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Indicate whether the location of each of the following is topologically equivalent to the cytosol (C) or the extracellular space (E). Your answer would be a five-letter string composed of letters C and E only, e.g. CCECE.

(A ) Ribosomes
( B) Chromatin
( C) Lysosomal hydrolases
( D) Calcium ions in the ER
( E) Peroxisomal catalase

User Naltroc
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Final answer:

Ribosomes, Chromatin, and Peroxisomal catalase are equivalent to cytosol (CCC), while Lysosomal hydrolases are within a membrane-bound organelle in the cytosol (C), and Calcium ions in the ER are equivalent to extracellular space (E), resulting in a topological string of CCCCE.

Step-by-step explanation:

The student is asking about the topological equivalence of various cellular components to the cytosol or the extracellular space, based on their location within a eukaryotic cell. The topological location of these components can be determined by their functions and positions within the cell. Here are the answers for each component, followed by a clear explanation:

  • A) Ribosomes: These are the sites of protein synthesis and are found either floating freely in the cytosol (C) or attached to the rough endoplasmic reticulum.
  • B) Chromatin: This is the complex of DNA and proteins found within the nucleus, which is topologically distinct from both the cytosol and the extracellular space. However, since it is within the confines of the cell and not outside of it, it's closer to the cytosolic environment (C).
  • C) Lysosomal hydrolases: These enzymes are active within lysosomes, which are membrane-bound organelles within the cytosolic space (C).
  • D) Calcium ions in the ER: The endoplasmic reticulum lumen is topologically equivalent to the extracellular space (E), as its lumen is continuous with the space outside of the cell.
  • E) Peroxisomal catalase: Peroxisomes are organelles that are part of the cytosolic environment, and thus their contents are topologically equivalent to the cytosol (C).

Therefore, the five-letter string representing the topological equivalence for the components listed is CCCCE.

User Nucleon
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