Unit 2: Biochemistry Notes

Vocabulary flashcards based on lecture notes on cell transport, bioenergetics, and cellular respiration.

Fluid Mosaic Model

A model describing the cell membrane as a fluid combination of phospholipids, cholesterol, and proteins.

Phospholipid Bilayer

A two-layered arrangement of phosphate and lipid molecules that form a cell membrane.

Osmosis

The diffusion of water across a semi-permeable membrane from an area of high water concentration to an area of low water concentration.

Facilitated Diffusion

The movement of molecules across the cell membrane with the aid of a protein channel or carrier.

Active Transport

The movement of molecules across the cell membrane from an area of low concentration to an area of high concentration; requires energy.

Hypertonic

A solution with a higher concentration of solute compared to another solution.

Hypotonic

A solution with a lower concentration of solute compared to another solution.

Isotonic

A solution with an equal concentration of solute compared to another solution.

Photosynthesis

Process by which plants and other organisms convert light energy into chemical energy.

Cellular Respiration

Process by which cells break down glucose to produce energy.

Endomembrane System

A system of organelles within eukaryotic cells that work together to modify, package, and transport lipids and proteins.

Ribosome

Cellular organelle where proteins are synthesized.

Nucleus

The control center of the cell, containing the cell's DNA.

Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)

A network of membranes involved in the production, processing, and transport of proteins and lipids.

Golgi Apparatus

A cellular organelle that modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids for transport.

Vesicle

A membrane-bound sac that transports substances within a cell.

Endocytosis

The process by which cells take in substances by engulfing them with the cell membrane.

Exocytosis

The process by which cells expel substances by fusing a vesicle with the cell membrane.

Phagocytosis

Cell eating; a type of endocytosis in which the cell engulfs solid particles.

Pinocytosis

Cell drinking; a type of endocytosis in which the cell engulfs liquid.

Glycolysis

The initial breakdown of glucose, occurring in the cytoplasm.

Krebs Cycle

A series of chemical reactions that extract energy from molecules, releasing carbon dioxide and producing ATP; occurs in the mitochondria.

Electron Transport Chain (ETC)

A series of protein complexes that transfer electrons and create a proton gradient to produce a large amount of ATP; occurs in the mitochondria.

Fermentation

An anaerobic process by which energy can be released from glucose when oxygen is not available.

ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate)

Energy currency of the cell.