AP Bio 2.2 Cell Structure and Function
40 flashcards covering AP Bio 2.2 Cell Structure and Function for the AP-BIOLOGY Unit 2 section.
Cell structure and function is a fundamental aspect of AP Biology, specifically outlined in the College Board's AP Biology Curriculum Framework. This topic explores the various organelles within eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells, their specific roles, and how these structures contribute to overall cellular function and homeostasis. Understanding these concepts is essential for grasping more complex biological processes and systems.
On practice exams and competency assessments, questions related to cell structure and function often require students to identify organelles, describe their functions, or compare and contrast different cell types. Common traps include confusing similar organelles or misinterpreting their functions. For instance, students might mix up the roles of the mitochondria and chloroplasts, leading to incorrect answers.
One practical tip is to focus on visual aids, such as diagrams of cell structures, to reinforce your understanding and recall of organelle functions.
Terms (40)
- 01
What is the main function of the cell membrane?
The cell membrane regulates the movement of substances in and out of the cell, maintaining homeostasis and protecting the internal environment of the cell (College Board AP CED).
- 02
Which organelle is responsible for energy production in eukaryotic cells?
The mitochondrion is responsible for producing ATP through cellular respiration, serving as the powerhouse of the cell (College Board AP CED).
- 03
What is the role of ribosomes in the cell?
Ribosomes are responsible for protein synthesis by translating messenger RNA into polypeptide chains (College Board AP CED).
- 04
Which structure is selectively permeable and involved in cell signaling?
The plasma membrane is selectively permeable and plays a crucial role in cell signaling through receptor proteins (College Board AP CED).
- 05
How do prokaryotic cells differ from eukaryotic cells?
Prokaryotic cells lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, while eukaryotic cells have both (College Board AP CED).
- 06
What is the function of the endoplasmic reticulum?
The endoplasmic reticulum is involved in the synthesis of proteins and lipids, with rough ER studded with ribosomes for protein synthesis and smooth ER for lipid synthesis (College Board AP CED).
- 07
What is the role of the Golgi apparatus in the cell?
The Golgi apparatus modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids for secretion or delivery to other organelles (College Board AP CED).
- 08
What is the function of lysosomes?
Lysosomes contain digestive enzymes that break down waste materials and cellular debris (College Board AP CED).
- 09
What is the primary function of chloroplasts?
Chloroplasts are responsible for photosynthesis, converting light energy into chemical energy stored in glucose (College Board AP CED).
- 10
What is the significance of the cytoskeleton?
The cytoskeleton provides structural support, aids in cell movement, and facilitates intracellular transport (College Board AP CED).
- 11
How often must cells undergo mitosis?
Cells do not have a fixed schedule for mitosis; it occurs as needed for growth, repair, and reproduction (College Board AP CED).
- 12
What is the function of the nucleolus?
The nucleolus is responsible for producing ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and assembling ribosomes (College Board AP CED).
- 13
Which organelle is involved in detoxifying harmful substances?
The smooth endoplasmic reticulum is involved in detoxifying drugs and poisons in liver cells (College Board AP CED).
- 14
What is the role of the cell wall in plant cells?
The cell wall provides structural support and protection, maintaining the shape of plant cells (College Board AP CED).
- 15
What is the function of vacuoles in plant cells?
Vacuoles store nutrients, waste products, and help maintain turgor pressure in plant cells (College Board AP CED).
- 16
How do enzymes function in cellular processes?
Enzymes act as catalysts to speed up biochemical reactions without being consumed in the process (College Board AP CED).
- 17
What is the role of the plasma membrane in cell communication?
The plasma membrane facilitates cell communication through receptor proteins that bind to signaling molecules (College Board AP CED).
- 18
What is the difference between rough and smooth endoplasmic reticulum?
Rough ER is studded with ribosomes and synthesizes proteins, while smooth ER is involved in lipid synthesis and detoxification (College Board AP CED).
- 19
What is the function of peroxisomes?
Peroxisomes contain enzymes that break down fatty acids and detoxify harmful byproducts of metabolism (College Board AP CED).
- 20
What is the primary function of the cytoplasm?
The cytoplasm is the gel-like substance that fills the cell, providing a medium for biochemical reactions and housing organelles (College Board AP CED).
- 21
When a cell is placed in a hypertonic solution, what happens?
The cell will lose water and shrink due to osmosis, as water moves out of the cell to the area of higher solute concentration (College Board AP CED).
- 22
What is the function of the plasma membrane's phospholipid bilayer?
The phospholipid bilayer forms a barrier that separates the interior of the cell from the external environment, allowing for selective permeability (College Board AP CED).
- 23
What is the role of the centrosome in cell division?
The centrosome organizes microtubules and is crucial for the formation of the mitotic spindle during cell division (College Board AP CED).
- 24
What is the significance of the fluid mosaic model?
The fluid mosaic model describes the structure of the plasma membrane as a flexible layer of lipids with embedded proteins, allowing for dynamic interactions (College Board AP CED).
- 25
What is the function of transport proteins in the plasma membrane?
Transport proteins facilitate the movement of ions and molecules across the plasma membrane, either passively or actively (College Board AP CED).
- 26
What is the role of the extracellular matrix?
The extracellular matrix provides structural and biochemical support to surrounding cells, influencing their behavior and function (College Board AP CED).
- 27
What occurs during the process of exocytosis?
Exocytosis is the process by which cells expel materials in vesicles that fuse with the plasma membrane (College Board AP CED).
- 28
What is the primary role of the nuclear envelope?
The nuclear envelope protects the nucleus and regulates the exchange of materials between the nucleus and cytoplasm (College Board AP CED).
- 29
What is the function of cell junctions?
Cell junctions facilitate communication and adhesion between neighboring cells, playing a critical role in tissue structure and function (College Board AP CED).
- 30
How do plant and animal cells differ in structure?
Plant cells have a cell wall, chloroplasts, and large central vacuoles, while animal cells do not (College Board AP CED).
- 31
What is the role of glycoproteins in the plasma membrane?
Glycoproteins serve as recognition sites for cell communication and play a role in immune responses (College Board AP CED).
- 32
What is the function of the nucleoid region in prokaryotic cells?
The nucleoid region contains the cell's genetic material (DNA) and is not enclosed by a membrane (College Board AP CED).
- 33
What is the significance of membrane potential?
Membrane potential is the voltage difference across a membrane, crucial for processes like nerve impulse transmission (College Board AP CED).
- 34
What is the role of chaperone proteins?
Chaperone proteins assist in the proper folding of polypeptides into functional proteins (College Board AP CED).
- 35
What happens to a cell in an isotonic solution?
In an isotonic solution, there is no net movement of water, and the cell remains in equilibrium with its environment (College Board AP CED).
- 36
What is the primary function of the cell's cytosol?
Cytosol is the liquid component of the cytoplasm, providing a medium for metabolic reactions and organelle function (College Board AP CED).
- 37
What is the role of aquaporins in the cell membrane?
Aquaporins are specialized channels that facilitate the rapid transport of water across the plasma membrane (College Board AP CED).
- 38
What is the function of the rough endoplasmic reticulum?
The rough endoplasmic reticulum synthesizes and processes proteins destined for secretion or for use in the cell membrane (College Board AP CED).
- 39
What is the significance of the Golgi apparatus in protein processing?
The Golgi apparatus modifies proteins received from the ER, adding carbohydrates or other groups, and sorts them for transport (College Board AP CED).
- 40
What is the role of the cell membrane in maintaining homeostasis?
The cell membrane regulates the internal environment by controlling the entry and exit of substances, thus maintaining homeostasis (College Board AP CED).