Introduction to Life and Biochemistry

These flashcards cover key terms and definitions related to life and biochemistry concepts essential for understanding cellular structure, function, and the processes of photosynthesis and respiration.

Cell

The smallest unit of life capable of carrying out all life processes.

Homeostasis

The ability of an organism to maintain stable internal conditions.

Biotic factors

Living parts of an ecosystem, such as plants, animals, and bacteria.

Abiotic factors

Nonliving parts of an ecosystem, such as water, sunlight, and temperature.

Carbohydrates

Macromolecules that provide quick energy, like sugars and starches.

Lipids

Fat molecules that provide long-term energy storage and insulation.

Proteins

Molecules involved in enzymes, structure, signaling, and immunity.

Nucleic acids

Biomolecules that store and transmit genetic information.

Polarity

The property of a molecule with unequal sharing of electrons leading to partial charges.

Cohesion

The attraction between molecules of the same substance.

Independent variable

The variable that is changed in an experiment.

Dependent variable

The variable that is measured in an experiment.

Prokaryote

A cell without a nucleus, typically bacteria.

Eukaryote

A cell with a nucleus, such as those in plants and animals.

Cell membrane

The structure that controls what enters and exits the cell.

Ribosomes

Cellular structures that make proteins.

Chloroplast

An organelle where photosynthesis occurs.

Mitochondria

The organelle responsible for producing ATP energy.

Cell theory

The theory stating that all living things are made of cells, that cells are the basic unit of structure and function, and that all cells come from preexisting cells.

Endosymbiotic theory

The theory that eukaryotic cells evolved from prokaryotic cells.

Active transport

The movement of substances against their concentration gradient, requiring energy.

Photosynthesis

A process by which plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy into chemical energy.

Cell division

The process by which a parent cell divides into two or more daughter cells.

Mitosis

A form of cell division for growth and repair, resulting in two identical diploid cells.

Meiosis

A type of cell division that produces haploid gametes.

DNA

The molecule that stores genetic instructions; composed of nucleotides.

Chromosome

A condensed form of DNA that contains genetic information.