Unit 2 Cell Biology Practice Quiz
Enhance AP Bio Skills with Focused Unit 2 Exams
Study Outcomes
- Understand the core functions and structures of cell organelles.
- Analyze the processes underlying cellular reproduction and division.
- Evaluate the relationships between cell structure and overall function.
- Apply fundamental cell theory concepts to practical biological scenarios.
- Synthesize key cell biology concepts to enhance exam preparedness.
Unit 2 AP Bio Practice Test Cheat Sheet
- Cell Theory - Dive into the three golden rules: all living things are made of cells, the cell is life's smallest building block, and every cell springs from another. These ideas form the very foundation of modern biology and help explain growth, reproduction, and healing in all organisms. Keep this trio at the front of your mind as you explore more complex life processes. Wikipedia
- Prokaryotic vs. Eukaryotic Cells - Think of prokaryotes as minimalist studios without fancy rooms (no nucleus or membrane”bound organelles) and eukaryotes as fully furnished apartments with designated chambers for each task. This distinction affects everything from genetic organization to cell size and complexity. Mastering these differences will clarify why bacteria act one way and plants or animals another. Learn Biology
- Cell Organelles and Their Functions - Organelles are like the organs in your body: the nucleus stores DNA blueprints, mitochondria crank out energy, and ribosomes build proteins. Other players such as the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus keep the assembly line running smoothly. Visualize each component as part of a bustling cellular city! CliffNotes
- Cell Membrane Structure - Picture a double‑layered pancake of phospholipids studded with proteins, cholesterol, and carbohydrates - this is your cell membrane. It's semi‑permeable, meaning it decides which nutrients to let in and which waste products to kick out. Understanding its fluid nature and transport gateways is key to grasping how cells communicate and survive. CliffNotes
- Photosynthesis Basics - Remember the magic formula: 6CO₂ + 6H₂O + light energy → C₆H₂O₆ + 6O₂. In chloroplasts, light reactions capture sunshine to make ATP and NADPH, then the Calvin cycle turns CO₂ into sugar. It's the ultimate green energy factory fueling life on Earth! CliffNotes
- Mitosis Stages - Mitosis is a four”act play: prophase (chromosomes condense), metaphase (they line up at the center), anaphase (sisters split apart), and telophase (two new nuclei form). This precise choreography ensures each daughter cell gets an exact DNA copy. Perfect your timing to ace questions on cell division! CliffNotes
- Meiosis and Genetic Variation - Meiosis shuffles the deck through crossing over and independent assortment, producing genetically unique gametes. It's a two”round nuclear dance - meiosis I slashes chromosome number, meiosis II separates sister chromatids. This variability is why siblings don't look identical! CliffNotes
- Cellular Respiration - From glucose to ATP, three main stages rock the cellular world: glycolysis splits sugar, the Krebs cycle extracts energy, and the electron transport chain generates a power surge of ATP. Mitochondria are the ultimate energy hotspots - learn each step to understand how cells stay powered. CliffNotes
- Membrane Transport Mechanisms - Passive transport (diffusion and osmosis) flows with the concentration gradient - no energy needed. Active transport fights the gradient using pumps like sodium-potassium ATPase. Familiarize yourself with examples like facilitated diffusion to see how cells maintain balance. CliffNotes
- Macromolecules in Cells - The big four: carbohydrates (energy and structure), lipids (long-term energy and membranes), proteins (builders and messengers), and nucleic acids (DNA/RNA instructions). Each class has unique subunits and roles - knowing their structures helps you predict their functions in living systems. CliffNotes