AP BIOLOGY | Unit 2: Cells

nuclues

• contains DNA

• controls cell

nucleolis

• synthesizing ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and assembling ribosomal subunits needed for protein synthesis

rough endoplasmic reticulum

• ribosomes attached

• produces proteins that will leave the cell

• primarily responsible for protein synthesis, folding, and transport, especially for proteins destined for export or the cell membrane.

smooth endoplasmic reticulum

• no ribosomes attached

• variety of functions

• lipid synthesis, steroid production, detoxification, and calcium storage. 

  
  

golgi apparatus

• processes and packages proteins

• close to membrane

lysosome

• digestive enzymes to break down materials

mitochondria

• produce ATP by cellular respiration

ribosomes

• produces proteins

• free floating

chloroplasts

• produces glucose through photosynthesis

vacuoles

• fluid storage

• plants have bigger ones than animal cells

• food vacuole: digests ingested particles, containing enzymes to break down food for nutrients

• contractile vacuole: expels excess water from the cell to maintain osmotic balance and prevent rupture

• central vacuole: stores water, nutrients, and waste in plant cells, maintains turgor pressure for structural support, and can act in digestion

vesicles

• transport materials inside cell

microtubules

• moving chromosomes during cell division

centrioles

• anchor points for microtubules during cell division

cytoskeleton

• gives structure and support to cell

• made of protein fibers

peroxisomes

• carry out oxidation reactions, breaking down fatty acids and detoxifying harmful substances like hydrogen peroxide

cillia

• hair-like structure for movement

• small, many

flagella

• whip-like structure for movement

• usually larger, one present

plasma membrane

• outer layer/border of cell

cytoplasm

• inside jelly-like filling

extra cellular matrix (ECM)

• acts like an internal scaffolding for cells, providing support, structure, and a place for them to attach to

What do all cells include?

• a plasma membrane

• cytoplasm (a gel-like substance)

• ribosomes (to build proteins),

• genetic material (DNA)

Nucleic acids

Nucleic acids (like DNA and RNA) are polymers made of nucleotides, which consist of a sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base.

Amino acids

Amino acids, the building blocks of proteins, are composed of a central carbon atom bonded to an amino group, a carboxyl group, a hydrogen atom, and a side chain that varies for each amino acid. 

Nitrogenous bases / Nucleotide

Adenine (A), guanine (G), cytosine (C), thymine (T), and uracil (U) are nucleotides, A, G, C, T, and U are the nitrogenous bases that are components of nucleotides. Many nucleotides link together to form a long chain called a nucleic acid, such as DNA or RNA.

• Purine: A and G

• Pyrimidines: C T U

DNA contains A, G, C, and T, while RNA contains A, G, C, and U. RNA.