Cell Compartmentalization – AP Biology Flashcard
What is cell compartmentalization?
The organization of a cell into distinct compartments or organelles to perform specific functions.
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What is cell compartmentalization?
The organization of a cell into distinct compartments or organelles to perform specific functions.
Why is compartmentalization important in cells?
It allows incompatible biochemical processes to occur simultaneously without interference.
What are organelles?
Specialized structures within a cell that perform distinct functions.
Name the major organelles involved in compartmentalization.
Nucleus, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, lysosomes, mitochondria, chloroplasts, peroxisomes, vacuoles.
What is the nucleus?
The membrane-bound organelle that stores genetic material and is the site of transcription.
What is the function of the endoplasmic reticulum?
Synthesis of proteins (rough ER) and lipids (smooth ER), detoxification, and calcium storage.
What is the Golgi apparatus?
An organelle that modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids for secretion or delivery.
What do lysosomes do?
They break down macromolecules, old organelles, and foreign substances using hydrolytic enzymes.
What is the role of mitochondria?
The site of aerobic respiration and ATP production, serving as the cell's energy powerhouse.
What unique feature do mitochondria have?
Mitochondria contain their own DNA and ribosomes, indicating an endosymbiotic origin.
What is the function of chloroplasts?
They are responsible for photosynthesis in plant cells, converting light energy into chemical energy.
What is the significance of peroxisomes?
They detoxify harmful substances and break down fatty acids, protecting the cell from damage.
What do vacuoles store?
They store nutrients, waste products, and help maintain turgor pressure in plant cells.
How do organelles maintain optimal conditions?
Compartmentalization allows each organelle to maintain conditions (like pH) suited for its specific functions.
How does compartmentalization affect metabolic efficiency?
It isolates metabolic pathways, preventing harmful interactions between incompatible reactions.
What is a phagocytic vacuole?
A membrane-bound sac that forms around harmful substances, separating them from the cytoplasm.
What is the relationship between the rough ER and ribosomes?
Rough ER has ribosomes attached to its surface, facilitating protein synthesis for secretion.
How do eukaryotes regulate gene expression?
Eukaryotes can separate transcription and translation, allowing for more complex regulation.
Why can prokaryotic cells respond faster to stimuli?
Prokaryotes can simultaneously carry out transcription and translation due to lack of compartmentalization.
How do lysosomes prevent damage to the cell?
Their membrane encloses hydrolytic enzymes, preventing them from damaging other cellular components.
What happens to proteins synthesized in the rough ER?
They are transported to the Golgi apparatus for modification and sorting.
What role do internal membranes play in mitochondria?
They provide a large surface area for ATP production and other metabolic processes.
What is the primary role of the smooth ER?
The smooth ER is involved in lipid synthesis, detoxification, and storage of calcium ions.
How do compartmentalized organelles evolve?
The endosymbiotic theory suggests that some organelles originated from free-living prokaryotic cells.
What is the significance of the nucleolus?
The nucleolus is the site of rRNA synthesis and ribosome assembly within the nucleus.