Cell Biology

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to cell biology, photosynthesis, and cellular respiration.

Prokaryotic Cells

Cells without a nucleus or membrane-bound organelles.

Eukaryotic Cells

Cells that have a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.

Cell Membrane

The outer boundary of a cell that regulates what enters and leaves the cell.

Cytoplasm

The fluid inside a cell, where cellular processes occur.

DNA

The molecule that carries genetic information in cells.

Cell Wall

A rigid structure found in plant cells that provides support.

Chloroplasts

Organelles in plant cells that conduct photosynthesis.

Mitochondria

Organelles that produce ATP through cellular respiration.

Endosymbiotic Theory

The theory that chloroplasts and mitochondria originated from independent bacteria.

Simplified Diffusion

Movement of molecules from high concentration to low concentration without energy.

Passive Transport

Movement of molecules across a membrane without the use of energy.

Active Transport

Movement of molecules against their concentration gradient requiring energy.

Hypotonic Solution

A solution that causes a cell to swell due to water entering.

Hypertonic Solution

A solution that causes a cell to shrink due to water leaving.

Isotonic Solution

A solution where there is no net movement of water in and out of the cell.

Photosynthesis

The process plants use to convert light energy into chemical energy.

Calvin Cycle

The set of chemical reactions that take place in chloroplasts to convert CO₂ into glucose.

Chemiosmosis

The movement of protons across a membrane to drive ATP synthesis.

Glycolysis

The process of breaking down glucose to produce ATP.

Fermentation

Anaerobic process that allows the production of ATP without oxygen.

Lactic Acid Fermentation

A form of fermentation in animal cells producing lactic acid and ATP.

Alcohol Fermentation

A process in yeast where glucose is converted into ethanol and ATP.

ATP Synthase

An enzyme that synthesizes ATP from ADP and inorganic phosphate.

Photosystem I

Complex in chloroplasts that makes NADPH during photosynthesis.

Photosystem II

Complex in chloroplasts that starts the electron flow and splits water.