AP Biology Flashcards: Origins Of Cell Compartmentalization

What this deck covers

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

How to use these flashcards

Work through these flashcards in short sessions. Try to answer each prompt before flipping the card, then revisit any cards you miss until the explanation feels automatic.

Flashcard 1: Identify the role of microtubules in cells.

Answer: They provide structural support and facilitate transport. Hollow tubes that organize cellular transport.

Flashcard 2: Describe one feature of mitochondrial DNA.

Answer: Circular DNA similar to bacteria. Lacks histones and resembles prokaryotic genomes.

Flashcard 3: What is the main ecological benefit of acquiring chloroplasts by endosymbiosis?

Answer: Ability to perform photosynthesis and produce organic carbon. Photosynthesis provides energy independence and primary production.

Flashcard 4: What is endosymbiosis?

Answer: A symbiotic relationship where one organism lives inside another. The host benefits while the endosymbiont gains protection.

Flashcard 5: What is a characteristic of ribosomes in eukaryotic cells?

Answer: They can be free or bound to the ER. Location determines protein destination.

Flashcard 6: Which compartment is involved in digestion of macromolecules?

Answer: Lysosomes. Contain digestive enzymes in acidic environment.

Flashcard 7: What is the endomembrane system hypothesized to have originated from?

Answer: Plasma membrane invaginations and vesicle formation. Internal membrane system evolved from cell membrane extensions.

Flashcard 8: What is a centrosome?

Answer: A structure that organizes microtubules in cells. Microtubule organizing center near nucleus.

Flashcard 9: Which option identifies an organelle NOT derived from the endomembrane system?

Answer: Mitochondrion. Originated through endosymbiosis, not membrane infolding.

Flashcard 10: What evidence supports the endosymbiotic theory?

Answer: Mitochondria have their own DNA. Independent genetic material suggests bacterial origin.

Flashcard 11: What key structural feature of mitochondria supports endosymbiotic theory?

Answer: A double membrane. Outer membrane from host cell, inner from engulfed bacterium.

Flashcard 12: Which organelles are part of the endomembrane system?

Answer: Nuclear envelope, ER, Golgi, lysosomes, vesicles, plasma membrane. Connected membrane system excluding mitochondria and chloroplasts.

Flashcard 13: Name an organelle thought to have originated via endosymbiosis.

Answer: Mitochondria. Originally a free-living bacterium that was engulfed.

Flashcard 14: What is the main energetic benefit of acquiring mitochondria by endosymbiosis?

Answer: Greatly increased ATP production via aerobic respiration. Aerobic respiration produces much more ATP than fermentation.

Flashcard 15: Which option best explains why mitochondria have a double membrane?

Answer: Engulfment produced an inner bacterial membrane plus an outer host-derived membrane. Engulfment preserves both bacterial and host membranes.

Flashcard 16: What function do intermediate filaments serve?

Answer: Provide mechanical support to cells. Rope-like structures resist tension forces.

Flashcard 17: What is the purpose of the nuclear pore complex?

Answer: Regulates transport between the nucleus and cytoplasm. Selective gateway for nuclear-cytoplasmic exchange.

Flashcard 18: What type of DNA do mitochondria and chloroplasts contain that supports endosymbiosis?

Answer: Circular DNA similar to bacterial chromosomes. Resembles prokaryotic genomes rather than eukaryotic nuclear DNA.

Flashcard 19: Which option identifies an organelle NOT derived from the endomembrane system?

Answer: Mitochondrion. Originated through endosymbiosis, not membrane infolding.

Flashcard 20: What is the serial endosymbiosis model of eukaryotic evolution?

Answer: Multiple endosymbiotic events produced mitochondria first, then plastids in some lineages. Mitochondria first, then chloroplasts in photosynthetic lineages.

Flashcard 21: Identify a function of the cell wall.

Answer: Provides structural support and protection. Rigid structure maintains plant cell shape.

Flashcard 22: What evidence supports the endosymbiotic theory?

Answer: Mitochondria have their own DNA. Independent genetic material suggests bacterial origin.

Flashcard 23: What observation about organelle gene expression supports endosymbiotic theory?

Answer: Some proteins are encoded by organelle genomes and transcribed/translated inside. Maintains some independence like free-living bacteria.

Flashcard 24: Identify the evidence: an organelle divides by binary fission; what origin does this support?

Answer: Endosymbiotic origin. Binary fission is how prokaryotes reproduce.

Flashcard 25: What are ribosomes responsible for?

Answer: Protein synthesis. Translate mRNA into polypeptide chains.

Flashcard 26: What is the primary function of the cytoskeleton?

Answer: Maintaining cell shape and facilitating movement. Protein framework determines cell structure.

Flashcard 27: Which structure is involved in the endomembrane system?

Answer: Endoplasmic reticulum. Network of interconnected membranes for transport.

Flashcard 28: What is the selective advantage of internal membranes for early cells?

Answer: Increased surface area for metabolic reactions and transport. More membrane area allows greater biochemical activity.

Flashcard 29: Describe the fluid mosaic model.

Answer: A model of the cell membrane with proteins floating in a lipid bilayer. Describes membrane structure and protein mobility.

Flashcard 30: Which cellular structure is primarily responsible for compartmentalization?

Answer: Membranes. Create physical barriers that separate cellular compartments.

Flashcard 31: Which cellular structure is responsible for detoxification?

Answer: Smooth endoplasmic reticulum. Lacks ribosomes and processes lipids and toxins.

Flashcard 32: Choose the word that completes the claim: mitochondria are most closely related to  .

Answer: b^1-proteobacteria. Phylogenetic analysis shows closest relationship to this group.

Flashcard 33: What is the role of signal transduction in cells?

Answer: Transmission of signals from the cell surface to its interior. Coordinates cellular responses to environmental changes.

Flashcard 34: What is the selective advantage of separating transcription and translation?

Answer: Allows RNA processing and regulation before translation. Nuclear compartment enables complex gene regulation.

Flashcard 35: What is the nucleus thought to have originated from, according to the infolding model?

Answer: Infolding of the plasma membrane around DNA. Nuclear envelope continuous with endoplasmic reticulum.

Flashcard 36: Identify the evidence: an organelle has its own circular genome; what origin does this support?

Answer: Endosymbiotic origin from bacteria. Circular genomes are characteristic of prokaryotes.

Flashcard 37: Which option identifies an organelle NOT derived from the endomembrane system?

Answer: Chloroplast. Originated through endosymbiosis, not membrane infolding.

Flashcard 38: Identify the evidence: an organelle contains $70S$-like ribosomes; what origin does this support?

Answer: Endosymbiotic origin from prokaryotes. $70S$ ribosomes are found in prokaryotes, not eukaryotes.

Flashcard 39: Which option best explains why mitochondria have a double membrane?

Answer: Engulfment produced an inner bacterial membrane plus an outer host-derived membrane. Engulfment preserves both bacterial and host membranes.

Flashcard 40: What is the serial endosymbiosis model of eukaryotic evolution?

Answer: Multiple endosymbiotic events produced mitochondria first, then plastids in some lineages. Mitochondria first, then chloroplasts in photosynthetic lineages.

Flashcard 41: Which compartment is involved in digestion of macromolecules?

Answer: Lysosomes. Contain digestive enzymes in acidic environment.

Flashcard 42: What is a defining feature of eukaryotic cells?

Answer: Presence of membrane-bound organelles. Unlike prokaryotes, organelles are membrane-enclosed.

Flashcard 43: What is the significance of membrane fluidity?

Answer: Allows cell movement and growth. Maintains membrane integrity during cellular processes.

Flashcard 44: What is the role of the nuclear envelope?

Answer: It separates the nucleus from the cytoplasm. Controls molecular traffic between nuclear and cytoplasmic compartments.

Flashcard 45: What is the selective advantage of separating transcription and translation?

Answer: Allows RNA processing and regulation before translation. Nuclear compartment enables complex gene regulation.

Flashcard 46: What mode of division in mitochondria and chloroplasts supports endosymbiotic origin?

Answer: Binary fission. Reproduces like bacteria, not through mitosis.

Flashcard 47: Identify a structural feature of chloroplasts.

Answer: Thylakoid membranes. Flattened sacs that contain chlorophyll.

Flashcard 48: What is the function of the Golgi apparatus?

Answer: Modifying, sorting, and packaging proteins. Acts as the cell's shipping and receiving center.

Flashcard 49: Which organelle is involved in ATP production?

Answer: Mitochondria. Double membrane structure houses cellular respiration.

Flashcard 50: Identify the evidence: an organelle divides by binary fission; what origin does this support?

Answer: Endosymbiotic origin. Binary fission is how prokaryotes reproduce.

Flashcard 51: What is the primary benefit of cell compartmentalization?

Answer: Increased efficiency of cellular processes. Each compartment can optimize conditions for specific reactions.

Flashcard 52: Choose the word that completes the claim: mitochondria are most closely related to  .

Answer: b^1-proteobacteria. Phylogenetic analysis shows closest relationship to this group.

Flashcard 53: Identify the correct statement about the nuclear envelope and its proposed origin.

Answer: It likely formed from plasma membrane infolding around genetic material. Nuclear envelope evolved from endomembrane system infolding.

Flashcard 54: Identify a function of the endoplasmic reticulum.

Answer: Protein and lipid synthesis. Rough ER makes proteins, smooth ER synthesizes lipids.

Flashcard 55: Identify a process that vesicles are involved in.

Answer: Endocytosis. Vesicles transport materials into the cell.

Flashcard 56: Which cellular structure is responsible for detoxification?

Answer: Smooth endoplasmic reticulum. Lacks ribosomes and processes lipids and toxins.

Flashcard 57: What is cell compartmentalization in the context of eukaryotic cell evolution?

Answer: Division of cellular functions into membrane-bound organelles. Separates distinct cellular processes for increased efficiency.

Flashcard 58: What is the selective advantage of internal membranes for early cells?

Answer: Increased surface area for metabolic reactions and transport. More membrane area allows greater biochemical activity.

Flashcard 59: What is cell compartmentalization?

Answer: The separation of cellular processes into distinct areas within the cell. Allows specialized functions to occur in dedicated spaces.

Flashcard 60: Which organelle is involved in ATP production?

Answer: Mitochondria. Double membrane structure houses cellular respiration.

Flashcard 61: What is the significance of thylakoid membranes?

Answer: Site of the light reactions in photosynthesis. Chlorophyll captures light for photosystem reactions.

Flashcard 62: What is gene transfer to the nucleus in the context of endosymbiosis?

Answer: Movement of endosymbiont genes into the host nuclear genome. Explains why organelles have reduced genomes over time.

Flashcard 63: What is the main energetic benefit of acquiring mitochondria by endosymbiosis?

Answer: Greatly increased ATP production via aerobic respiration. Aerobic respiration produces much more ATP than fermentation.

Flashcard 64: What function do intermediate filaments serve?

Answer: Provide mechanical support to cells. Rope-like structures resist tension forces.

Flashcard 65: What is the most widely accepted prokaryotic ancestor of chloroplasts?

Answer: A photosynthetic cyanobacterium. Explains chloroplasts' photosynthetic abilities.

Flashcard 66: Which option best describes why many mitochondrial proteins are made in the cytosol?

Answer: Most mitochondrial genes were transferred to the nuclear genome. Nuclear-encoded proteins are imported into mitochondria.

Flashcard 67: What is the primary benefit of cell compartmentalization?

Answer: Increased efficiency of cellular processes. Each compartment can optimize conditions for specific reactions.

Flashcard 68: Which option best distinguishes endomembrane origin from endosymbiotic origin?

Answer: Endomembranes: invagination; mitochondria/chloroplasts: engulfed cells. Different mechanisms produced different organelle types.

Flashcard 69: Which option best distinguishes endomembrane origin from endosymbiotic origin?

Answer: Endomembranes: invagination; mitochondria/chloroplasts: engulfed cells. Different mechanisms produced different organelle types.

Flashcard 70: What is the purpose of the nuclear pore complex?

Answer: Regulates transport between the nucleus and cytoplasm. Selective gateway for nuclear-cytoplasmic exchange.

Flashcard 71: Identify the evidence: an organelle has its own circular genome; what origin does this support?

Answer: Endosymbiotic origin from bacteria. Circular genomes are characteristic of prokaryotes.

Flashcard 72: Identify a function of the endoplasmic reticulum.

Answer: Protein and lipid synthesis. Rough ER makes proteins, smooth ER synthesizes lipids.

Flashcard 73: What is the role of the nuclear envelope?

Answer: It separates the nucleus from the cytoplasm. Controls molecular traffic between nuclear and cytoplasmic compartments.

Flashcard 74: What is the predicted membrane count around plastids from secondary endosymbiosis?

Answer: More than $2$ membranes (often $3$ or $4$). Additional membranes from the engulfed eukaryotic host cell.

Flashcard 75: What are ribosomes responsible for?

Answer: Protein synthesis. Translate mRNA into polypeptide chains.

Flashcard 76: Choose the word that completes the claim: chloroplasts are most closely related to  .

Answer: Cyanobacteria. Phylogenetic analysis shows closest relationship to this group.

Flashcard 77: Which option best describes why many mitochondrial proteins are made in the cytosol?

Answer: Most mitochondrial genes were transferred to the nuclear genome. Nuclear-encoded proteins are imported into mitochondria.

Flashcard 78: What is the predicted membrane count around plastids from secondary endosymbiosis?

Answer: More than $2$ membranes (often $3$ or $4$). Additional membranes from the engulfed eukaryotic host cell.

Flashcard 79: What is the primary component of cell membranes?

Answer: Phospholipids. Amphipathic molecules form bilayer structure.

Flashcard 80: Which process is facilitated by compartmentalization in mitochondria?

Answer: Cellular respiration. Inner membrane provides space for electron transport chain.

Flashcard 81: Which organelle is believed to be a descendant of prokaryotic cells?

Answer: Chloroplasts. Evolved from cyanobacteria through endosymbiosis.

Flashcard 82: What is the role of actin filaments?

Answer: Support cell shape and enable movement. Thin filaments involved in muscle contraction.

Flashcard 83: What is the most widely accepted prokaryotic ancestor of chloroplasts?

Answer: A photosynthetic cyanobacterium. Explains chloroplasts' photosynthetic abilities.

Flashcard 84: What is the role of signal transduction in cells?

Answer: Transmission of signals from the cell surface to its interior. Coordinates cellular responses to environmental changes.

Flashcard 85: What is the most widely accepted prokaryotic ancestor of mitochondria?

Answer: An aerobic b^1-proteobacterium. Explains mitochondria's aerobic respiration capabilities.

Flashcard 86: Name a function of membrane proteins.

Answer: Transport of molecules across the membrane. Enable selective transport and communication.

Flashcard 87: Which organelle is believed to be a descendant of prokaryotic cells?

Answer: Chloroplasts. Evolved from cyanobacteria through endosymbiosis.

Flashcard 88: What role do membranes play in compartmentalization?

Answer: They create distinct environments within cells. Selective permeability maintains different internal conditions.

Flashcard 89: Which option best explains why chloroplasts have a double membrane?

Answer: Engulfment produced an inner cyanobacterial membrane plus an outer host-derived membrane. Engulfment preserves both cyanobacterial and host membranes.

Flashcard 90: Which process is facilitated by compartmentalization in mitochondria?

Answer: Cellular respiration. Inner membrane provides space for electron transport chain.

Flashcard 91: What key structural feature of chloroplasts supports endosymbiotic theory?

Answer: A double membrane. Outer membrane from host cell, inner from engulfed cyanobacterium.

Flashcard 92: Which ribosome type in mitochondria and chloroplasts supports endosymbiosis?

Answer: $70S$-like ribosomes (bacterial-type). Unlike eukaryotic $80S$ ribosomes, matches bacterial ribosomes.

Flashcard 93: Which two organelles are best explained by endosymbiotic origin?

Answer: Mitochondria and chloroplasts. Both have double membranes and bacterial-like DNA and ribosomes.

Flashcard 94: What is the function of the Golgi apparatus?

Answer: Modifying, sorting, and packaging proteins. Acts as the cell's shipping and receiving center.

Flashcard 95: Identify a structural feature of chloroplasts.

Answer: Thylakoid membranes. Flattened sacs that contain chlorophyll.

Flashcard 96: What is gene transfer to the nucleus in the context of endosymbiosis?

Answer: Movement of endosymbiont genes into the host nuclear genome. Explains why organelles have reduced genomes over time.

Flashcard 97: What is the primary function of the cytoskeleton?

Answer: Maintaining cell shape and facilitating movement. Protein framework determines cell structure.

Flashcard 98: Identify the process that led to the origin of eukaryotic cells.

Answer: Endosymbiosis. One organism engulfing another led to organelle evolution.

Flashcard 99: What is cell compartmentalization in the context of eukaryotic cell evolution?

Answer: Division of cellular functions into membrane-bound organelles. Separates distinct cellular processes for increased efficiency.

Flashcard 100: Which option best explains why chloroplasts have a double membrane?

Answer: Engulfment produced an inner cyanobacterial membrane plus an outer host-derived membrane. Engulfment preserves both cyanobacterial and host membranes.