Cell Structure and Physiology

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to cell structure and physiology, focusing on cellular functions, transport mechanisms, and relevant biochemical processes.

Plasma membrane

A selectively permeable membrane that controls what enters and exits a cell.

Mitochondria

Organelles that synthesize and store ATP; involved in cellular respiration.

ATP

Adenosine triphosphate, an energy molecule essential for many cellular functions.

Glycolysis

A chemical process that breaks down glucose into pyruvic acid in the cytosol.

Citric Acid Cycle

Also known as the Krebs Cycle; involves biochemical reactions preparing hydrogen carriers for the electron transport chain.

Oxidative Phosphorylation

The process of synthesizing ATP using energy from electrons transferred to oxygen.

Active Transport

The movement of substances across a membrane that requires energy.

Passive Transport

The movement of substances across a membrane without the use of energy.

Diffusion

The net movement of substances from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration.

Endocytosis

The process by which cells take in materials by engulfing them in a vesicle.

Exocytosis

The process by which cells release materials using vesicles that fuse with the plasma membrane.

Facilitated Diffusion

Transport of substances across a membrane through channel or carrier proteins.

Carrier-mediated Transport

Transport of substances across membrane proteins that can be either passive or active.

Phagocytosis

A form of endocytosis where cells engulf solid particles.

Pinocytosis

A form of endocytosis where cells take in extracellular fluid.