Unit 1: Molecules, Cells, and Energy Processes

Macromolecule

A giant molecule formed by joining smaller molecules together.

Carbohydrate

provides fast, short-term energy.

Carb Monomer

Monosaccharides

Ending for uncommon Carbs

-OSE

Examples of Carbs

Starches, Sugars, Glucose, Sucrose

Lipid

used for long-term energy storage, making up the cell membrane, and insulation.

Structure of Lipids

Glycerol & Fatty Acids

Examples of Lipids

Fats, Oils, Phosphlipids

Protein

Complex molecules made of amino acids that do the heavy lifting in cells (building structures, speeding up reactions).

Monomer or Proteins

Amino Acids

Examples of Proteins

Enzymes, Insulin, Meat, Collagen

Nucleic Acid

Molecules like DNA and RNA that store and transmit genetic blueprints.

Nucleic Acid Monomer

Nucleotides

Nucleic Acid Examples

DNA and RNA

Enzyme

A special protein that acts as a catalyst to speed up chemical reactions without being used up.

Substrate

The specific piece or molecule that an enzyme fits into and works on.

Denature

When an enzyme loses its shape due to extreme heat or pH changes, making it stop working.

Prokaryote

A simple, tiny cell with no nucleus and no membrane-bound compartments. Still as DNA! (Ex

Eukaryote

A larger, complex cell that has a nucleus and specialized internal compartments. (Ex

Organelle

A tiny "mini-organ" inside a cell that has a specific job.

Nucleus

Control center of the cell; contains DNA

Ribosome

Makes proteins; site of transcription

Mitochondria

creates energy (ATP!); site of cellular respiration

Chloroplast

Plant cells only; site of photosynthesis

Plasma/Cell Membrane

Flexible outer barrier that maintains the cell's homeostasis by regulating what enters and leaves the cell.

Homeostasis

maintainin internal stable conditions

Negative Feedback

How homeostasis in an organism is maintained

ATP =

ENERGY

Photosynthesis

The process where plants use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to create glucose (sugar) and oxygen.

Cellular Respiration

The process of breaking down glucose to harvest ATP energy.

Aeroic Respiration

Breaking down food for energy with oxygen (highly efficient).

Anaerobic Respiration

Breaking down food for energy without oxygen (low efficiency; causes muscle burn).