AP Biology: Cell Structure, Organelles, and Function Review

What is the central idea regarding cell structure and function in AP Biology?

A cell's structure is related to its function.

What are the two major types of cells?

Prokaryotic cells and Eukaryotic cells.

Do prokaryotic cells have a nucleus?

No, prokaryotic cells do not have a nucleus.

Where is DNA located in prokaryotic cells?

In the nucleoid region.

What is a key feature of eukaryotic cells?

Eukaryotic cells have membrane-bound organelles.

What do all cells have regardless of type?

Plasma membrane, cytosol, DNA, and ribosomes.

What is compartmentalization in eukaryotic cells?

The presence of internal membranes that divide the cell into compartments.

Why is compartmentalization important?

It allows different chemical reactions to occur simultaneously and increases the efficiency of cellular processes.

What happens to the surface-area-to-volume ratio as a cell becomes larger?

The volume increases faster than surface area, resulting in a decreased surface-area-to-volume ratio.

What structures can increase a cell's surface area?

Folds, microvilli, internal membranes, cristae of mitochondria, and thylakoid membranes of chloroplasts.

What are lysosomes and their function?

Lysosomes contain digestive enzymes that break down macromolecules and recycle cellular components.

What is the primary function of the nucleolus?

To produce ribosomal RNA and assemble ribosomal subunits.

What do ribosomes do?

Ribosomes perform protein synthesis.

What is the difference between free and bound ribosomes?

Free ribosomes are found in the cytosol and produce proteins for use inside the cell, while bound ribosomes are attached to the rough ER and produce proteins for secretion or membrane incorporation.

What is the endomembrane system responsible for?

Regulating protein traffic, lipid synthesis, modification of molecules, transportation of molecules, and cellular digestion.

What are the two types of endoplasmic reticulum?

Rough ER and Smooth ER.

What distinguishes rough endoplasmic reticulum?

It has ribosomes attached to its surface.

What is the main function of rough ER?

To produce and modify proteins.

What is the function of smooth endoplasmic reticulum?

Its functions vary by cell type, but it does not have ribosomes attached.

What is the role of the plasma membrane?

To control what enters and leaves the cell.

What is the function of the cell wall in plant cells?

To provide structural support, protection, and maintain cell shape.

What is the function of chloroplasts?

To conduct photosynthesis by converting light energy into chemical energy.

What is the central vacuole's function in plant cells?

Water storage, ion storage, pigment storage, waste storage, and maintaining turgor pressure.

What are plasmodesmata?

Channels connecting neighboring plant cells that allow substances and signals to move between them.

What is chromatin?

A loose DNA-protein complex that condenses to form chromosomes during cell division.

What is the nuclear envelope?

A double membrane that surrounds the nucleus and separates DNA from the cytoplasm.

What are nuclear pores?

Regulatory structures that control movement between the nucleus and cytoplasm.

What are the major functions of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum (smooth ER)?

Lipid synthesis, detoxification, carbohydrate metabolism, and calcium storage.

What types of lipids does the smooth ER produce?

Phospholipids, steroids, and other lipids.

In which type of cells is the smooth ER especially important for detoxification?

Liver cells.

What does the smooth ER detoxify?

Drugs, alcohol, and poisons.

What is the specialized smooth ER in muscle cells called?

Sarcoplasmic reticulum.

What role does the sarcoplasmic reticulum play in muscle cells?

It releases calcium to trigger muscle contraction.

What is the relationship between cell structure and function?

Cell structure often indicates its likely function, such as rough ER for protein production.

What is the secretory pathway in cells?

DNA → mRNA → Ribosome on Rough ER → Rough ER → Transport vesicle → Golgi apparatus → Secretory vesicle → Plasma membrane → Protein released by exocytosis.

What is the difference between free ribosomes and bound ribosomes?

Free ribosomes produce proteins for the cytoplasm, while bound ribosomes on the rough ER produce proteins for secretion.

Define a prokaryotic cell.

A cell lacking a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.

Define a eukaryotic cell.

A cell containing a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.

What is cytosol?

The fluid portion of the cytoplasm.

What is the function of the nuclear envelope?

It is a double membrane surrounding the nucleus.

What is the function of ribosomes?

They are responsible for protein synthesis.

What is the endomembrane system?

A group of interacting membranes and organelles involved in synthesis, modification, and transport.

What is the primary function of the rough endoplasmic reticulum (rough ER)?

Protein synthesis and modification.

What is the primary function of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum?

Lipid synthesis and detoxification.

Why can't cells grow indefinitely?

Volume increases faster than surface area, decreasing the surface-area-to-volume ratio and making exchange less efficient.

What is the advantage of compartmentalization in eukaryotic cells?

It allows incompatible chemical reactions to occur in different cellular regions.

Why do protein-secreting cells contain abundant rough ER?

Because rough ER contains ribosomes that synthesize proteins destined for secretion.

Why do liver cells have extensive smooth ER?

Because smooth ER helps detoxify drugs and poisons.

What is the function of a large central vacuole in plant cells?

It stores water and helps maintain turgor pressure.

What is the role of microvilli in intestinal cells?

They increase membrane surface area for absorption.

What happens to the surface-area-to-volume ratio as a cell increases in size?

The surface-area-to-volume ratio decreases.

What structure is responsible for assembling proteins?

Ribosome.

Which structure is found in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

Ribosome.

What is the nucleolus responsible for?

Ribosomal RNA production and ribosome subunit assembly.