granule

(noun)

a small structure in a cell

Related Terms

Examples of granule in the following topics:

  • Cell Inclusions and Storage Granules

    • Sulfur is most often stored as elemental (S0) granules which can be deposited either intra- or extracellularly.
    • Sulfur granules are especially common in bacteria that use hydrogen sulfide as an electron source.
    • Explain the hypothesis regarding the formation of inclusion bodies and the importance of storage granules

  • Types of WBCs

    • A major distinguishing feature is the presence of granules; white blood cells are often characterized as granulocytes or agranulocytes.
    • Granulocytes, also known as polymorphonuclear (PMN) leukocytes, are characterized by stained granules within their cytoplasm under a microscope.
    • These granules are membrane-bound enzymes that act primarily in the digestion of endocytosed particles.
    • They may also cause granule dependent cell-mediated apoptosis through the release of perforins, granzymes, and proteases.
    • Monocytes and their progeny contain toll-like receptors and granules.

  • Ceramics

    • As the name suggests, this is the operation of shaping pottery by pressing clay in a semi-dry and granulated condition in a mold.
    • The granulated clay is prepared by spray-drying to produce a fine and free-flowing material having a moisture content of between about 5 and 6 per cent.
    • Granulate pressing, also known as dust pressing, is widely used in the manufacture of ceramic tiles and, increasingly, of plates.

  • WBC Function

    • When pathogens are encountered, granule dependent apoptosis (a mechanism of cytotoxicity) may be induced in the pathogen by releasing perforins, granzymes, and proteaseases from their granules.

  • White Blood Cells

    • One of the two main groups are the granulocytes, which contain granules in their cytoplasm, and include the neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils ( a).
    • The second main group is the agranulocytes, which lack granules in their cytoplasm, and include the monocytes and lymphocytes ( b).

  • Phagocytes

    • Mature monocytes have large, smooth, lobed nuclei and an abundant cytoplasm that contains granules, but are not technically considered granulocytes.
    • Macrophages do not have granules, but contain many lysosomes.
    • They also degranulate their granules to release perforin, granzyme, proteases, and other chemicals to do cytotoxic damage to pathogens (and occasionally normal bodily tissues as well).
    • In addition to these functions, mast cells produce cytokines kept in their granules, such as histamine that induce an inflammatory response when a pathogen is detected.

  • Overview of the Endocrine System

    • Endocrine glands are typically well vascularized and the cells comprising the tissue are typically rich in intracellular vacuoles or granules which store hormones prior to release.

  • Natural Killer Cells

    • NK cells use two cytolytic granule mediated apoptosis to destroy abnormal and infected cells.
    • The granules of NK cells contain proteins such as perforin and proteases known as granzymes.
    • Antibodies that bind to antigens can be recognized by FcϒRIII (CD16) receptors (a type of activating receptor), resulting in NK activation, release of cytolytic granules, and consequent cell apoptosis.

  • The Etruscan Culture

    • Artists who worked with metal were extremely talented and developed unique skills and specialized techniques, including granulation and repoussé.
    • A gold reel, possibly an earring stud, from the early fourth century BCE represents the combination of both the hammered relief of repoussé as well as the careful and precise fusing of tiny gold granules .
    • Another earring from the Archaic period combines repoussé and granulation with glass beads and intricate, patterned designs.

  • Iron-Binding Proteins

    • Lactoferrin is also present in secondary granules of PMN (Polymorphonucler neutrophil) and is secreted by some acinar cells.