Mouse liver cells were homogenized and the homogenate subjected to equilibrium density-gradient centrifugation with sucrose gradients. Fractions obtained from these gradients were assayed for marker molecules (i.e., molecules that are limited to specific organelles). The results of these assays are shown in the figure. The marker molecules have the following functions: cytochrome oxidase is an enzyme involved in the process by which A TP is formed in the complete aerobic degradation  of glucose or fatty acids; ribosomal RNA forms part of the protein-synthesizing ribosomes; catalase catalyzes decomposition of hydrogen peroxide; acid phosphatase hydrolyzes monophosphoric esters at acid pH; cytidylyl transferase is involved in phospholipid biosynthesis; and amino acid permease aids in transport of amino acids across membranes.

a. Name the marker molecule and give the number of the fraction that is most enriched for each of the following cell components: lysosomes; peroxisomes; mitochondria; plasma membrane; rough endoplasmic reticulum; smooth endoplasmic reticulum.

b. Is the rough endoplasmic reticulum more or less dense than the smooth endoplasmic reticulum? Why?

c. Describe an alternative approach by which you could identify which fraction was enriched for which organelle.

d. How would addition of a detergent to the homogenate, which disrupts membranes by solubilizing their lipid and protein components, affect the equilibrium density-gradient results?

Transcribed Image Text:

DE 100 80 60 40 20 10 15 20 Fraction number 50% Sucrose 0% Curve A = cytochrome oxidase Curve D = acid phosphatase Curve E = cytidylyl transferase Curve F= amino acid permease Curve B = ribosomal RNA Curve C = catalase % of maximum