AP Biology · Unit 2: Cells
2.1 Cell Structure and Function
In short
You are expected to understand the structure and function of key subcellular components (ribosomes, rough and smooth ER, Golgi complex, mitochondria, lysosomes, vacuoles, and chloroplasts) and how they contribute to overall cellular function. The curriculum explicitly excludes knowledge of the specific functions of smooth ER in specialized cells, as well as the role of the Golgi in synthesizing specific phospholipids and packaging specific enzymes for lysosomes, peroxisomes, and secretory vesicles.
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Can you do these?
- I can describe the composition of ribosomes and explain their role in synthesizing proteins according to mRNA sequences.
- I can identify the components of the endomembrane system and describe how they work together to modify, package, and transport materials.
- I can explain the functions of the rough and smooth endoplasmic reticulum, including their roles in protein synthesis, compartmentalization, detoxification, and lipid synthesis.
- I can describe the structure of the Golgi complex and its functions in folding, chemically modifying, and packaging newly synthesized cellular products.
- I can explain how the double membrane structure of mitochondria, including the highly convoluted inner membrane, enables efficient ATP synthesis.
- I can describe the function of lysosomes in digesting material and their role in programmed cell death (apoptosis).
- I can compare the roles of vacuoles in plant and animal cells, including the maintenance of turgor pressure in plants.
- I can describe the structure of chloroplasts and their function as the location for photosynthesis.
How is Cell Structure and Function tested on the exam?
Assessment of this topic focuses on the suggested skills of Concept Explanation (1.A: Describe biological concepts and processes) and Argumentation (6.A: Make a scientific claim). You may be asked to explain how specific organelles contribute to cellular functions or to make claims about the effects of organelle modifications (e.g., glycosylation in the Golgi) on protein function or targeting.
Free practice questions with full explanations, and instant marking of your free-response answers.
Cell Structure and Function: common questions
What do you need to know about Cell Structure and Function for AP Biology?
You are expected to understand the structure and function of key subcellular components (ribosomes, rough and smooth ER, Golgi complex, mitochondria, lysosomes, vacuoles, and chloroplasts) and how they contribute to overall cellular function. The curriculum explicitly excludes knowledge of the specific functions of smooth ER in specialized cells, as well as the role of the Golgi in synthesizing specific phospholipids and packaging specific enzymes for lysosomes, peroxisomes, and secretory vesicles.
How is Cell Structure and Function tested on the AP Biology exam?
Assessment of this topic focuses on the suggested skills of Concept Explanation (1.A: Describe biological concepts and processes) and Argumentation (6.A: Make a scientific claim). You may be asked to explain how specific organelles contribute to cellular functions or to make claims about the effects of organelle modifications (e.g., glycosylation in the Golgi) on protein function or targeting.
How do I know I have mastered Cell Structure and Function?
Check you can do each of these: describe the composition of ribosomes and explain their role in synthesizing proteins according to mRNA sequences; identify the components of the endomembrane system and describe how they work together to modify, package, and transport materials; explain the functions of the rough and smooth endoplasmic reticulum, including their roles in protein synthesis, compartmentalization, detoxification, and lipid synthesis; describe the structure of the Golgi complex and its functions in folding, chemically modifying, and packaging newly synthesized cellular products; explain how the double membrane structure of mitochondria, including the highly convoluted inner membrane, enables efficient ATP synthesis; describe the function of lysosomes in digesting material and their role in programmed cell death (apoptosis); compare the roles of vacuoles in plant and animal cells, including the maintenance of turgor pressure in plants; describe the structure of chloroplasts and their function as the location for photosynthesis.
Where does Cell Structure and Function fit in AP Biology?
Cell Structure and Function is topic 2.1 in Unit 2: Cells of AP Biology.
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