Cell Compartmentalization – AP Biology Flashcard

The division of cellular functions into distinct compartments, allowing for specialized environments.

Increases efficiency of cellular processes and minimizes interference between reactions.

Includes organelles like the nucleus, mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and Golgi apparatus.

Acts as a barrier that separates the internal environment of the cell from the external environment.

Houses genetic material (DNA) and controls cellular activities through gene expression.

Create distinct microenvironments conducive to specific biochemical processes.

A network of membranes involved in protein and lipid synthesis and transport.

Modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids for secretion or delivery to organelles.

Contain digestive enzymes to break down waste materials and cellular debris.

Involved in lipid metabolism and detoxification of harmful substances, such as hydrogen peroxide.

Refers to the evolutionary processes that led to the formation of distinct cellular compartments.

Suggests that early prokaryotic cells evolved internal membranes to improve efficiency.

Explains the origin of eukaryotic cells as a result of symbiotic relationships between early eukaryotes and prokaryotes.

Proposes that mitochondria and chloroplasts originated from free-living bacteria that were engulfed by ancestral eukaryotic cells.

Mitochondria and chloroplasts, which contain their own DNA and replicate independently.

Includes similarities in size, structure, and genetic material between bacteria and organelles.

Both have double membranes, circular DNA, and ribosomes resembling those of prokaryotes.

Capture light energy and convert it into chemical energy in the form of glucose.

Produce ATP through aerobic respiration, serving as the cell's energy currency.

Indicates that eukaryotes evolved through a series of symbiotic events involving prokaryotic cells.

Symbiotic relationships can drive evolutionary change by enhancing survival and adaptation.

Mitochondrial DNA is similar to that of α-proteobacteria, supporting their common ancestry.

Chloroplast DNA closely resembles that of cyanobacteria, indicating a shared evolutionary history.

Circular DNA found in mitochondria, inherited maternally, and used for evolutionary studies.

Involved in synthesizing proteins essential for mitochondrial function.

Produce oxygen as a byproduct of photosynthesis and are fundamental to the food chain.

Suggest that horizontal gene transfer occurred between engulfed bacteria and host cells.

Involves the transition from simple prokaryotic cells to complex eukaryotic cells through processes like compartmentalization.

Simple, unicellular organisms lacking a defined nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.

Complex cells with membrane-bound organelles, a defined nucleus, and larger size compared to prokaryotes.

Each organelle has specialized functions that contribute to the overall operation of the cell.

A method used to study the evolutionary relationships between different species or groups.

Analyzes genetic material across species to provide insights into evolutionary history.

The transfer of genetic material between organisms in a manner other than traditional reproduction, supporting the endosymbiotic theory.

Close ecological interactions between different biological species, which can be mutualistic, commensalistic, or parasitic.

Both organisms benefit from the interaction, enhancing their survival and reproduction.

One organism benefits while the other is neither helped nor harmed.

One organism benefits at the expense of the other, often harming the host.

Organisms that produce their own food from inorganic substances using light or chemical energy.

Organisms that obtain their food by consuming other organisms.

Serve as primary producers, forming the base of the food chain.

Contributes to biodiversity and the functioning of ecosystems through mutualistic relationships.

Organisms that convert light energy into chemical energy, primarily plants and certain bacteria.

Composed of an outer membrane, inner membrane, thylakoids, and stroma, facilitating photosynthesis.

Site of the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis, where light energy is converted into chemical energy.

Contains enzymes for the Calvin cycle, where carbon fixation occurs.

Provides the energy required to drive the reactions involved in converting carbon dioxide and water into glucose.

Series of reactions in photosynthesis that convert carbon dioxide into glucose using ATP and NADPH.

Aerobic respiration requires oxygen, while anaerobic respiration occurs without it, producing less energy.

Serves as the primary energy carrier in cells, fueling various biochemical reactions.