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Unit 2 Vocab Cell

AP Biology

QuestionAnswerDive DeepMemory hack
cell theory All living things are made of one or more cells. It states that cells are the basic unit of life and all cells come from preexisting cells. Modern versions include that cells contain genetic material and energy flow occurs within them. Cells are the bricks of life.
cytoplasm The gel-like fluid inside the cell where organelles float. It contains water, salts, and enzymes that support chemical reactions. Cytoplasm is the cell’s soup where reactions simmer.
nucleus The control center of the cell that holds DNA. It’s surrounded by a double membrane called the nuclear envelope and contains the nucleolus for ribosome production. The brain of the cell.
organelle A specialized structure inside a cell with a specific function. Each organelle performs tasks such as energy production or protein synthesis. Tiny organs for cells.
plasma membrane A flexible layer that controls what enters and leaves the cell. Made of a phospholipid bilayer and proteins; it’s selectively permeable. The cell’s security gate.
surface area-to-volume ratio The relationship that limits cell size. Smaller cells have a higher ratio, allowing faster diffusion of materials. Small cells exchange faster.
cell wall A rigid layer outside the plasma membrane in plants, fungi, and bacteria. It provides structure and protection, made mostly of cellulose in plants. Like armor for a plant cell.
flagella Long, whip-like tails that help cells move. In prokaryotes, they spin like propellers; in eukaryotes, they whip back and forth. Bacterial propeller, eukaryotic whip.
plasmid Small circular DNA in bacteria. They carry extra genes, often for antibiotic resistance, and can be shared between cells. Mini DNA circles with bonus traits.
ribosome The site of protein synthesis. Made of RNA and protein; can float freely or attach to the ER. Protein factory.
chromosome Threadlike structures made of DNA and proteins. Contain the genetic instructions for the cell; humans have 46. DNA packages.
nuclear envelope A double membrane surrounding the nucleus. It has pores to let RNA and molecules pass in and out. The nucleus’s security wall with doors.
nucleolus Dense region inside the nucleus. It builds ribosomes by assembling rRNA and proteins. Ribosome factory inside the nucleus.
central vacuole Large water-filled sac in plant cells. It maintains pressure (turgor) and stores nutrients and waste. The plant’s water balloon.
endomembrane system A system of membranes that move materials inside the cell. Includes the ER, Golgi, lysosomes, vacuoles, and plasma membrane. The cell’s delivery network.
endoplasmic reticulum A network of membranes for making and moving materials. Rough ER makes proteins; smooth ER makes lipids and detoxifies. Rough = protein factory, smooth = detox and lipids.
Golgi body Modifies, sorts, and ships proteins and lipids. Receives from ER and sends to their final destinations. The cell’s post office.
lysosome Contains digestive enzymes to break down waste. Recycles old organelles and macromolecules. The cell’s recycling center.
peroxisome Breaks down fatty acids and detoxifies harmful compounds. Produces and breaks down hydrogen peroxide with catalase. The detox bubble.
vacuole A storage sac inside cells. Stores water, ions, and nutrients; large in plants, small in animals. The cell’s storage container.
vesicle Small membrane sac that moves materials around the cell. Transports proteins and lipids between organelles or to the surface. Delivery trucks.
chloroplast Where photosynthesis happens in plant cells. Contains chlorophyll and converts sunlight into chemical energy. The solar panels of the cell.
mitochondria Powerhouse of the cell. Performs cellular respiration to make ATP energy. The cell’s battery pack.
plastid A group of plant organelles that store or make compounds. Includes chloroplasts, chromoplasts (pigments), and leucoplasts (storage). Color, food, and energy storage.
endosymbiotic theory Explains how eukaryotic cells evolved from prokaryotes. Mitochondria and chloroplasts were once free-living bacteria engulfed by another cell. Ancient roommates theory.
centriole Cylindrical structures that organize microtubules during division. Found in animal cells near the nucleus; form spindle fibers. The cell’s division poles.
cytoskeleton A network of protein filaments that give the cell structure. Made of microfilaments, intermediate filaments, and microtubules. The cell’s skeleton and railway.
microfilament Thin actin fibers that support shape and movement. Help in muscle contraction, cell shape, and division. The cell’s muscle fibers.
intermediate filament Medium-sized fibers that add stability and strength. They anchor organelles and resist stress. The cell’s strong ropes.
microtubule Hollow tubes of tubulin that move organelles and chromosomes. Form the mitotic spindle, cilia, and flagella. The cell’s train tracks.
plasmodesmata Channels through plant cell walls. Allow communication and transport between plant cells. Bridges between plant cells.
tight junction Seals cells tightly together in animal tissues. Prevents leakage between cells, like in intestines. The waterproof seal.
gap junctions Channels that allow molecules to pass between animal cells. Help cells communicate directly, especially in the heart. Telephone lines between cells.
cell junctions Structures that connect animal cells. Include tight junctions, desmosomes, and gap junctions. The cell’s connections.
receptor protein A protein that receives chemical signals. When a ligand binds, it triggers a cellular response. The cell’s antenna.
concentration gradient Difference in concentration across space or a membrane. Drives diffusion and osmosis. The slope molecules roll down.
diffusion Movement of molecules from high to low concentration. Passive process that continues until equilibrium. Molecules spreading out evenly.
hypotonic Lower solute concentration outside the cell. Water moves in, cells swell or burst. Too much water rushes in.
hypertonic Higher solute concentration outside the cell. Water leaves, cells shrink. Cell shrivels.
isotonic Equal solute concentration on both sides. No net movement of water, cell stays stable. Perfect balance.
osmosis Movement of water across a membrane. Water moves toward higher solute concentration. Water chasing salt.
osmotic pressure The force caused by water moving into a solution. Higher solute = higher osmotic pressure. Pressure from thirsty molecules.
turgor The pressure of water inside plant cells. Keeps plants upright and firm. The plant’s inner strength.
active transport Movement of substances against the gradient using energy. Uses ATP or ion pumps like sodium-potassium pump. The uphill climb using energy.
passive transport Movement down the gradient without energy. Includes diffusion and facilitated diffusion. The downhill slide.
endocytosis Taking in materials by forming vesicles from the membrane. Includes phagocytosis, pinocytosis, and receptor-mediated types. Cell eating or drinking.
exocytosis Releasing materials by fusing vesicles with the membrane. Used for secretion of hormones and neurotransmitters. Cell spitting out.
phagocytosis Cell engulfs large particles or other cells. A type of endocytosis common in immune cells. Cell eating.
pinocytosis Cell engulfs liquid droplets. A type of endocytosis for fluid intake. Cell drinking.
Created by: Leo12345
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