This portion of the endoplasmic reticulum is implicated in calcium transport, autophagy, and lipid transfer. For 10 points each:
[10h] Name this ER region that resembles lipid rafts in its composition and is dynamically tethered to a namesake organelle through proteins expressing FFAT motifs.
ANSWER: mitochondria-associated membrane [or MAM; or mitochondria-associated ER membrane; or mitochondria-ER contacts; or MERCS, ER-mitochondria contacts; or ERMES; reject just “mitochondria”]
[10m] Reduced contacts between the ER and mitochondria can increase levels of this process controlled by Bcl2, where ROS-damaged mitochondria are degraded by the lysosome.
ANSWER: mitophagy [prompt on apoptosis or autophagy]
[10e] This disease is caused by mutations in MAM genes inhibiting mitophagy, leading to the formation of Lewy bodies and the gradual destruction of the substantia nigra. This neurodegenerative disease is characterized by rigidity and tremors.
ANSWER: Parkinson’s disease [or PD]
<Vishal Kanigicherla, Biology>