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#membrane-bound organelles

4 public questions tagged with this topic.

Which of the following is a membrane-bound organelle?

Eukaryotic cytoplasm contains membrane-bound and non-membrane organelles distinguished by presence of phospholipid bilayer enclosing aqueous compartment that allows compositional specialization. Ribosomes are 80S megaDalton protein-RNA assemblies consisting of small and large subunits that translate mRNA in cytosol or on rough endoplasmic reticulum, lacking membrane and exchanging subunits dynamically. Nucleolus is membraneless nuclear subdomain formed by liquid-liquid phase separation around rDNA repeats for ribosome biogenesis. Centrosome comprises two centrioles surrounded by pericentriolar material nucleating microtubules, also non-membrane. Membrane-bound organelles physically segregate metabolic reactions and maintain distinct pH, calcium, redox and enzyme contents via active transport and impermeable bilayer. Peroxisome is archetypal small spherical organelle 0.1 to 1 micrometer diameter bounded by single membrane, equipped with specific import machinery for PTS1 and PTS2 signal proteins and containing oxidative enzymes and catalase. Its lumen is topologically isolated, enabling hydrogen peroxide generation without cytosolic damage. Other membrane-bound examples include endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, lysosomes, mitochondria and plastids, while non-membranous structures rely on phase separation or protein scaffolds. This compartmentalization underpins eukaryotic metabolic complexity and regulation of incompatible reactions.

Ref: Alberts et al., Molecular Biology of the Cell, 6th ed., Chapter 12: Peroxisomes as Single Membrane-Bound Organelles.

Which of the following is not membrane-bound?

Membrane-bound organelles derive from endomembrane system involving lipid bilayers enclosing aqueous lumen, including nucleus surrounded by double membrane perforated by pores, mitochondria with outer and inner membranes supporting oxidative phosphorylation, endoplasmic reticulum network, Golgi stacks and lysosomes that are acidic hydrolase containing vesicles. Ribosomes represent exception being ribonucleoprotein particles approximately twenty five to thirty nanometers composed of ribosomal RNA and seventy to eighty proteins without delimiting membrane. Free cytosolic ribosomes translate cytosolic and nuclear proteins, rough ER bound ribosomes translate secretory pathway proteins after SRP-dependent targeting. In mitochondria and plastids separate bacterial-type ribosomes exist. Their lack of membrane explains sensitivity to high salt and magnesium depletion rather than detergents, purification through ultracentrifugation producing polysome profiles, and rapid assembly-disassembly during translation cycle. Histochemistry shows no lipid bilayer, electron microscopy reveals electron dense granules. Distinguishing membranous vs nonmembranous compartments guides fractionation protocols and rationalizes differential drug sensitivity, for instance cycloheximide inhibits eukaryotic ribosomes irrespective of membrane association.

Ref: Alberts Ch 12; ribosomes non-membranous RNPs 25-30nm, free and rough ER bound, no lipid bilayer.