Biology Review: Life at the Molecular and Cellular Level

Vocabulary flashcards covering macromolecules, cell theory, organelles, cell types, transport mechanisms, and homeostasis based on biology review notes.

Carbon

The element that makes all living things organic.

Carbohydrates

Macromolecules that store and release energy and are used for structural support and protection, with monomers including galactose, fructose, and glucose.

Proteins

Macromolecules made of amino acid monomers that build organisms.

Lipids

Macromolecules made of glycerol and fatty acids that store energy.

Nucleic Acids

Macromolecules made of nucleotide monomers that store and transmit hereditary or genetic information.

Original Cell Theory

The foundational biological theory stating that cells create cells, cells are the basic unit of life, and all things are made of cells.

Newer Components of Cell Theory

Modern additions to cell theory stating that all life contains genetic material, cells need energy, and life creates waste.

Plasma Membrane

A barrier composed of membrane proteins, a lipid bilayer, and carbohydrate chains that allows materials to enter and leave the cell.

mRNA

Messenger RNA that carries genetic instructions from DNA to parts of the cell that build proteins.

rRNA

Ribosomal RNA that translates genetic instructions into proteins.

tRNA

Transfer RNA that acts as a delivery truck bringing specific amino acids to the ribosome so the cell can build a protein.

Nucleus

A circle-shaped organelle described as the brain of the cell that contains DNA.

Cell Wall

A hexagon-shaped structure in plant cells that shapes, supports, and protects the cell.

Mitochondria

Bean-shaped or long oval-shaped organelles that serve as the powerhouse of the cell.

Vacuoles

Oval or egg-shaped organelles that act as the trash cans of the cell.

Chloroplasts

Organelles found in plant cells that turn sunlight into energy.

Ribosomes

Cellular structures that synthesize proteins.

Prokaryote

A cell characterized by having no nucleus.

Eukaryote

A cell characterized by having a nucleus.

Sperm Cell

A sex cell adapted for movement using a tail, containing plentiful mitochondria to provide energy for movement.

White Blood Cells

Human body cells involved in the immune system.

Muscle Cells

Human body cells that help in the movement of bones.

Nerve Cells

Human body cells adapted for transmitting messages.

Osmosis

The movement of water from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration.

Diffusion

The movement of molecules from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration.

Homeostasis

The body's automatic process of maintaining a stable, balanced internal environment.

Passive Transport

Cellular transport from high to low concentration that requires no energy, with examples including diffusion, osmosis, and facilitated diffusion.

Active Transport

Cellular transport from low to high concentration that requires ATP/energy, with examples including protein pumps, endocytosis, and exocytosis.