Light Microscope
Used to view whole cells or large subcellular structures of the cell.
Electron Microscope
Used to view subcellular structures more clearly and in more depth.
Nucleus
Controls the cell and contains genetic material.
Cytoplasm
Site where most chemical reactions occur.
Cell membrane
Barrier controlling the movement of substances into and out of the cell.
Mitochondria
Contains enzymes responsible for carrying out cellular respiration.
Cell wall
Made up of cellulose and gives the cell structural support (found in plant cells).
Vacuole
Contains cell sap and provides support (found in plant cells).
Chloroplasts
Site of photosynthesis and contains chlorophyll (found in plant cells).
Prokaryotes
Cells with nuclear material freely within the cytoplasm (e.g. bacteria).
Eukaryotes
Cells with a nucleus enclosed by a nuclear membrane (e.g. human cheek cell, amoeba, plant cells).
DNA
Polymer made up of two strands forming a double helix.
Protein Synthesis
Process of creating proteins from amino acids.
Enzymes
Biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions inside organisms.
Active site
Site at which substrates fit into the enzyme.
Factors Affecting Enzyme Controlled Reactions
Temperature, pH, substrate concentration, and enzyme concentration.
Cellular Respiration
Process occurring inside plant and animal cells to release energy.
Aerobic Respiration
Respiration that occurs in the presence of oxygen.
Anaerobic Respiration
Respiration that occurs without the presence of oxygen.
Breakdown of Biological Molecules
Process of breaking down large molecules into smaller molecules using enzymes.
Carbohydrase
Enzyme that breaks down carbohydrates into glucose.
Protease
Enzyme that breaks down proteins into amino acids.
Lipase
Enzyme that breaks down lipids (fats) into fatty acids and glycerol.
Synthesis of Biological Molecules
Process of using smaller molecules to synthesize larger molecules needed by cells.
Photosynthesis
Process used by plants to make their own food using light energy, carbon dioxide, and water.
Endothermic
Reaction that absorbs heat energy from the surroundings.
Investigating Photosynthesis
Experiment to study the factors affecting the rate of photosynthesis.
Factors Affecting Photosynthesis
Temperature, carbon dioxide concentration, and light intensity.