AP Biology Chapter 6: A Tour of the Cell

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms and definitions relevant to AP Biology Chapter 6, focusing on cell structure and function.

Cell

The simplest collection of matter that can be alive.

Cell Fractionation

A technique that takes cells apart and separates major organelles.

Prokaryotes

Single-celled organisms that lack a nucleus.

Eukaryotes

Organisms whose cells contain a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.

Lysosome

A sac of hydrolytic enzymes that digests macromolecules.

Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)

An organelle that synthesizes lipids, metabolizes carbohydrates, and detoxifies drugs.

Golgi Apparatus

An organelle that modifies products of the ER, manufactures macromolecules, and sorts materials into transport vesicles.

Cytoskeleton

A network of fibers that organizes cell structures and activities, anchoring organelles.

Microtubules

Hollow tubes that maintain cell shape and are involved in cell motility and chromosome movements.

Microfilaments

Thin filaments that maintain cell shape and are involved in muscle contraction and cell motility.

Intermediate Filaments

Fibrous proteins that maintain cell shape and anchor organelles.

Endosymbiont Theory

The theory that eukaryotic cells originated through the engulfing of prokaryotic cells.

Plasma Membrane

A phospholipid bilayer that surrounds the cell, controlling what enters and exits.

Cell Wall

A protective layer that maintains cell shape and prevents excessive water uptake in plant cells.

Plasmodesmata

Channels between adjacent plant cells that allow for transport and communication.

Tight Junctions

Membranes of neighboring cells pressed together, preventing leakage of fluid.

Desmosomes

Anchoring junctions that fasten cells into strong sheets.

Gap Junctions

Communicating junctions that provide cytoplasmic channels between adjacent cells.

Mitochondrion

An organelle that converts chemical energy into ATP.

Chloroplast

An organelle that conducts photosynthesis, containing chlorophyll.