AP Bio Unit 2

Prokaryotic Cell Structure

Consists of circular DNA, cell wall, plasma membrane, cytoplasm, ribosomes, and plasmids.

Cell Wall

A rigid outer layer of a prokaryotic cell that provides structure and protection.

Plasma Membrane

A lipid bilayer that controls the movement of substances into and out of the cell.

Cytoplasm

The gel-like substance within a cell where all cellular processes occur.

Ribosomes

Small structures in cells responsible for protein synthesis; prokaryotic ribosomes are smaller than eukaryotic ones.

Nucleoid

An irregularly shaped region in prokaryotes that contains circular DNA.

Plasmids

Small, circular DNA molecules separate from chromosomal DNA, often providing advantages like antibiotic resistance.

Flagella

Long, whip-like structures used for movement in some prokaryotes.

Pili and Fimbriae

Hair-like structures that help prokaryotic cells adhere to surfaces and exchange genetic material.

Capsule

A thick, sticky outer layer of some prokaryotic cells that provides protection and aids in adhesion.

Eukaryotic Cell Structure

Consists of membrane-bound organelles like nucleus, plasma membrane, mitochondria, Golgi apparatus, and others.

Nucleus

The control center of a eukaryotic cell, containing the cell's DNA organized into chromosomes.

Mitochondria

Known as the powerhouse of the cell, where ATP is generated through cellular respiration.

Endoplasmic Reticulum

An organelle consisting of rough (RER) and smooth (SER) types; involved in protein and lipid synthesis.

Golgi Apparatus

Modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids for transport in the cell.

Lysosomes

Contain enzymes that digest cellular waste, old organelles, and foreign particles in animal cells.

Chloroplasts

Organelles in plant cells where photosynthesis takes place.

Cell Wall in Eukaryotes

Provides support, protection, and shape to plant cells.

Vacuoles

Sacs that store water, nutrients, and waste in plant cells.

Peroxisomes

Organelles that break down fatty acids and detoxify harmful substances.

Centrosomes and Centrioles

Involved in organizing microtubules and are essential for cell division in animal cells.

Domains of Prokaryotes

The two domains are bacteria and archaea.

Evolution of Cells

Prokaryotic cells evolved before eukaryotic cells.

ATP Production in Prokaryotes

Takes place in the cytoplasm and across the plasma membrane.

Importance of Ribosomes

Large numbers are needed in cells that specialize in producing proteins.

Phospholipid

A major component of cell membranes, composed of a hydrophilic head and a hydrophobic tail.

Protein Synthesis Location

Proteins to be exported are synthesized by ribosomes attached to the rough endoplasmic reticulum.

Location of DNA in Animal Cells

DNA is found in the nucleus.

Efficiency of Organelles

Mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum have folded membranes to increase efficiency.

Function of Golgi Apparatus

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

Protein Synthesis Process

Involves RER → Golgi → Plasma Membrane for export.

SA:V Ratio in Cells

Smaller cells have a high surface area to volume ratio, making them more efficient at material exchange.