ORGANELLE TRANSPORT Meaning and
Definition
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Organelle transport refers to the movement of specialized structures called organelles within cells. In eukaryotic cells, which include animal, plant, and fungi cells, organelles are enclosed within a membrane and perform various vital functions. Due to their importance, these organelles need to be transported to specific locations within the cell, ensuring their proper distribution and contribution to cell processes.
Organelle transport is a highly controlled and dynamic process that relies on the intricate network of microtubules and motor proteins. Microtubules serve as tracks or highways along which the organelles move, while motor proteins, such as kinesin and dynein, act as molecular motors to facilitate organelle transportation. Kinesin generally moves organelles towards the cell periphery, while dynein moves them towards the center.
The efficiency of organelle transport is crucial for maintaining cell homeostasis and performing specialized functions. For example, mitochondria, which are responsible for cellular energy production, need to be transported to sites where energy demand is high, such as muscle cells.
Disruptions in organelle transport can lead to various cellular dysfunctions and diseases. Defective transport has been associated with neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, where impaired movement of organelles along axonal tracks contributes to neuronal degeneration.
Overall, organelle transport is a fundamental process that ensures the proper distribution of important cellular organelles, allowing cells to function optimally and contributing to the overall health and viability of an organism.
Common Misspellings for ORGANELLE TRANSPORT
- irganelle transport
- krganelle transport
- lrganelle transport
- prganelle transport
- 0rganelle transport
- 9rganelle transport
- oeganelle transport
- odganelle transport
- ofganelle transport
- otganelle transport
- o5ganelle transport
- o4ganelle transport
- orfanelle transport
- orvanelle transport
- orbanelle transport
- orhanelle transport
- oryanelle transport
- ortanelle transport
- orgznelle transport
- orgsnelle transport
Etymology of ORGANELLE TRANSPORT
The etymology of the word "organelle transport" can be broken down as follows:
1. Organelle: The word "organelle" comes from the combination of two Latin words: "organum", meaning "instrument", and the diminutive suffix "-ella", meaning "small". It was first used in the early 20th century to describe the specialized structures within cells that perform specific functions.
2. Transport: The word "transport" has its roots in the Latin word "transportare", meaning "to carry across". It ultimately comes from the combination of two elements: "trans", meaning "across", and "portare", meaning "to carry".
Therefore, the term "organelle transport" refers to the process of carrying or moving organelles within a cell from one location to another.
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