Structure and Function

energy conservation

The practice of reducing energy consumption through using less energy service.

proton motive force

The potential energy stored across a membrane, used for the generation of ATP.

sensor

Proteins that detect environmental changes and enable cellular responses.

adhesins

Membrane proteins that enable cells to attach to other cells or surfaces.

luca

The last universal common ancestor of all current life on Earth.

metabolism

The set of life-sustaining chemical reactions that involve the conversion of nutrients.

genetic metabolism

Processes such as replication, transcription, and translation related to genetic information.

catalytic metabolism

The metabolic pathways that generate energy and biosynthesize essential compounds.

growth

The process by which cells convert nutrients into new cellular matter.

evolution

The process through which cells adapt and evolve new properties over time.

differentiation

The process by which cells develop specialized structures and functions.

communication

The ways in which cells interact using signalling molecules and messengers.

genetic exchange

Mechanisms by which cells share and exchange genetic material.

motility

The ability of cells to move independently.

surface to volume ratio

A mathematical ratio that describes how surface area relates to volume; crucial in cell biology.

permeability barrier

A cellular structure that regulates the passage of substances in and out of the cell.

transporters

Proteins that facilitate the movement of substances across cell membranes.

integral membrane proteins

Proteins that are embedded within the lipid bilayer of cell membranes.

phospholipid structure

Composed of two fatty acids, one glycerol, and one phosphate group.

phospholipid bilayer

A double layer of phospholipids that forms the basis of cell and organelle membranes.

sterols

Lipids that stabilize cell membranes, including cholesterol and ergosterol.

ribosome

Molecular machines that synthesize proteins by translating mRNA sequences.

70S ribosome

A type of prokaryotic ribosome with 30S and 50S subunits.

eukaryotic cell wall

A protective structure surrounding plant, fungal, and algal cells.

cellulose

A polysaccharide that forms the cell wall in plants and algae.

chitin

A polysaccharide that forms the cell wall in fungi.

euchromatin

Loosely packed chromatin that is actively transcribed into RNA.

rough endoplasmic reticulum

A type of endoplasmic reticulum that is studded with ribosomes and involved in protein synthesis.

golgi body

Organelles involved in modifying, sorting, and packaging proteins.

lysosomes

Organelles that contain enzymes for degrading biomaterials.

mitochondria

Organelles that generate ATP through cellular respiration.

thylakoids

Membrane-bound structures in chloroplasts that conduct photosynthesis.

flagella

Long, whip-like structures that allow for cell motility.

fimbriae

Short, hair-like appendages that help bacteria adhere to surfaces.

endospores

Highly resistant structures formed by certain bacteria under unfavorable conditions.

germination

The process in which an endospore returns to its vegetative state.

mot protein

Proteins that drive flagellar rotation using energy from the proton motive force.

periplasm

The space between the outer membrane and cytoplasmic membrane in Gram-negative bacteria.

lipopolysaccharides

Large molecules that form the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria, crucial for structural integrity.

pseudopeptidoglycan

A component of archaeal cell walls, structurally similar to peptidoglycan but with distinct sugars.