Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components

Biological Membranes

Anatomy & Physiology

2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components

Biological Membranes

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Problem 10

Textbook Question

Explain how the members of the endomembrane system interact.

Verified step by step guidance

The endomembrane system is a group of interconnected organelles within a eukaryotic cell that work together to modify, package, and transport lipids and proteins. Begin by identifying the key members of the system: the nuclear envelope, endoplasmic reticulum (ER), Golgi apparatus, lysosomes, vesicles, and the plasma membrane.

Start with the nucleus: The nuclear envelope, which is part of the endomembrane system, contains nuclear pores that allow mRNA to exit the nucleus after transcription. This mRNA carries the instructions for protein synthesis to the ribosomes on the rough ER.

In the rough ER, ribosomes translate the mRNA into proteins. These proteins are then folded and modified (e.g., glycosylation) within the ER lumen. Lipids are synthesized in the smooth ER. Both proteins and lipids are packaged into transport vesicles that bud off from the ER.

The transport vesicles carry the proteins and lipids to the Golgi apparatus. In the Golgi, further modifications occur, such as additional glycosylation or sorting of molecules. The Golgi then packages the molecules into new vesicles based on their destination (e.g., lysosomes, plasma membrane, or secretion).

Finally, the vesicles either fuse with the plasma membrane to release their contents outside the cell (exocytosis), deliver enzymes to lysosomes for intracellular digestion, or integrate lipids and proteins into the plasma membrane. This coordinated interaction ensures proper cellular function and communication.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Endomembrane System

The endomembrane system is a network of membranes within eukaryotic cells that includes the nuclear envelope, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, lysosomes, vesicles, and the plasma membrane. This system is crucial for the synthesis, modification, transport, and degradation of proteins and lipids, facilitating cellular organization and function.

Vesicular Transport

Vesicular transport is the process by which materials are moved within the cell in membrane-bound vesicles. This mechanism allows for the transport of proteins and lipids between different components of the endomembrane system, ensuring that cellular processes such as secretion, digestion, and membrane recycling occur efficiently.

Protein Sorting and Modification

Protein sorting and modification are essential processes that occur primarily in the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus. Proteins synthesized in the rough ER undergo folding and post-translational modifications, such as glycosylation, before being sorted into vesicles for transport to their final destinations, which may include secretion outside the cell or delivery to lysosomes.

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Related Practice

Textbook Question

Mark the following statements about the plasma membrane as true or false. If a statement is false, correct it to make a true statement.

Integral membrane proteins generally span the width of the plasma membrane, whereas peripheral proteins are found on only one side of the membrane.

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Textbook Question

Mark the following statements about the plasma membrane as true or false. If a statement is false, correct it to make a true statement.

Cholesterol provides the plasma membrane with stability in the face of changing ion concentrations.

387

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Textbook Question

Mark the following statements about the plasma membrane as true or false. If a statement is false, correct it to make a true statement.

Membrane cholesterol is vital for cell-cell recognition.

362

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Textbook Question

Mark the following statements about the plasma membrane as true or false. If a statement is false, correct it to make a true statement.

The overall structure of the plasma membrane is a mosaic with the components locked tightly in place.

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Textbook Question

Which of the following would you expect to find in or on cells whose main function is absorption?

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Textbook Question

Which of the following are possible functions of the glycoproteins in the plasma membrane?

a. Determination of blood groups

b. Binding sites for toxins or bacteria

c. Aiding the binding of sperm to egg

d. Increasing the efficiency of absorption

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Multiple Choice

Which of the following statements about a typical plasma membrane is correct?

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Multiple Choice

Which of the following is not one of the four main components of all plasma membranes?

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