AP BIO UNIT 2 VOCAB

Active transport

The process of moving molecules across a cell membrane from an area of lower concentration to an area of higher concentration, using energy in the form of ATP.

Anaphase

the stage of mitosis in which sister chromatids are pulled apart to opposite poles of the cell.

Apoptosis

Cell death

Aquaporin

A protein channel in the cell membrane that facilitates the transport of water molecules in and out of the cell.

Carrier protein

that transports substances across a cell membrane.

Cell cycle

The series of phases that a cell goes through to divide and replicate, including interphase and mitotic phase.

Cell division

The process by which a parent cell divides into two or more daughter cells, including processes such as mitosis and meiosis.

Cell wall

A rigid protective layer that surrounds the cell membrane in plant cells, fungi, and some bacteria, providing structure and support.

Centrioles

Cellular structures involved in organizing microtubules during cell division, typically found in animal cells.

Channel protein

Proteins that facilitate the transport of ions and molecules across cell membranes by forming channels.

Chloroplast

Organelles found in plant cells and some protists that conduct photosynthesis, converting light energy into chemical energy.

Chromosome

Thread-like structures made of DNA and proteins that carry genetic information. They are essential during cell division, ensuring accurate DNA replication and distribution.

Concentration gradient

The difference in the concentration of a substance across a space or membrane, driving the movement of particles from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration.

Cytokinesis

The process during cell division where the cytoplasm of a parent cell is divided into two daughter cells, following mitosis or meiosis.

Cytoplasm

The gel-like substance within a cell that surrounds the organelles. It is the site for many metabolic processes and plays a crucial role in maintaining cell structure.

Cytoskeleton

The network of protein filaments and tubules in the cytoplasm of a cell that provides structural support, shape, and facilitates cell movement and division.

Diffusion

The passive movement of molecules from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration, resulting in an even distribution.

Endocytosis

The process by which cells internalize substances from their environment by engulfing them in a vesicle.

Endoplasmic reticulum

A network of membranes involved in protein and lipid synthesis, consisting of rough and smooth regions.

Golgi complex

A cell organelle that modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids for secretion or delivery to other organelles.

Hypertonic

describes a solution with a higher concentration of solutes compared to another solution, resulting in cell water loss.

Hypotonic

describes a solution with a lower concentration of solutes compared to another solution, causing cells to gain water.

Interphase

The stage of the cell cycle where a cell spends most of its life, during which it grows, duplicates its DNA, and prepares for mitosis. G_{1 =} growth, S = Synthesis of DNA G_{2 =} Prep for mitosis.

Isotonic

Describes a solution with equal concentrations of solutes compared to another solution, resulting in no net water movement in or out of cells.

Ligand

A molecule that binds to a receptor to trigger a biological response.

Lysosome

An organelle containing digestive enzymes that break down waste materials and cellular debris.

Membrane

that surrounds and protects the cell, controlling the movement of substances in and out.

Metaphase

A stage of cell division where chromosomes align at the cell's equatorial plane before being separated into daughter cells.

Mitochondrion

An organelle known as the powerhouse of the cell, responsible for producing ATP through aerobic respiration.

Mitosis

A process of cell division resulting in two identical daughter cells, involving several stages including prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase.

Nuclear division

that occurs during mitosis, resulting in the equal distribution of genetic material to daughter cells.

Nuclear envelope

The double membrane that surrounds the nucleus in eukaryotic cells, protecting the genetic material and regulating the passage of substances between the nucleus and cytoplasm.

Phospholipid

A type of lipid that forms the structural basis of cell membranes, consisting of a hydrophilic 'head' and two hydrophobic 'tails'.

Plasma membrane

The outer boundary of a cell, composed of a phospholipid bilayer that controls the movement of substances in and out of the cell.

Plasmolysis

The process in which cells lose water in a hypertonic solution, leading to the contraction of the cell membrane away from the cell wall.

Prokaryotic cell

A type of cell that lacks a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, typically found in bacteria and archaea.

Ribosome

A cellular structure that synthesizes proteins by translating messenger RNA.

Rough ER

A type of endoplasmic reticulum studded with ribosomes, involved in the synthesis and processing of proteins.

Selectively permeable

Describes a membrane that allows certain molecules to pass while restricting others, maintaining homeostasis in the cell.

Smooth ER

A type of endoplasmic reticulum that is not studded with ribosomes, involved in lipid synthesis, detoxification, and calcium ion storage.

Exocytosis

The process by which a cell transports molecules out of the cell by vesicles that fuse with the plasma membrane, releasing their contents to the external environment.

Eukaryotic cell

A type of cell that contains a nucleus and organelles, surrounded by a plasma membrane, distinct from prokaryotic cells.

Facilitated diffusion

A passive transport process that allows molecules to cross the plasma membrane with the assistance of special proteins, moving from areas of higher concentration to lower concentration without energy input.

Flagella

Long, whip-like structures that enable movement in some cells, such as sperm and certain bacteria.

Fluid mosaic model

A theoretical model describing the structure of cell membranes, where lipids and proteins are arranged in a dynamic and fluid manner, allowing for flexibility and function.

Nucleus

The membrane-bound organelle in eukaryotic cells that contains the cell's genetic material (DNA) and controls cellular activities including growth and reproduction.

Organelles

Specialized structures within cells that perform distinct functions, such as energy production, protein synthesis, and waste processing.

Osmosis

The process by which water molecules move across a selectively permeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration.

Passive transport

the movement of water molecules across a semipermeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration.

Phagocytosis

A form of endocytosis where a cell engulfs large particles or other cells by extending its membrane around them, forming a vacuole.

Prophase

The first stage of mitosis or meiosis, during which the chromosomes become visible, the nuclear envelope breaks down, and spindle fibers form.

Surface area:volume ratio

A measure that compares the surface area of an object to its volume, affecting the efficiency of material exchange in cells.

Synthesis

The process of combining small molecules to form larger, complex molecules, often requiring energy.

Telophase

The final stage of mitosis or meiosis, during which the chromosomes decondense, the nuclear envelope reforms, and the cell prepares to divide.

Transmembrane protein

A type of protein that spans the entire membrane of a cell, facilitating the transport of molecules across the lipid bilayer.

Vacuole

A membrane-bound organelle in plant and fungal cells that stores nutrients, waste products, and helps maintain turgor pressure.