Mitochondria and Endoplasmic Reticulum
This page delves into the structure and function of mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum, two crucial organelles found in both plant and animal cells.
Mitochondria are described in detail, including their double membrane structure with an outer membrane, inner membrane, intermembrane space, cristae, and matrix. The page highlights the role of mitochondria in ATP synthesis and calcium storage, emphasizing their importance in cellular energy production and signaling.
Vocabulary: ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate) is the energy currency of the cell, produced through aerobic respiration in the mitochondria.
The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is introduced next, with a focus on the differences between rough and smooth endoplasmic reticulum. The rough ER is characterized by attached ribosomes and is involved in protein synthesis and processing.
Example: After a polypeptide chain is created, it passes through the rough ER where disulfide bonds are formed for stability.
The smooth ER, lacking ribosomes, is responsible for lipid synthesis and storage, particularly phospholipids needed for cell membrane construction.
Highlight: The endoplasmic reticulum forms a network of tube-like structures throughout the cell, with the rough ER specializing in protein processing and the smooth ER in lipid production.
This page provides a comprehensive overview of these organelles, emphasizing their critical roles in cellular function and metabolism.