AP Bio Chapter 6

What's inside the cell

Nucleus

Contains genetic material and controls the cell's activities.

Nucleolus

Produces ribosomes inside the nucleus.

Centriol structure

9 sets of 3 microtubulus

Tight Junctions

Stitch cells together tightly like seams, creating an airtight seal that prevents materials from passing between cells.

Anchoring Junctions

Use protein fibers to connect cells; not airtight. Provide strength and flexibility, allowing tissues to stretch (e.g., bladder).

Gap junctions

Form channels between cells that let small materials (like ions) pass through for cell-to-cell communication.

Extracellular Matrix (ECM)

Network outside cells used for communication and cell identification.

ECM Composition

Made of collagen (protein), glycolipids, glycoproteins, and oligosaccharides.

Centrioles

Help chromosomes in cell division

Ribosomes

Structures that synthesize proteins.

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (Rough ER)

Membrane system with ribosomes attached; involved in protein synthesis and transport.

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum (Smooth ER)

Membrane system without ribosomes; synthesizes lipids and detoxifies substances.

Golgi Apparatus (Golgi Body)

Modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids for transport.

Cell Wall

Rigid outer structure that provides support and protection in plant, fungal, and some bacterial cells.

Plasma (Cell) Membrane

Selective barrier that regulates the movement of substances into and out of the cell.

Vacuole

Membrane-bound compartment that stores materials such as water, nutrients, and waste.

Vesicle

Small membrane sac that transports and stores substances within a cell.

Chloroplast

Organelle that converts light energy into chemical energy through photosynthesis.

Lysosome

Organelle containing enzymes that break down macromolecules and cellular debris.

Mitochondrion (Mitochondria)

Organelle that produces energy through the breakdown of nutrients.

Cytoskeleton

Network of protein filaments that provides structural support and aids in movement.

Cytoplasm

Gel-like substance that surrounds organelles inside the cell membrane.

Peroxisomes

Organelles that break down fatty acids and neutralize toxic substances.

Microtubules - Structure

Hollow tubes made of tubulin that form part of the cytoskeleton.

Microtubules - Transport Function

Provide tracks along which vesicles and organelles move through the cytoplasm.

Microtubules - Division Function

Form spindle fibers that separate chromosomes during cell division.

Microtubules - Cell Movement Function

Make up structures like cilia and flagella for cell movement.

Intermediate Filaments - Structure

Tough, rope-like protein fibers that provide mechanical strength to cells.

Intermediate Filaments - Stability Function

Maintain cell shape and anchor organelles in place.

Microfilaments - Structure

Thin protein filaments made of actin; form part of the cytoskeleton.

Microfilaments - Cell Movement Function

Enable cell movement and muscle contraction.

Microfilaments - Division Function

Assist in cytokinesis by forming the contractile ring during cell division.

Microfilaments - Support Function

Maintain and change cell shape, especially near the cell membrane.