Compartmentalization

Science

Definition

Compartmentalization is the organization of a cell into distinct membrane-bound compartments (organelles) that maintain different chemical environments. This allows incompatible chemical reactions to occur simultaneously in the same cell.

Examples

  • Lysosomes compartmentalize digestive enzymes at low pH so they don't destroy the rest of the cell
  • The mitochondrial inner membrane creates a compartment for the proton gradient needed for ATP synthesis
  • The nucleus keeps DNA separate from the cytoplasm, controlling gene expression

Related Terms

Cell organelles Prokaryotes vs eukaryotes Cell membrane Cell respiration

Study This Concept

Practice compartmentalization with free review games in these units:

AP Biology Unit 2: Cell Structure and Function