AP Biology Cell #2

Front

What is the difference between hypotonic and hypertonic solutions?

Back

A hypotonic solution has a lower concentration of solutes compared to another solution, leading to water entering the cell, causing it to swell. A hypertonic solution has a higher concentration of solutes, causing water to leave the cell, leading to shrinkage.

Front

What are plasmodesmata and their function in plant cells?

Back

Plasmodesmata are microscopic channels that traverse the cell walls of plant cells, allowing for transport and communication between them.

Front

What is the order of cellular structures a potassium ion encounters when moving from soil into a root cell's vacuole?

Back

The order is: primary cell wall → plasma membrane → cytoplasm → vacuole.

Front

What happens to red blood cells when placed in a hypertonic solution like seawater?

Back

Water will leave the red blood cells, causing them to shrivel and collapse due to the higher concentration of solutes in the seawater.

Front

What is an integral membrane protein and what is its characteristic feature?

Back

An integral membrane protein is a type of protein that is embedded in the lipid bilayer of cell membranes, characterized by being amphipathic, meaning it has both hydrophobic and hydrophilic regions.

Front

Define osmosis and its significance in biological systems.

Back

Osmosis is the movement of water across a selectively permeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration, crucial for maintaining cell turgor and homeostasis.

Front

What role do gap junctions play in animal cells?

Back

Gap junctions are specialized intercellular connections that allow for direct communication and transfer of ions and small molecules between adjacent animal cells.

Front

Explain the concept of turgor pressure in plant cells.

Back

Turgor pressure is the pressure exerted by the fluid inside the central vacuole against the cell wall, providing structural support and maintaining the plant's rigidity.

Front

What is the significance of the primary cell wall in plant cells?

Back

The primary cell wall provides structural support and protection to plant cells, allowing for growth and flexibility.

Front

How does the structure of the plasma membrane facilitate selective permeability?

Back

The plasma membrane is composed of a phospholipid bilayer with embedded proteins, allowing it to selectively allow certain substances to pass while blocking others.