars,
via alternating power/recovery stroke cycles*
(ex: lining of windpipe & mucus)
structure*: both
have same structure - 9 MT doublets
surrounding 2 singlet MT's in center,
covered by plasma membrane & often held by cross-linking proteins (blue)
Basal Body* anchor of cilia & flagella:
a
centriole*
found at the base of
flagella or cilia
Bending Motion is via
Dynein arms*
- a motor protein attaches & releases to MT doublets.
video*
if
cross-links are present(blue in fig), the MT's are held in place, then
dynein causes
MT doublets to "curve
(bend)*"
the cilia or flagella.
if
no cross-linking proteins - one foot of dynein arm binds as
other releases
allowing MT to "walk along" MT as doublets "slide*"
past each other.
figure of dynein MT walking*
|
Cytoskeletal
elements &
Cell Movements
-
actin filaments bear the TENSION
(wire) forces of the cytoskeleton
microtubules (above) are the
COMPRESSION (rod) units [tensegrity]
provoding internal structural support
for cell organelles.
|
 |
contractile force of muscles*:
myosin & actin (microfilament) are motor proteins
that via repeated cycles of binding and release =
a walking like movement (CONTARCTION)
amoeba's crawl*:
along a surface via psuedopodia due to the
assembly/disassembly of
individual actin subunits on microfilaments
cytoplasmic streaming*:
in plant cells occurs via actin/myosin interactions and
sol/gel
transformations which results in a circular flow of
cytoplasm around the cell.
 |
- Intercellular junctions...
-
Cell surface regions specialized for intercellular contact =
multicellularity
especially prominent in
epithelial cells
- 3 Major
Functions
-
1.
impermeabilize areas 2. adhereing junctions 3. communication
-
-
Tight Junctions* - they
impermeabilize regions, i.e.,
they prevent leakage of materials between epithelial cells (normal
vs.
celiac disease*)...
made of a fibrillar protein network at apical end of
epithelial cells.
"SIX-PACK
MODEL"
Desmosome
- an adhering junction - (anchors cells together)
spot desmosome
- spot weld with tonofilaments (a
microfilament)
belt desmosome (zona adherens) - wide
band of desmosomes
Gap
Junctions - intercellular channels for communication
[dia=
0.2nm]
allows ions, electric impulses, etc... to pass between
Plasmodesma*
- cytoplasmic strands between plant cell walls [dia=
70nm]
makes these plant cells a
syncytium*...
cells not separated
-
from one another by cell walls or membranes.
Concept Activity - chapter
6.7 - Cell Junctions*
the plant
VACUOLE*
(animal cells also have small vacuoles)
is a
membrane-bound [tonoplast]
sac that plays roles in intracellular digestion
and the release of cellular waste products.
In animal
cells, vacuoles are generally small.
In plant cells, vacuoles tend to
be large and play a role in maintaining
turgor (pressure).
When a plant
is well-watered, water collects in cell vacuoles producing
rigidity.
With
insufficient water, pressure in the vacuole is reduced and the plant
wilts.
Vacuoles accumulate
toxic wastes: phenolics, acids, and a range
of nitrogenous wastes and
water-soluble
pigments, especially anthocyanins -
responsible for red-pink-blue-purple
coloration in
many (but not all) flowers and fruits.
the
tonoplast (vacuole membrane) holds transport proteins, mostly
active-transport carriers
for one way
accumulation of toxics into the vacuolar spaces.
As plant cells age.. onset of death is usually associated
with tonoplast leakage & breakdown.

ENDODERMIS and
CASPARIAN STRIP... [in plant
roots]
endodermis is an innermost layer of cells in the
cortex of a plant roots
forms a
cylinder
of tissue* - one cell layer thick -
that
separates the outer root cortex from the inner vascular stele
endodermis contains a waterproof
Casparian Strip*
made a wax-like insoluble molecules
that runs
completely around each cell, making the cells impermeable
to exterior flow,
thus all materials must move into and
through the
endodermis cells to reach the
transport cells of the inner cortex of the root...
SYMPLASTIC ROUTE - internal via plasmosdesma
APOLPLASTIC ROUTE - external via intercellular
space
figure*
*
cells set to music
Key
Concepts*
virtual cell animations*-recommended by not
required
-
U of Miami Home Page |
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| On-Line Testing Center
- copyright c2007, Charles Mallery,
-
Department of Biology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33124
-
Last Update -
October 07, 2009
[Vaults (?) -
cytoplasmic RNP's [part of a pore? nuclear
pore complex (the central plug)]
ignore the material below for Bil 150-pt
expanded table of differences between Prokaryotes & Eukaryotes
Chaperones
- proteins that help fold other proteins into proper shape
(Sumanas
protein folding & degradation animation*)
Sumanas animation-vesicle processing*
protein
recycling*
Targeting Signals for semi-autonomous oragnelles
(mito, chlp, peroxisome)
|