Antibodies against specific organelles allow you to explore protein localization in situ. Also, you can use them in western blot analyses to confirm the proper fractionation of cell lysates.
Endoplasmic reticulum (ER):Â found in eukaryotic cells and is made of membrane sacs called cisternae. Rough ER (where ribosomes are bound) is a site of protein synthesis. Smooth ER is a site for lipid and carbohydrate metabolism. The ER forms part of a network of membranes with the Golgi and lysosomes.
Golgi apparatus:Â serves as a molecular assembly line in which membrane proteins undergo extensive post-translational modification. The Golgi is part of a network of membranes with the ER and lysosomes.
Mitochondria: cytoplasmic organelles found in almost all eukaryotic cells, comprising an outer membrane, a folded inner membrane, and a matrix. Mitochondria are the cellular powerhouses, generating ATP through oxidative phosphorylation, and play a role in apoptosis.
Ribosome:Â an assembly of proteins and ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs) that translate messenger RNAs (mRNAs) into proteins.
Lysosome:Â membrane-bound organelle that breaks down macromolecules into constituent parts to then be recycled. Lysosomes form part of a network of membranes with the ER and Golgi.
Endosome:Â formed at the plasma membrane or the Golgi, endosomes are membrane-delimited intracellular transporters that fuse with lysosomes, are involved in returning material to the plasma membrane.Â
Peroxisome: cytoplasmic organelles responsible for catalyzing fatty acid via beta-oxidation and play a vital role in generating and degrading reactive oxygen species.
Autophagosome:Â vesicles with a double membrane that contain cellular material destined for degradation via autophagy. The formation of autophagosomes depends on type III PI3K lipid kinase activity.