Cell structure and function | AP®︎/College Biology | Science | Khan Academy

Unit 2: Cell Structure and Function (AP Biology)

This unit covers the fundamental biological principles of cellular organization, membrane dynamics, and transport mechanisms as required by the AP Biology curriculum.

• Core Topics:
  • Cell Structures: Analysis of organelles and their specific functions.
  • Cell Size: The relationship between surface area-to-volume ratios and cellular efficiency.
  • Plasma Membranes: Structure, composition, and the role of membrane permeability.
  • Membrane Transport: Mechanisms including facilitated diffusion, active transport, and passive transport.
  • Tonicity and Osmoregulation: How cells manage water balance and solute concentrations.
  • Cell Compartmentalization: The functional significance of internal membrane-bound structures.
• Assessment Structure:
  • Three formative quizzes covering specific sub-topics.
  • One comprehensive Unit Test.
• Curriculum Alignment: The content is mapped to AP Biology Big Ideas, including:
  • ENE (Energy): Energy transfer and metabolic processes.
  • EVO (Evolution): Evolutionary history and cellular origins.
  • SYI (Systems and Interactions): How biological systems interact and maintain homeostasis.