Which structure is part of the endomembrane system? (A) mitochondrion (B) Golgi apparatus (C) chloroplast (D) centrosome

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the structures listed and recall their functions and system associations. Mitochondria are involved in energy production, Golgi apparatus in modifying, sorting, and packaging of proteins, chloroplasts in photosynthesis, and centrosomes in cell division.
2. Recall the components of the endomembrane system, which includes the nuclear envelope, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, lysosomes, vesicles, and the cell membrane.
3. Match each structure with the endomembrane system components. From the list, the Golgi apparatus is a part of the endomembrane system.
4. Eliminate the other options: Mitochondria and chloroplasts are part of the energy conversion organelles and not part of the endomembrane system. The centrosome is involved in the organization of microtubules and cell division.

Key Concepts

Endomembrane System

The endomembrane system is a network of membranes within eukaryotic cells that work together to modify, package, and transport lipids and proteins. It includes structures such as the endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, lysosomes, and vesicles. This system plays a crucial role in cellular organization and function, facilitating communication and transport between different organelles.

Golgi Apparatus

The Golgi apparatus is a key organelle in the endomembrane system, responsible for processing and packaging proteins and lipids synthesized in the endoplasmic reticulum. It modifies these molecules by adding carbohydrate or phosphate groups and sorts them for transport to their final destinations, either within the cell or for secretion. Its structure consists of stacked, flattened membrane sacs called cisternae.

Eukaryotic Cell Organelles

Eukaryotic cells contain various organelles, each with specific functions that contribute to the cell's overall operation. Unlike prokaryotic cells, eukaryotic cells have membrane-bound organelles, including the nucleus, mitochondria, and chloroplasts. Understanding the roles of these organelles is essential for grasping cellular processes and the distinctions between different cell types.