CISTERNAE Meaning and
Definition
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Cisternae is a plural form of the noun cisterna, which refers to a series of interconnected membrane structures found in the cytoplasm of cells. These structures are present mainly in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and the Golgi apparatus. Cisternae can also be observed in some other cellular organelles, such as the mitochondria and the plastids in plant cells.
Within the ER, the cisternae play a vital role in protein synthesis, folding, and modification. This membranous network consists of flat, elongated sacs that are connected to each other, creating a continuous space for the transportation and processing of proteins. The cisternae of the ER are involved in various functions, including the synthesis of lipids, calcium ion storage, and detoxification.
In the Golgi apparatus, the cisternae are responsible for processing, sorting, and packaging proteins that have been synthesized in the ER. The Golgi cisternae consist of flattened stacks of membrane-bound sacs, which are often arranged in a curved, horseshoe-like structure. Each cisterna within the Golgi apparatus performs specific enzymatic modifications and transports proteins to their correct destinations within or outside the cell.
Overall, cisternae are crucial compartments within the cell, serving as sites for protein synthesis, modification, and transportation. They provide important structural organization and facilitate the proper functioning of cellular processes.
Common Misspellings for CISTERNAE
Etymology of CISTERNAE
The word "cisternae" has its etymological roots in Latin. It is the plural form of the Latin word "cisterna", which means "cistern" or "reservoir". In Latin, "cisterna" is derived from the word "cista", which refers to a chest or box. The term "cisternae" is used in biology to describe flattened, membrane-bound sacs or compartments within organelles such as the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus.
Similar spelling words for CISTERNAE
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