unit 2 ap bio study help :D

What is the primary function of the nucleus in a cell?

Stores genetic information (DNA), synthesizes RNA, and assembles ribosome subunits.

What is the structure and function of the Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (RER)?

Membrane studded with ribosomes; synthesizes membrane-bound and secreted proteins.

What are the main functions of the Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum (SER)?

Detoxification, calcium storage, and lipid synthesis.

Describe the structure and function of the Golgi Complex.

Composed of flattened sacs (cisternae); modifies, packages, and sorts proteins for transport.

What is the role of ribosomes in a cell?

Composed of rRNA and protein; responsible for protein synthesis.

What are the key functions of mitochondria?

Site of oxidative phosphorylation and Krebs Cycle; generates ATP.

Describe the structure and function of chloroplasts.

Double outer membrane with thylakoids; site of photosynthesis, including light reactions and Calvin-Benson Cycle.

What is the function of lysosomes?

Intracellular digestion, recycling of organic materials, and programmed cell death (apoptosis).

What is the function of vacuoles in cells?

Storage and release of macromolecules and waste products; central vacuole maintains turgor pressure.

How does surface area-to-volume ratio affect cell efficiency?

Smaller cells have a higher ratio, allowing more efficient exchange of materials with the environment.

What is simple diffusion?

Passive transport of small, nonpolar molecules down their concentration gradient without a transport protein.

What distinguishes facilitated diffusion from simple diffusion?

Facilitated diffusion requires transport proteins and is for larger or polar molecules.

What is active transport?

Movement of substances against their concentration gradient, requiring energy (ATP) and transport proteins.

What are the three types of endocytosis?

Phagocytosis (cellular eating), pinocytosis (cellular drinking), and receptor-mediated endocytosis.

What is exocytosis?

The process of exporting materials from the cell, typically involving the Golgi complex and plasma membrane.

Define hypertonic, isotonic, and hypotonic solutions.

Hypertonic: high solute concentration; isotonic: equal solute concentration; hypotonic: low solute concentration.

What happens to cells in a hypertonic solution?

Cells lose water and may shrink.

What happens to cells in a hypotonic solution?

Cells gain water and may swell or burst.

What is osmosis?

The diffusion of water across a selectively permeable membrane.

What is the role of the CFTR protein?

A gated ion channel that allows chloride ions (Cl-) to diffuse across the membrane, requiring ATP.

What is the significance of the K+/H+ transport protein in vacuole swelling?

It helps to regulate pH and osmotic balance, leading to water influx and vacuole expansion.

What is the function of the plasma membrane?

Composed of phospholipids and proteins; regulates the movement of substances in and out of the cell.

What is the difference between channel and carrier proteins?

Channel proteins facilitate passive transport of specific molecules, while carrier proteins can transport substances actively or passively.

What is phagocytosis?

A type of endocytosis where the cell engulfs large particles or cells.

What is pinocytosis?

A type of endocytosis where the cell takes in liquid from the surrounding environment.