Cells

diffusion

The process by which molecules move NATURALLY from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration, resulting in the equal distribution of substances across a space.

osmosis

diffusion of water

active transport

the movement of particles from lower concentration to higher concentration and REQUIRES ENERGY

passive transport

the movement of molecules across a cell membrane without the use of energy, typically from high to low concentration

ATP

primary energy source of the cell, providing energy for many cellular processes

endocytosis

process by which cells take in outside substances, bringing them into the cell in a vesicle-requires energy

exocytosis

the process by which cells gets rid of substances in vesicles, releasing them outside the cell- requires energy

cell

the basic structural and functional unit of all living organisms

prokaryotic

cells that lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, typically unicellular

eukaryotic

cells that have a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, can be unicellular or multicellular

DNA

a molecule that carries genetic information essential for the growth, development, reproduction, and functioning of living organisms

unicellular

organisms consisting of a single cell

multicellular

organisms composed of multiple cells that work together.

differentiation

the process by which cells become specialized in structure and function

stem cells

undifferentiated cells capable of giving rise to specialized cells (blank cells)

photosynthesis

the process by which green plants and some organisms convert light energy into chemical energy using carbon dioxide and water

cellular respiration

the process by which cells convert glucose and oxygen into energy, carbon dioxide, and water

respiration

is a vital metabolic process that occurs in cells, enabling them to get energy from nutrients, releasing carbon dioxide as a waste product (ex. humans breathing)