Loading…
35 cards
What is the function of **centrioles**?
Centrioles help organize the assembly of microtubules during **cell division** and are involved in the formation of cilia and flagella.
What is the role of **cell walls** in plant cells?
Cell walls provide **structural support and protection** to plant cells and help maintain their shape.
What is a **tight junction**?
Tight junctions are connections between animal cells that create a **watertight seal**, preventing the leakage of extracellular fluid.
Describe the **sodium-potassium pump**.
The sodium-potassium pump is a type of active transport that moves **3 sodium ions out** of the cell and **2 potassium ions in**, using ATP.
What are **gap junctions**?
Gap junctions are channels that allow for the direct communication between animal cells by permitting the passage of ions and small molecules.
What is a **desmosome**?
Desmosomes are structures that attach adjacent animal cells together, providing mechanical strength through **intermediate filaments**.
Explain the concept of **selective permeability**.
Selective permeability refers to the cell membrane's ability to allow certain molecules to pass through while blocking others, maintaining **homeostasis**.
What is the role of **cholesterol** in the cell membrane?
Cholesterol helps maintain membrane **fluidity and stability** by preventing the fatty acid chains of the phospholipids from sticking together.
What is the **cell membrane** composed of?
The cell membrane is composed of a **phospholipid bilayer** with embedded proteins, cholesterol, and carbohydrates.
Define **osmosis**.
**Osmosis** is the movement of water molecules across a semipermeable membrane from a region of lower solute concentration to a region of higher solute concentration.
What is the primary function of **mitochondria**?
Mitochondria are the powerhouses of the cell, responsible for producing **ATP** through cellular respiration.
Describe the function of **ribosomes**.
Ribosomes are responsible for **protein synthesis**, translating messenger RNA (mRNA) into polypeptide chains.
What is the role of the **nucleus** in a eukaryotic cell?
The nucleus houses the cell's **genetic material** (DNA) and coordinates activities like growth, metabolism, and reproduction.
What structures are involved in **protein transport** within a cell?
Proteins are transported by the **endoplasmic reticulum** and **Golgi apparatus**, often using vesicles.
What is the function of **lysosomes**?
Lysosomes contain **digestive enzymes** that break down waste materials and cellular debris.
Define **active transport**.
**Active transport** is the movement of molecules across a cell membrane from a region of lower concentration to higher concentration using energy, often in the form of ATP.
What is the role of **chloroplasts**?
Chloroplasts are responsible for **photosynthesis**, converting light energy into chemical energy stored in glucose.
Describe the structure of the **endoplasmic reticulum**.
The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a network of membranous tubules and sacs. It comes in two forms: **rough ER** (with ribosomes) and **smooth ER** (without ribosomes).
What is the **fluid mosaic model**?
The fluid mosaic model describes the cell membrane as a **dynamic and flexible structure** with proteins drifting in or on the fluid lipid bilayer.
What is the function of **peroxisomes**?
Peroxisomes contain enzymes that detoxify harmful substances and perform **beta-oxidation** of fatty acids.
What is **diffusion**?
Diffusion is the passive movement of molecules from an area of **higher concentration** to an area of **lower concentration** until equilibrium is reached.
What organelle is responsible for **cellular respiration**?
The **mitochondria** are responsible for cellular respiration, where they convert glucose and oxygen into ATP, carbon dioxide, and water.
Explain the function of the **cytoskeleton**.
The cytoskeleton provides **structural support** for the cell, plays a role in cell division, and facilitates cell movement and intracellular transport.
What is the **Golgi apparatus**?
The Golgi apparatus modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids for **secretion or delivery** to other organelles.
What are **integral proteins**?
Integral proteins are embedded in the **phospholipid bilayer** and can span across the membrane, playing roles in transport and cell signaling.
Define **facilitated diffusion**.
Facilitated diffusion is the passive transport of molecules across a membrane through **transport proteins** without the use of energy.
What is the role of **vacuoles** in plant cells?
Vacuoles store nutrients, waste products, and maintain **turgor pressure** to provide structural support to plant cells.
What is **endocytosis**?
Endocytosis is the process by which cells take in materials by **engulfing them in a membrane**, forming a vesicle.
What is the primary function of the **smooth ER**?
The smooth ER is involved in the synthesis of **lipids**, metabolism of carbohydrates, and detoxification of drugs and poisons.
What is the **extracellular matrix**?
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a network of proteins and carbohydrates outside the cell that provides **structural support** and facilitates cell signaling.
Define **exocytosis**.
Exocytosis is the process by which cells expel materials by **fusing a vesicle with the plasma membrane**, releasing its contents outside the cell.
What is the role of **plasmodesmata** in plant cells?
Plasmodesmata are channels between plant cell walls that allow for the **transport of substances** and communication between cells.
What is the **nucleolus**?
The nucleolus is a region within the nucleus responsible for **ribosomal RNA (rRNA) synthesis** and ribosome assembly.
Describe the process of **cell signaling**.
Cell signaling involves the reception of a signal molecule, transduction of the signal through a series of molecular changes, and a specific **cellular response**.
What are **microtubules**?
Microtubules are part of the cytoskeleton, composed of tubulin proteins, and play a role in maintaining cell shape, intracellular transport, and **cell division**.
Free forever. No credit card needed.
Ready to study AP Biology — Cell Structure & Function?
Free forever. No credit card needed.