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Membranous & Non-Membranous Organelles - Complete Viva Guide
Source: Histology: A Text and Atlas (Pawlina, 9th Ed)
CLASSIFICATION AT A GLANCE
| Membranous Organelles | Non-Membranous Organelles |
|---|
| Plasma Membrane | Ribosomes |
| Rough ER (rER) | Microtubules |
| Smooth ER (sER) | Actin Filaments (Microfilaments) |
| Golgi Apparatus | Intermediate Filaments |
| Mitochondria | Centrioles / MTOC |
| Lysosomes | Basal Bodies |
| Peroxisomes | Proteasomes |
| Endosomes | |
| Exosomes | |
PART A: MEMBRANOUS ORGANELLES
1. PLASMA MEMBRANE
Q: What is the plasma membrane made of?
A phospholipid bilayer with embedded proteins. The fluid mosaic model (Singer & Nicolson) describes it best - proteins "float" in a fluid lipid sea.
Q: What are the types of membrane proteins?
- Integral proteins - embedded within the lipid bilayer (transmembrane proteins). Demonstrated by freeze-fracture technique.
- Peripheral proteins - loosely attached to the outer or inner surface.
Q: What are lipid rafts?
Specialized microdomains enriched in cholesterol and sphingolipids. Two types:
- Planar lipid rafts - contain flotillins (markers of lipid rafts), act as scaffolding proteins.
- Caveolae ("little caves") - flask-shaped (50-100 nm) invaginations containing caveolins. Rich in Ca²+ channels and G protein-coupled receptors. Prominent in smooth muscle cells.
Lipid rafts act as "signaling platforms" - all elements (receptors, effectors, substrates) are close together for rapid, efficient signal transduction.
Clinical link: Bacteria like Shigella and Salmonella hijack lipid rafts to enter cells.
Q: What are the functions of the plasma membrane?
- Selective permeability (controls what enters/exits the cell)
- Cell signaling
- Cell-to-cell recognition
- Endocytosis and exocytosis
2. ROUGH ENDOPLASMIC RETICULUM (rER)
Q: What makes rER "rough"?
Ribosomes studded on its cytoplasmic surface.
Q: What does rER do?
- Synthesizes proteins destined for export (secretion), lysosomes, or the plasma membrane
- Protein folding and quality control
- Post-translational modifications (glycosylation)
Q: How does a protein know to go to the rER?
The first 15-60 amino acids form a signal sequence (signal peptide). This is recognized by the Signal Recognition Particle (SRP), which arrests translation and brings the ribosome to the rER membrane. After docking, translation resumes and the polypeptide is threaded into the rER lumen. The signal peptide is then cleaved by signal peptidase.
Clinical link: Antibiotic action - aminoglycosides (streptomycin), macrolides (erythromycin), tetracyclines all inhibit protein synthesis by binding bacterial ribosomes. They exploit the difference between prokaryotic (70S) and eukaryotic (80S) ribosomes.
3. SMOOTH ENDOPLASMIC RETICULUM (sER)
Q: How does sER differ from rER?
No ribosomes - smooth surface.
Q: Functions of sER?
- Lipid and steroid hormone synthesis (abundant in cells of adrenal cortex, gonads)
- Detoxification of drugs and toxins (liver hepatocytes - cytochrome P450 enzymes)
- Calcium storage and release (sarcoplasmic reticulum in muscle cells is a specialized sER)
- Glycogen metabolism
Memory tip: sER = Steroids, detox (liver), calcium storage.
4. GOLGI APPARATUS
Q: Describe the structure of the Golgi apparatus.
A series of flattened, membrane-bound sacs (cisternae) stacked like plates. Has two faces:
- Cis face (forming face) - receives vesicles from the rER
- Trans face (maturing face / TGN = Trans-Golgi Network) - sorts and dispatches proteins to destinations
Q: What does the Golgi do?
- Receives proteins from rER
- Further modifies them (glycosylation, sulfation, phosphorylation)
- Sorts and packages them into transport vesicles for delivery to:
- Plasma membrane (exocytosis)
- Lysosomes
- Secretory vesicles
- Extracellular space
Q: What is M-6-P?
Mannose-6-phosphate (M-6-P) is a sorting signal added by the Golgi to enzymes destined for lysosomes. It acts as a "lysosome address tag."
Q: What is the difference between constitutive and regulated exocytosis?
- Constitutive pathway: Continuous secretion without stimulus (e.g., immunoglobulins by plasma cells).
- Regulated pathway: Secretion only upon a specific signal (e.g., neurotransmitter release, hormone secretion by endocrine cells).
5. MITOCHONDRIA
Q: What is unique about mitochondria compared to other organelles?
Mitochondria have TWO membranes - no other cytoplasmic organelle does.
Structure of the mitochondrion - Histology: A Text and Atlas (Pawlina)
Q: Name the structural compartments of mitochondria:
- Outer mitochondrial membrane - smooth, contains porins (large channels permeable to molecules up to 5 kDa). Contains phospholipase A2, monoamine oxidase, acetyl-CoA synthase.
- Intermembrane space - environment similar to cytoplasm (ions and small molecules pass freely through outer membrane). Contains cytochrome c (important in apoptosis!).
- Inner mitochondrial membrane - forms cristae (infoldings that dramatically increase surface area). Rich in cardiolipin (makes it impermeable to ions). Contains:
- Respiratory electron transport chain enzymes
- ATP synthase (elementary particles) - tennis racquet-shaped structures seen on TEM, 10 nm diameter heads
- Matrix - contains mitochondrial DNA, ribosomes (70S), Krebs cycle enzymes, matrix granules (Ca²+ storage).
Q: What are cristae?
Infoldings of the inner mitochondrial membrane that dramatically increase its surface area, allowing more ATP synthesis.
Q: Which cells lack mitochondria?
Red blood cells (RBCs) and terminal keratinocytes.
Q: What is the endosymbiotic theory?
Mitochondria evolved from ancient bacteria engulfed by early eukaryotic cells. Evidence: they have their own circular DNA (like bacteria), 70S ribosomes (like bacteria), reproduce by binary fission, and are maternally inherited.
Q: Clinical significance - Mitochondrial inheritance?
Mitochondrial diseases are maternally inherited (e.g., MELAS, Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy).
Q: Why do steroid-secreting cells have more mitochondria with tubular cristae?
The inner membrane forms tubular/vesicular projections instead of flat cristae in steroid-metabolizing cells (adrenal cortex, Leydig cells) - more surface area for steroid biosynthesis.
6. LYSOSOMES
Q: What are lysosomes?
Membrane-bound organelles containing ~50 types of hydrolytic enzymes (acid hydrolases) that digest cellular debris, foreign material, and waste. pH inside is ~5 (acidic).
Q: How are lysosomal enzymes targeted to lysosomes?
Via the M-6-P (mannose-6-phosphate) tagging system by the Golgi apparatus.
Q: What is heterophagy vs autophagy?
- Heterophagy - digestion of material brought in from outside the cell (phagocytosis, receptor-mediated endocytosis)
- Autophagy - digestion of the cell's own worn-out organelles (self-eating)
Q: What are lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs)?
Genetic disorders where a lysosomal enzyme is absent or defective - the substrate accumulates inside lysosomes, causing cell damage. Symptoms: intellectual disability, hepatosplenomegaly, frequent infections.
| Disease | Enzyme Missing | Accumulates |
|---|
| Gaucher disease | Glucocerebrosidase | Glucosylceramide |
| Tay-Sachs disease | β-Hexosaminidase (α subunit) | GM2 ganglioside |
| Niemann-Pick disease | Sphingomyelinase | Sphingomyelin |
| Hurler syndrome (MPS I) | α-L-iduronidase | Dermatan/heparan sulfate |
| Pompe disease | Acid α-glucosidase | Glycogen |
7. PEROXISOMES
Q: What do peroxisomes do?
- Oxidation of very long chain fatty acids (β-oxidation)
- Detoxification using hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) - produced then neutralized by catalase
- Synthesis of bile acids and ether lipids (plasmalogens)
Q: What is Zellweger syndrome?
A severe peroxisomal biogenesis disorder (mutation in PEX genes). Causes craniofacial malformations, hepatomegaly, neurologic abnormalities, retinal degeneration, and deafness. Most infants do not survive past 1 year.
8. ENDOSOMES & EXOSOMES
Q: What are endosomes?
Membrane-bound vesicles formed by endocytosis. They sort internalized material - some recycled back to membrane, some sent to lysosomes for degradation.
Q: What is receptor-mediated endocytosis?
A selective process where specific molecules bind to surface receptors → receptor-molecule complexes gather in clathrin-coated pits → pinched off by dynamin to form coated vesicles → uncoated and fused with early endosomes.
Q: What are exosomes?
Small vesicles (30-150 nm) secreted by cells. They carry proteins, lipids, and RNA between cells - act as intercellular communication tools.
PART B: NON-MEMBRANOUS ORGANELLES
1. RIBOSOMES
Q: What are ribosomes made of?
rRNA + proteins. Two subunits:
- Eukaryotic: 80S = 60S (large) + 40S (small)
- Prokaryotic: 70S = 50S + 30S
Q: What is the difference between free ribosomes and membrane-bound ribosomes?
- Free ribosomes (polysomes) - in cytoplasm, make proteins for the cell's own use (cytosolic proteins, proteins for mitochondria and peroxisomes)
- Membrane-bound ribosomes (on rER) - make proteins for secretion, lysosomes, or plasma membrane
Clinical link: Antibiotics target 70S ribosomes (prokaryotic) - that's why they kill bacteria without harming human cells.
2. MICROTUBULES
Q: What are microtubules?
Rigid, hollow tubes of polymerized tubulin protein (α and β tubulin subunits). Diameter: ~25 nm. They are non-branching and can rapidly assemble and disassemble. They grow from the MTOC (Microtubule Organizing Center) near the nucleus, extending toward the cell periphery.
Q: Functions of microtubules:
- Intracellular vesicular transport (like railroad tracks)
- Movement of cilia and flagella
- Chromosome attachment to mitotic spindle - movement during mitosis/meiosis
- Maintenance of cell shape and asymmetry
- Cell elongation and migration
Q: What are motor proteins associated with microtubules?
- Dyneins - move toward the minus (-) end (toward cell center). Move chromosomes along the spindle during mitosis.
- Kinesins - move toward the plus (+) end (toward cell periphery). Separate spindle poles during cell division.
Q: What is the axoneme?
The microtubular framework inside cilia and flagella. Arrangement: 9+2 pattern (9 doublet microtubules around 2 central singlets). Dynein arms between doublets create sliding movement.
Clinical link - Kartagener syndrome (Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia): Defective dynein arms → immotile cilia → bronchiectasis, situs inversus, male infertility (immotile sperm).
3. ACTIN FILAMENTS (Microfilaments)
Q: What are actin filaments?
Thin (6-8 nm), flexible filaments made of polymerized actin (42 kDa protein). May constitute up to 20% of total protein in some cells.
Q: What is G-actin vs F-actin?
- G-actin (globular) - free, unpolymerized actin in cytoplasm
- F-actin (filamentous) - polymerized form making up microfilaments
Microfilaments are polarized: plus (barbed) end grows fast; minus (pointed) end grows slow.
Q: Functions of actin filaments:
- Cell motility and migration
- Formation of microvilli (core of brush border)
- Muscle contraction (with myosin)
- Cytokinesis (cleavage furrow)
- Maintenance of cell shape
4. INTERMEDIATE FILAMENTS
Q: What are intermediate filaments?
Fibrous proteins, ~10 nm diameter (between actin at 6-8 nm and microtubules at 25 nm - hence "intermediate"). Provide structural stability and mechanical strength to cells. Unlike actin and microtubules, they are not polarized and are very stable.
Q: Name the types and where they are found:
| Type | Protein | Location |
|---|
| Cytokeratins | Keratins | Epithelial cells |
| Vimentin | Vimentin | Mesenchymal cells (fibroblasts, endothelium) |
| Desmin | Desmin | Muscle cells |
| Neurofilaments | NF proteins | Neurons (axons) |
| GFAP | Glial fibrillary acidic protein | Astrocytes |
| Lamin | Lamins A, B, C | Nuclear lamina (in all cells) |
Clinical link: Immunohistochemistry uses intermediate filament antibodies to identify tumor origin. A tumor expressing cytokeratin = carcinoma. Expressing vimentin = sarcoma.
5. CENTRIOLES & MTOC
Q: What is a centriole?
A cylindrical structure made of 9 triplet microtubules arranged in a ring (9 x 3 pattern, no central pair). They come in pairs (diplosome) oriented at right angles.
Q: What is the MTOC (Centrosome)?
The microtubule-organizing center = pair of centrioles + surrounding pericentriolar material. It nucleates and organizes microtubules in the cell.
Q: What happens to centrioles during cell division?
They duplicate during S phase, then move to opposite poles of the cell in mitosis and form the mitotic spindle poles.
Clinical link: Abnormal duplication of centrioles is linked to cancer - extra centrioles cause multipolar spindles, leading to abnormal chromosome segregation.
SUMMARY TABLE: Organelle Quick Recall
| Organelle | Key Feature | Main Function | Viva High-Yield Point |
|---|
| Plasma membrane | Lipid bilayer, fluid mosaic | Selective permeability, signaling | Lipid rafts, caveolae |
| rER | Ribosomes on surface | Protein synthesis for export | Signal peptide, SRP |
| sER | No ribosomes | Lipid/steroid synthesis, detox, Ca²+ | Abundant in steroid cells, liver |
| Golgi | Cis/trans face | Modify, sort, package proteins | M-6-P tag for lysosomes |
| Mitochondria | 2 membranes, own DNA | ATP synthesis (powerhouse) | Cristae, elementary particles, endosymbiosis |
| Lysosomes | Acid pH (~5) | Intracellular digestion | M-6-P targeting, LSDs |
| Peroxisomes | Catalase | Fatty acid oxidation, detox | Zellweger syndrome |
| Ribosomes | 80S (eukaryote) | Protein synthesis | 70S in prokaryotes → antibiotic target |
| Microtubules | 25 nm, tubulin | Transport, spindle, cilia | 9+2 in cilia; Kartagener syndrome |
| Actin | 6-8 nm | Motility, shape, cytokinesis | G-actin vs F-actin |
| Intermediate filaments | 10 nm, stable | Structural support | Type identifies cell lineage (IHC) |
| Centrioles | 9 triplets | Spindle formation | Abnormal = cancer risk |
HIGH-YIELD COMPARISON QUESTIONS
Q: Mitochondria vs Peroxisomes - both oxidize fatty acids. What's the difference?
- Mitochondria oxidize short and long chain fatty acids via β-oxidation → generates ATP
- Peroxisomes oxidize very long chain fatty acids → generates H₂O₂ (neutralized by catalase), not directly ATP
Q: rER vs sER - how to tell them apart on EM?
rER has ribosomes (rough, dark granules on surface). sER is smooth. rER is more tubular/flat-saccular; sER is more vesicular.
Q: Why is the inner mitochondrial membrane impermeable to ions?
Rich in cardiolipin - a special phospholipid that creates a tight seal, essential for maintaining the proton gradient needed for ATP synthesis.
Q: What happens if lysosomes rupture inside the cell?
Acid hydrolases are released into cytoplasm → self-digestion (autolysis) → cell death. This is one mechanism in necrosis.
Good luck tomorrow! Ask me to quiz you on any section or go deeper on anything like endocytosis pathways, the Golgi in detail, or specific lysosomal diseases.