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Related Concept Videos

Endoplasmic Reticulum01:39

Endoplasmic Reticulum

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The Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) in eukaryotic cells is a substantial network of interconnected membranes with diverse functions, from calcium storage to biomolecule synthesis. A primary component of the endomembrane system, the ER manufactures phospholipids critical for membrane function throughout the cell. Additionally, the two distinct regions of the ER specialize in the manufacture of specific lipids and proteins.
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The Endoplasmic Reticulum01:43

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The endoplasmic reticulum or ER makes up for more than half of the membranes in a cell and accounts for 10% of total cell volume. It is also the primary protein and lipid synthesis factory for most cell organelles, such as the Golgi apparatus, lysosomes, secretory vesicles, and the plasma membrane. Despite being the most extensive and functionally complex subcellular organelle, ER was the last to be discovered. After years of deliberation, Keith Porter and George Palade in the year 1954,...
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Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum01:21

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Smooth endoplasmic reticulum or smooth ER is a sub-organelle with specialized functions in animal cells and plant cells. It is often associated with the tubule morphology of the endoplasmic reticulum.
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Directing Proteins to the Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum01:34

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The organelle-specific signaling sequences direct proteins synthesized in the cytosol to their final destination like ER, mitochondria, peroxisomes, etc. Some of the proteins directed to ER are then trafficked via vesicles to other organelles within the cell or the extracellular environment through the Golgi complex. For example, the rough ER synthesizes soluble proteins for transportation to the lysosomes or secretion out of the cell. It can also synthesize transmembrane proteins that can...
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Distribution of Stresses in a Narrow Rectangular Beam01:11

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In studying beam stress distribution, examining an elemental section is essential. To determine the average shearing stress on this face, the calculated shear is divided by the surface area. Importantly, shearing stresses on the beam's transverse and horizontal planes mirror each other, indicating a consistent stress distribution along the upper region of the beam. Notably, shearing stresses are absent at the beam's upper and lower surfaces due to the absence of applied forces in these...
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Neurons: The Axon01:21

Neurons: The Axon

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Axons are long, cytoplasmic processes of nerve cells capable of propagating electrical impulses known as action potentials. The cytoplasm or axoplasm of an axon contains neurofibrils, neurotubules, small vesicles, lysosomes, mitochondria, and various enzymes, all encased within the axolemma, the plasma membrane of the axon.
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Visualization of Endoplasmic Reticulum Subdomains in Cultured Cells
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Axonal endoplasmic reticulum is very narrow.

Mark Terasaki1

  • 1Department of Cell Biology, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT 06030, USA terasaki@uchc.edu.

Journal of Cell Science
|January 24, 2018
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Researchers discovered a new type of narrow endoplasmic reticulum (ER) tubules in neurons. These findings suggest a specialized role for this neuronal ER in the nervous system.

Keywords:
AxonElectron microscopyEndoplasmic reticulumNeuron

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Cell Biology
  • Microscopy

Background:

  • The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a vital organelle forming an extensive network within cells.
  • In most cells, ER tubules typically measure around 60 nm in diameter.
  • The specific structure and function of ER within neurons, particularly in axons, remain incompletely understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the ultrastructure of the endoplasmic reticulum in neurons using advanced imaging techniques.
  • To identify and characterize any distinct ER morphologies present in the central and peripheral nervous systems.
  • To explore the potential functional implications of observed ER structures in neuronal compartments.

Main Methods:

  • Application of novel serial-section electron microscopy techniques.
  • High-resolution imaging and analysis of neuronal ultrastructure.
  • Comparative analysis of ER morphology across different neuronal regions (axons, cell bodies, dendrites).

Main Results:

  • Identification of a previously unrecognized class of very narrow ER tubules (20-30 nm diameter) in neurons.
  • These narrow ER tubules are the predominant form of ER found in neuronal axons.
  • Similar narrow lumens were observed in ER sheets at axonal branch points.

Conclusions:

  • Neurons possess a distinct population of narrow endoplasmic reticulum tubules, particularly abundant in axons.
  • The unique morphology of axonal ER suggests specialized functions critical for neuronal physiology.
  • Further research is warranted to elucidate the specific roles of this narrow neuronal ER.