Cell – AP Biology Flashcard

The cell is the basic unit of life.

Prokaryotic cells lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, while eukaryotic cells have both.

The cell membrane, cytoplasm, and nucleus.

The cell membrane regulates what enters and exits the cell and provides protection and support.

Cytoplasm is the jelly-like fluid inside the cell that contains organelles.

The nucleus houses the cell's DNA and regulates gene expression and cell division.

Ribosomes are responsible for protein synthesis.

Mitochondria produce ATP through cellular respiration, providing energy for the cell.

Chloroplasts carry out photosynthesis, converting sunlight into chemical energy in plants.

The endoplasmic reticulum synthesizes proteins (rough ER) and lipids (smooth ER).

The Golgi apparatus modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids for transport.

Lysosomes contain digestive enzymes that break down waste materials and cellular debris.

The cell wall provides structure, support, and protection to plant cells.

Cells communicate through chemical signals, such as hormones and neurotransmitters.

The cytoskeleton provides structural support and helps in cell movement and division.

Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that can develop into various cell types.

Apoptosis is the programmed cell death that helps eliminate damaged or unneeded cells.

Cell differentiation allows unspecialized cells to develop into specialized cell types.

The plasma membrane controls the movement of substances in and out of the cell.

Organelles are specialized structures within a cell that perform specific functions.

Cells obtain energy through processes such as cellular respiration and photosynthesis.

A higher surface area-to-volume ratio allows for more efficient exchange of materials in and out of the cell.

Vacuoles store nutrients, waste products, and help maintain turgor pressure in plant cells.

Cytoplasm provides a medium for chemical reactions and houses organelles.

The ER is an extensive network of membranes involved in protein and lipid synthesis.

Cell signaling is essential for coordinating cellular activities and responding to the environment.

The two main types of cell division are mitosis (for growth and repair) and meiosis (for reproduction).

A selectively permeable membrane allows certain substances to pass while blocking others.

Enzymes act as catalysts to speed up chemical reactions in cells without being consumed.

DNA carries the genetic information necessary for the growth, development, and reproduction of organisms.

Plant cells have a cell wall, chloroplasts, and larger vacuoles, while animal cells do not.

The fluid mosaic model describes the cell membrane structure, highlighting its fluidity and diversity of components.

Homeostasis refers to the maintenance of stable internal conditions in a cell despite external changes.

Plasmids are small, circular DNA molecules found in prokaryotes that can replicate independently.

Cytosol is the liquid portion of the cytoplasm where metabolic reactions occur.

The cell cycle includes interphase (G1, S, G2) and mitotic phase (mitosis and cytokinesis).

Centrioles help organize the microtubules during cell division.