AP Biology Flashcards: Cell Structure And Function

Study Cell Structure And Function in AP Biology with focused flashcards that help you recognize the idea, recall the key rule, and apply it in practice-style prompts.

AP Biology

Cell Structure And Function

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QUESTION
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What is the main function of intermediate filaments?

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ANSWER

Intermediate filaments provide mechanical support. Rope-like fibers resist tension and compression forces.

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This deck focuses on Cell Structure And Function, giving you a quick way to review the definitions, rules, and examples that matter most for AP Biology.

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Flashcard 1: What is the main function of intermediate filaments?

Answer: Intermediate filaments provide mechanical support. Rope-like fibers resist tension and compression forces.

Flashcard 2: Which organelle is involved in the synthesis of ATP through oxidative phosphorylation?

Answer: Mitochondria are involved in ATP synthesis. Electron transport chain produces ATP from ADP.

Flashcard 3: What is the role of the plasma membrane in maintaining homeostasis?

Answer: The plasma membrane regulates ion and molecule passage. Controls what enters and exits the cell.

Flashcard 4: Which structure provides structural support to plant cells?

Answer: The cell wall provides structural support. Made of cellulose, it prevents overexpansion.

Flashcard 5: Which structure is responsible for organizing microtubules in animal cells?

Answer: The centrosome organizes microtubules. Contains two centrioles that organize spindle fibers.

Flashcard 6: Which organelle is responsible for ATP production in the cell?

Answer: The mitochondrion is responsible for ATP production. Cellular respiration produces ATP through oxidative phosphorylation.

Flashcard 7: Identify the structure that separates the internal contents of the nucleus from the cytoplasm.

Answer: The nuclear envelope separates the nucleus from the cytoplasm. Double membrane with pores controls nuclear transport.

Flashcard 8: Identify the organelle where the Krebs cycle occurs.

Answer: The Krebs cycle occurs in the mitochondria. Citric acid cycle occurs in the mitochondrial matrix.

Flashcard 9: What is the primary component of the cell membrane?

Answer: Phospholipids are the primary component of the cell membrane. Amphipathic molecules form bilayer with hydrophobic core.

Flashcard 10: What is the primary function of the vacuole in plant cells?

Answer: The vacuole stores nutrients and waste products. Large organelle maintains plant cell turgor pressure.

Flashcard 11: Identify the component of the cell membrane that acts as a barrier to most water-soluble substances.

Answer: The phospholipid bilayer acts as a barrier. Hydrophobic tails prevent passage of polar molecules.

Flashcard 12: What is the primary function of the nucleus in a eukaryotic cell?

Answer: The nucleus houses the cell's genetic material (DNA). It controls gene expression and DNA replication.

Flashcard 13: Identify the organelle that contains chlorophyll in plant cells.

Answer: Chloroplasts contain chlorophyll. Green pigment captures light energy for photosynthesis.

Flashcard 14: Identify the fluid-filled organelle responsible for storage in plant cells.

Answer: The central vacuole is responsible for storage. It maintains turgor pressure for plant rigidity.

Flashcard 15: Which cellular structure is responsible for protein modification and sorting?

Answer: The Golgi apparatus modifies and sorts proteins. Processes proteins from ER before final destination.

Flashcard 16: What role do chloroplasts play in plant cells?

Answer: Chloroplasts conduct photosynthesis. They convert light energy into chemical energy (glucose).

Flashcard 17: Identify the structure that facilitates cell movement in some eukaryotic cells.

Answer: Cilia and flagella facilitate cell movement. They beat in coordinated waves for locomotion.

Flashcard 18: What is the primary function of the Golgi apparatus?

Answer: The Golgi apparatus modifies and packages proteins. It receives proteins from ER for further processing.

Flashcard 19: Which cellular structure is responsible for ribosome assembly?

Answer: The nucleolus is responsible for ribosome assembly. Site where rRNA and proteins combine into subunits.

Flashcard 20: Identify the organelle that synthesizes ATP through photosynthesis.

Answer: Chloroplasts synthesize ATP during photosynthesis. Light reactions produce ATP and NADPH.

Flashcard 21: Identify the organelle that contains chlorophyll in plant cells.

Answer: Chloroplasts contain chlorophyll. Green pigment captures light energy for photosynthesis.

Flashcard 22: What is the role of the cytoskeleton in a cell?

Answer: The cytoskeleton maintains cell shape and aids in movement. Network of protein fibers provides structural framework.

Flashcard 23: What function does the plasma membrane serve in cellular communication?

Answer: The plasma membrane contains receptors for signaling. Membrane proteins detect and bind signaling molecules.

Flashcard 24: Which cellular structure is responsible for ribosome assembly?

Answer: The nucleolus is responsible for ribosome assembly. Site where rRNA and proteins combine into subunits.

Flashcard 25: What is the main function of peroxisomes?

Answer: Peroxisomes break down fatty acids and detoxify substances. They also neutralize hydrogen peroxide produced in metabolism.

Flashcard 26: What is the role of the plasma membrane in maintaining homeostasis?

Answer: The plasma membrane regulates ion and molecule passage. Controls what enters and exits the cell.

Flashcard 27: What is the main structural difference between rough and smooth ER?

Answer: Rough ER has ribosomes; smooth ER does not. Ribosomes distinguish protein synthesis destinations.

Flashcard 28: What is the main function of peroxisomes?

Answer: Peroxisomes break down fatty acids and detoxify substances. They also neutralize hydrogen peroxide produced in metabolism.

Flashcard 29: What is the function of the nucleolus in the cell?

Answer: The nucleolus produces ribosomal subunits. It assembles large and small ribosomal subunits.

Flashcard 30: Identify the main function of the rough endoplasmic reticulum.

Answer: The rough ER synthesizes and processes proteins. Studded with ribosomes for protein modification.

Flashcard 31: What is the primary component of the cell membrane?

Answer: Phospholipids are the primary component of the cell membrane. Amphipathic molecules form bilayer with hydrophobic core.

Flashcard 32: Identify the fluid-filled organelle responsible for storage in plant cells.

Answer: The central vacuole is responsible for storage. It maintains turgor pressure for plant rigidity.

Flashcard 33: What is the primary role of the cell wall in plant cells?

Answer: The cell wall provides protection and structural support. Rigid structure maintains plant shape and prevents bursting.

Flashcard 34: Which type of RNA is synthesized in the nucleolus?

Answer: Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) is synthesized in the nucleolus. The nucleolus assembles ribosomal subunits from rRNA.

Flashcard 35: Which structure provides structural support to plant cells?

Answer: The cell wall provides structural support. Made of cellulose, it prevents overexpansion.

Flashcard 36: Identify the structure that facilitates cell movement in some eukaryotic cells.

Answer: Cilia and flagella facilitate cell movement. They beat in coordinated waves for locomotion.

Flashcard 37: What is the primary function of the vacuole in plant cells?

Answer: The vacuole stores nutrients and waste products. Large organelle maintains plant cell turgor pressure.

Flashcard 38: Which component of the cytoskeleton is involved in muscle contraction?

Answer: Actin filaments are involved in muscle contraction. Thin filaments interact with myosin for contraction.

Flashcard 39: Identify the component of the cell membrane that acts as a barrier to most water-soluble substances.

Answer: The phospholipid bilayer acts as a barrier. Hydrophobic tails prevent passage of polar molecules.

Flashcard 40: Which cell organelle is responsible for lipid synthesis?

Answer: The smooth endoplasmic reticulum synthesizes lipids. It lacks ribosomes and makes phospholipids and steroids.

Flashcard 41: What is the function of the cell membrane?

Answer: The cell membrane regulates the entry and exit of substances. Selective permeability maintains cellular homeostasis.

Flashcard 42: What is the function of the cell membrane?

Answer: The cell membrane regulates the entry and exit of substances. Selective permeability maintains cellular homeostasis.

Flashcard 43: Which cell organelle is responsible for lipid synthesis?

Answer: The smooth endoplasmic reticulum synthesizes lipids. It lacks ribosomes and makes phospholipids and steroids.

Flashcard 44: What is the main function of microtubules in the cell?

Answer: Microtubules maintain cell shape and facilitate transport. Hollow tubes provide tracks for organelle movement.

Flashcard 45: What role do chloroplasts play in plant cells?

Answer: Chloroplasts conduct photosynthesis. They convert light energy into chemical energy (glucose).

Flashcard 46: What is the function of the nucleolus in the cell?

Answer: The nucleolus produces ribosomal subunits. It assembles large and small ribosomal subunits.

Flashcard 47: What is the main function of intermediate filaments?

Answer: Intermediate filaments provide mechanical support. Rope-like fibers resist tension and compression forces.

Flashcard 48: Which component of the cell membrane is involved in cell recognition?

Answer: Glycoproteins are involved in cell recognition. Carbohydrate markers identify cell type and function.

Flashcard 49: What is the primary function of ribosomes in a cell?

Answer: Ribosomes synthesize proteins. They translate mRNA into polypeptide chains.

Flashcard 50: Which organelle is known as the 'powerhouse of the cell'?

Answer: Mitochondria are known as the 'powerhouse of the cell'. They generate most cellular ATP through respiration.

Flashcard 51: Identify the structure that separates the internal contents of the nucleus from the cytoplasm.

Answer: The nuclear envelope separates the nucleus from the cytoplasm. Double membrane with pores controls nuclear transport.

Flashcard 52: Which organelle is primarily responsible for cellular respiration?

Answer: Mitochondria are responsible for cellular respiration. Glucose is broken down to produce ATP.

Flashcard 53: Which component of the cell membrane is involved in cell recognition?

Answer: Glycoproteins are involved in cell recognition. Carbohydrate markers identify cell type and function.

Flashcard 54: Which cellular structure is responsible for protein modification and sorting?

Answer: The Golgi apparatus modifies and sorts proteins. Processes proteins from ER before final destination.

Flashcard 55: Identify the organelle responsible for detoxifying harmful substances in the cell.

Answer: The smooth endoplasmic reticulum detoxifies substances. It metabolizes drugs and breaks down toxic compounds.

Flashcard 56: What is the main structural difference between rough and smooth ER?

Answer: Rough ER has ribosomes; smooth ER does not. Ribosomes distinguish protein synthesis destinations.

Flashcard 57: What is the role of the cytoskeleton in a cell?

Answer: The cytoskeleton maintains cell shape and aids in movement. Network of protein fibers provides structural framework.

Flashcard 58: Which structure is responsible for organizing microtubules in animal cells?

Answer: The centrosome organizes microtubules. Contains two centrioles that organize spindle fibers.

Flashcard 59: What is the primary role of the cell wall in plant cells?

Answer: The cell wall provides protection and structural support. Rigid structure maintains plant shape and prevents bursting.

Flashcard 60: What function does the plasma membrane serve in cellular communication?

Answer: The plasma membrane contains receptors for signaling. Membrane proteins detect and bind signaling molecules.

Flashcard 61: Which type of RNA is synthesized in the nucleolus?

Answer: Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) is synthesized in the nucleolus. The nucleolus assembles ribosomal subunits from rRNA.

Flashcard 62: Which organelle is primarily responsible for cellular respiration?

Answer: Mitochondria are responsible for cellular respiration. Glucose is broken down to produce ATP.

Flashcard 63: Which organelle is known as the 'powerhouse of the cell'?

Answer: Mitochondria are known as the 'powerhouse of the cell'. They generate most cellular ATP through respiration.

Flashcard 64: Which organelle is involved in the synthesis of ATP through oxidative phosphorylation?

Answer: Mitochondria are involved in ATP synthesis. Electron transport chain produces ATP from ADP.

Flashcard 65: What is the primary function of the nucleus in a eukaryotic cell?

Answer: The nucleus houses the cell's genetic material (DNA). It controls gene expression and DNA replication.

Flashcard 66: What is the main function of microtubules in the cell?

Answer: Microtubules maintain cell shape and facilitate transport. Hollow tubes provide tracks for organelle movement.

Flashcard 67: Identify the main function of the rough endoplasmic reticulum.

Answer: The rough ER synthesizes and processes proteins. Studded with ribosomes for protein modification.

Flashcard 68: Identify the organelle responsible for detoxifying harmful substances in the cell.

Answer: The smooth endoplasmic reticulum detoxifies substances. It metabolizes drugs and breaks down toxic compounds.

Flashcard 69: Which organelle contains hydrolytic enzymes for digestion?

Answer: Lysosomes contain hydrolytic enzymes. These enzymes digest cellular waste and worn organelles.

Flashcard 70: Identify the organelle that synthesizes ATP through photosynthesis.

Answer: Chloroplasts synthesize ATP during photosynthesis. Light reactions produce ATP and NADPH.

Flashcard 71: What is the primary function of the Golgi apparatus?

Answer: The Golgi apparatus modifies and packages proteins. It receives proteins from ER for further processing.

Flashcard 72: What is the primary function of ribosomes in a cell?

Answer: Ribosomes synthesize proteins. They translate mRNA into polypeptide chains.

Flashcard 73: Which organelle is responsible for ATP production in the cell?

Answer: The mitochondrion is responsible for ATP production. Cellular respiration produces ATP through oxidative phosphorylation.

Flashcard 74: Which component of the cytoskeleton is involved in muscle contraction?

Answer: Actin filaments are involved in muscle contraction. Thin filaments interact with myosin for contraction.

Flashcard 75: Which organelle contains hydrolytic enzymes for digestion?

Answer: Lysosomes contain hydrolytic enzymes. These enzymes digest cellular waste and worn organelles.

Flashcard 76: Identify the organelle where the Krebs cycle occurs.

Answer: The Krebs cycle occurs in the mitochondria. Citric acid cycle occurs in the mitochondrial matrix.