Microsome
Microsome
Microsome (/maɪˈkrɒsoʊm/, from the Greek mikros, meaning "small", and soma, meaning "body") is a type of organelle found in cells.
Etymology
The term "microsome" was coined in the mid-20th century to describe the small vesicles that were visible under the microscope in the cytoplasm of cells. The prefix "micro-" comes from the Greek mikros, meaning "small", and "-some" from soma, meaning "body".
Function
Microsomes play a crucial role in the metabolism of many substances within the cell. They are involved in the biosynthesis of lipids, including cholesterol, and the detoxification of harmful substances. They also play a role in the endoplasmic reticulum's function of protein synthesis.
Related Terms
- Endoplasmic reticulum: A type of organelle in eukaryotic cells that forms an interconnected network of flattened, membrane-enclosed sacs or tube-like structures known as cisternae.
- Lipid: Any of various substances that are soluble in nonpolar organic solvents (such as chloroform and ether), that are usually insoluble in water, that with proteins and carbohydrates constitute the principal structural components of living cells.
- Metabolism: The set of life-sustaining chemical reactions in organisms. The three main purposes of metabolism are: the conversion of food to energy to run cellular processes; the conversion of food/fuel to building blocks for proteins, lipids, nucleic acids, and some carbohydrates; and the elimination of nitrogenous wastes.
- Biosynthesis: The production of complex molecules within living organisms or cells.
- Detoxification: The physiological or medicinal removal of toxic substances from a living organism, including the human body, which is mainly carried out by the liver.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Microsome
- Wikipedia's article - Microsome
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