Unit 2 · 2.1 — Cell Structure and Function [cite: 9, 28]

Everything to learn here

• Concept: Ribosomes synthesize proteins according to mRNA sequences and are found in all forms of life, reflecting universal common ancestry [cite: 21].
• Concept: The eukaryotic endomembrane system intricately coordinates the synthesis, modification, packaging, and transport of proteins and lipids [cite: 13].
• Vocabulary: Nucleus — a highly specialized, double-membrane-bound organelle that protects and houses a eukaryotic cell's genetic material [cite: 14].
• Vocabulary: Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) — an organelle studded with ribosomes that compartmentalizes the cell and assists in the folding and packaging of newly synthesized proteins [cite: 13, 14].
• Vocabulary: Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) — an organelle responsible for lipid synthesis, carbohydrate metabolism, and detoxification of drugs and poisons [cite: 13].
• Vocabulary: Golgi Complex — a series of flattened membrane sacs that correctly folds, chemically modifies, and packages synthesized proteins for intra- or extracellular trafficking [cite: 13, 14].
• Vocabulary: Mitochondria — double-membrane organelles responsible for metabolic energy capture via cellular respiration; the highly folded inner membrane forms cristae to maximize surface area [cite: 13, 14].
• Vocabulary: Lysosome — a membrane-enclosed sac containing potent hydrolytic enzymes used for intracellular digestion, recycling, and programmed apoptosis [cite: 14].
• Vocabulary: Vacuole — a large membrane-bound vesicle for the storage of water, macromolecules, and waste; central vacuoles provide critical turgor pressure in plant cells [cite: 14].
• Vocabulary: Chloroplast — specialized double-membrane organelles found in photosynthetic organisms, containing thylakoids and stroma for energy capture and carbon fixation [cite: 14].
• Skill: FRQ Task Verb "Make a Claim" — Make a claim regarding how the absence or malfunction of a specific subcellular organelle impacts the cell's overall system interactions [cite: 19, 22, 30].
• Concept: Explain how the specific structure of organelles allows them to perform specialized functions within the cell.
• Vocabulary: Vocabulary: Endomembrane System — A group of organelles that collaborate to modify, package, and transport cellular products.
• Concept: Differentiate between the roles of Rough ER in protein synthesis and Smooth ER in lipid production and detoxification.

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