Biological Molecules and Cell Theory

Flashcards covering essential vocabulary and concepts from the lecture on biological molecules, cell structure, and the cell theory.

Nucleic Acids

Biological molecules essential for all forms of life, responsible for the storage and transmission of genetic information.

Proteins

Biological molecules that serve as building blocks of cells, involved in various functions including catalysis, structure, and signaling.

Carbohydrates

Biological molecules that provide energy and structural support in cells.

Lipids

Biological molecules that are hydrophobic or amphipathic and play critical roles in energy storage, membrane structure, and signaling.

Cell Theory

A fundamental concept in biology stating that all living organisms are composed of cells, which are the basic units of structure and function in living things.

Prokaryotic Cells

Single-celled organisms that lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, such as bacteria.

Eukaryotic Cells

Complex cells that contain a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, characteristic of animals, plants, fungi, and protists.

Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)

An organelle involved in protein synthesis and processing; known as the main office of the cell.

Mitochondria

Cellular organelles known as the powerhouses of the cell, generating ATP through respiration.

Chloroplasts

Organelles found in plant cells and some protists that conduct photosynthesis.

Lysosomes

Organelles that contain digestive enzymes, responsible for breaking down waste materials and cellular debris.

Vesicles

Membrane-bound sacs that transport materials within a cell and to the outside.

Vacuoles

Storage organelles in cells, helping to maintain structure and store nutrients or waste.

Ribosomes

Molecular machines that synthesize proteins by translating messenger RNA.

Bio-molecules

Organic molecules that are essential to life processes, including proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids.

Independent variable

The thing that is being manipulated

Dependent variable

Out come or response