A process cartridge which is detachably mountable to a main assembly of an image forming apparatus includes an electrophotographic photosensitive member, a process device actable on the photosensitive member, a memory element, and a cartridge connector for electrically connecting the memory with the main assembly when the process cartridge is mounted to the main assembly. The cartridge connector is electrically connectable with a main assembly connector provided in the main assembly. The cartridge also includes a contact portion for moving a shutter for protecting the main assembly connector from a protecting position to a retracted position in response to mounting of the process cartridge to the main assembly.