ap bio

1. Cell wall

• What it is: A rigid layer outside the cell membrane in plants, fungi, and some bacteria.

• Memory trick: Think of it as the “brick wall” that protects and supports plant cells.

2. Central vacuole

• What it is: A large storage sac in plant cells that holds water, nutrients, and waste; keeps the cell firm (turgor pressure).

• Memory trick: Imagine it as a “water balloon” inside the plant cell that keeps it from drooping.

3. Chloroplast

• What it is: The site of photosynthesis in plant and algae cells; converts light energy into sugars.

• Memory trick: “Chloro” = green, “plast” = place — the green place where plants make food.

4. Cilia

• What it is: Short, hair-like structures on the cell surface that move fluid or help the cell move.

• Memory trick: Think of “cilia” as tiny oars rowing to move or sweep things along.

5. Contractile vacuole

• What it is: A vacuole in some freshwater protists that pumps out excess water to prevent bursting.

• Memory trick: “Contract” = squeeze — it squeezes water out like wringing a sponge.

6. Cytoplasm

• What it is: The jelly-like fluid plus organelles inside the cell (everything between the membrane and nucleus).

• Memory trick: Think of it as “cell soup” — organelles floating in broth.

7. Cytoskeleton

• What it is: A network of protein fibers that gives shape, support, and helps movement inside the cell.

• Memory trick: Like the skeleton in your body, it holds the cell’s shape.

8. Cytosol

• What it is: The liquid part of the cytoplasm (no organelles, just the fluid).

• Memory trick: Think “sol” = solution — it’s the solution in which everything else floats.