AP Biology Flashcards: Cell Structure and Function
Written by AP Content Team, Verified for 2026 AP Exams, Last updated: May 2026
Review key ideas with interactive flashcards. This set includes 21 cards to help you master important concepts.
Trace the path of a protein intended for export from the cell, starting from its synthesis.
The protein is synthesized by ribosomes on the rough ER, transported to the Golgi complex for modification and packaging, and then moved via vesicles for transport out of the cell.
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Trace the path of a protein intended for export from the cell, starting from its synthesis.
The protein is synthesized by ribosomes on the rough ER, transported to the Golgi complex for modification and packaging, and then moved via vesicles for transport out of the cell.
What are lysosomes and what do they contain?
Lysosomes are membrane-bound sacs that contain hydrolytic enzymes used to digest materials within the cell.
What are the two primary functions of the Smooth ER?
The Smooth ER is responsible for synthesizing lipids and for carrying out detoxification processes.
A liver cell is responsible for detoxifying alcohol. Which organelle would you expect to be particularly abundant in this cell?
The smooth ER would be abundant in a liver cell, as its functions include detoxification.
A cell from heart muscle tissue requires a vast amount of energy. Which organelle would be found in high numbers in this cell?
Mitochondria would be found in high numbers in heart muscle cells because they are the primary site of efficient ATP synthesis.
What is the evolutionary significance of ribosomes being found in all forms of life?
The universal presence of ribosomes in all known life forms reflects a common ancestry.
What is the collective function of the endomembrane system?
The endomembrane system works together to modify, package, and transport lipids and proteins within the cell.
Describe the structure and function of the Golgi complex.
The Golgi complex is a series of flattened membrane sacs that chemically modifies, folds, and packages cellular products for trafficking.
What is the specific function of the Rough ER?
The Rough ER is the site of protein synthesis for proteins that will be transported or secreted from the cell.
What is the fundamental relationship between an organelle's structure and its function?
The specific structure of a subcellular component or organelle is directly related to its function, and these individual functions contribute to the overall function of the cell.
What are chloroplasts?
Chloroplasts are organelles with a double membrane, found in plants and algae, that serve as the site of photosynthesis.
What are the two main functions of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) as a whole?
The endoplasmic reticulum provides mechanical support for the cell and plays a key role in intracellular transport.
Which two organelles feature a double membrane?
Both mitochondria and chloroplasts are characterized by having a double membrane structure.
How does the structure of the inner mitochondrial membrane contribute to its function?
The convoluted inner folds of the mitochondrion's double membrane increase the surface area available for metabolic reactions, leading to more efficient ATP synthesis.
What is the primary role of mitochondria?
Mitochondria provide compartments for metabolic reactions and are the site of efficient ATP synthesis.
What are ribosomes composed of and what is their function?
Ribosomes are composed of rRNA and protein, and their primary function is to synthesize proteins.
Define vacuole.
Vacuoles are membrane-bound sacs within a cell, often used for storage of materials.
A cell that produces and secretes large quantities of protein hormones would have a highly developed ER and which other organelle from the endomembrane system?
This cell would also have a highly developed Golgi complex to handle the chemical modification, folding, and packaging of these proteins for secretion.
What role do lysosomes play in programmed cell death?
Lysosomes contribute to apoptosis (programmed cell death) by releasing their hydrolytic enzymes to digest the cell from within.
If a plant cell's central vacuole loses a significant amount of water, what observable effect will this have on the plant?
The loss of water from the central vacuole will cause a decrease in turgor pressure, leading to the plant wilting.
What are the two primary functions of the large central vacuole in plant cells?
In plant cells, the large central vacuole stores nutrients and water, and it is essential for maintaining turgor pressure against the cell wall.