bio 2.11

These flashcards cover key concepts from the AP Biology lecture on the origins of cell compartmentalization, specifically focusing on prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, endosymbiosis, and evidence supporting these evolutionary processes.

What are the two main types of cells that make up living organisms?

Prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.

What is a distinguishing feature of eukaryotic cells compared to prokaryotic cells?

Eukaryotic cells have a membrane-bound nucleus.

What is the role of the plasma membrane in cells?

It separates the internal environment of the cell from the surrounding environment.

How did the nucleus and other internal membranes in eukaryotic cells evolve?

They are theorized to have formed from the infoldings of the plasma membrane.

What is endosymbiosis?

A process where a free-living prokaryote is engulfed by another cell, ultimately forming organelles like mitochondria and chloroplasts.

What type of prokaryote evolved into mitochondria?

A free-living aerobic prokaryote.

What is a mutual benefit in the endosymbiotic relationship involving mitochondria?

The aerobic bacteria provided oxygen, and the anaerobic cell provided food molecules.

What are two similarities between mitochondria and chloroplasts that support endosymbiosis?

Both have double membranes and circular DNA.

Why is the presence of circular DNA in mitochondria and chloroplasts significant?

It suggests that they share a common ancestry with prokaryotic cells.

What are ribosomes in mitochondria and chloroplasts responsible for?

They make proteins for mitochondria and chloroplasts, similar to prokaryotic ribosomes.