Membrane Structure and Function, Metabolism, Cellular Respiration, Photosynthesis, and Cell Division

This set of flashcards covers vocabulary related to membrane structure, cellular metabolism, cellular respiration, photosynthesis, and cell division, providing definitions and key concepts for exam preparation.

Phospholipid

Molecule composed of a hydrophilic head and two hydrophobic tails, forming the basis of cell membranes.

Integral Proteins

Proteins that are embedded in the lipid bilayer and may span the entire membrane.

Peripheral Proteins

Proteins that are loosely attached to the membrane's surface and interact with integral proteins.

Osmosis

The diffusion of water across a selectively permeable membrane.

Active Transport

The movement of substances against their concentration gradient, requiring energy (ATP).

ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate)

Energy currency of the cell that powers cellular processes.

Enzyme

Biological catalyst that accelerates chemical reactions by lowering the activation energy.

Glycolysis

The metabolic process that breaks down glucose into pyruvate, producing ATP and NADH.

Citric Acid Cycle

A series of chemical reactions used by all aerobic organisms to release stored energy through the oxidation of acetyl-CoA.

Photosynthesis

The process by which green plants and some other organisms use sunlight to synthesize foods with the help of chlorophyll.

Calvin Cycle

The set of chemical reactions that take place in chloroplasts during photosynthesis, converting carbon dioxide into glucose.

Mitosis

The process of nuclear division in eukaryotic cells that results in two genetically identical daughter cells.

G1 Phase

The first gap phase of interphase in the cell cycle, focusing on cell growth and preparation for DNA synthesis.

Cytokinesis

The division of the cytoplasm, completing the process of cell division after mitosis.

Fermentation

An anaerobic process by which ATP is produced from glucose when oxygen is not available.

Hypertonic Solution

A solution with a higher solute concentration compared to the cell, causing the cell to shrink.

Endergonic Reaction

A reaction that requires energy input and is not spontaneous.

Exergonic Reaction

A reaction that releases energy and occurs spontaneously.

Feedback Inhibition

A regulatory mechanism in which an end product of a metabolic pathway inhibits an earlier step in the pathway.

Redox Reactions

Chemical reactions involving the transfer of electrons from one substance to another, crucial in cellular respiration.

Aquaporins

Channel proteins that facilitate the transport of water across cell membranes.

ATP Synthase

An enzyme that catalyzes the formation of ATP from ADP and inorganic phosphate during cellular respiration and photosynthesis.

Glycolysis Inputs

Glucose, 2 ATP, and 2 NAD+ producing 2 Pyruvate, 4 ATP (net 2), and 2 NADH.

Pyruvate Oxidation Outputs

2 Acetyl CoA, 2 CO2, and 2 NADH.

Photosystem

A protein and pigment complex in chloroplasts that absorbs light during photosynthesis.