AP Biology-Cells

Front

What is water potential (Ψ)?

Back

Water potential (Ψ) is a measure of the potential energy in water, influencing the direction of water movement. It is affected by solute concentration and pressure.

Front

What is the formula for calculating water potential?

Back

Front

What happens to water movement when a cell's water potential is lower than the surrounding solution?

Back

Water will move out of the cell, as water moves from areas of higher water potential to areas of lower water potential.

Front

What is a hypotonic solution?

Back

A hypotonic solution has a lower solute concentration compared to the inside of the cell, causing water to enter the cell.

Front

What is a hypertonic solution?

Back

A hypertonic solution has a higher solute concentration compared to the inside of the cell, causing water to leave the cell.

Front

What is an isotonic solution?

Back

An isotonic solution has the same solute concentration as the inside of the cell, resulting in no net movement of water.

Front

Why do cells prefer to be small?

Back

Cells are small to maximize their surface area-to-volume ratio, which enhances the efficiency of nutrient uptake and waste removal.

Front

What is cytoplasm?

Back

Cytoplasm is the jelly-like substance within a cell that contains organelles and is the site of many metabolic processes.

Front

What is the role of ribosomes in a cell?

Back

Ribosomes are responsible for protein synthesis, translating messenger RNA (mRNA) into polypeptide chains.

Front

What is the difference between passive and active transport?

Back

Passive transport does not require energy and moves substances down their concentration gradient, while active transport requires energy to move substances against their concentration gradient.