Organic compounds
Compounds that always contain carbon.
Carbohydrates
Function as the central energy source for organisms. Monomer:Glucose. Compound ratio:1 carbon to 2 hydrogen to 1 oxygen.
Lipids
Primary function is to store energy and prevent water loss in plants. Monomer:Monoglyceride.
Proteins
Responsible for structural support, transportation, signaling, speeding up chemical reactions, and controlling cell growth. Monomer:Amino Acid.
Nucleic Acids
Transmit and store genetic information. Monomer:Nucleotide. Types:DNA and RNA.
Substrate
The surface or material on or from which an organism lives, grows, or obtains nourishment.
Inhibitor
A substance that slows down or prevents a particular chemical reaction or process.
Polymer
Molecules made from repeating units of identical or nearly identical compounds called monomers.
Cell
The basic structural and functional unit of all living organisms.
Plasma membrane
Special boundary that helps control what enters and leaves the cell.
Eukaryotic Cell
Contains a nucleus and other organelles.
Prokaryotic Cell
Does not have a nucleus or other membrane-bound organelles.
Nucleus
The distinct central organelle that contains the cell's genetic material.
Organelle
Specialized structures that perform specific cell functions.
Cell Theory
All living organisms are composed of one or more cells. Cells are the basic unit of structure and organization. Cells arise only from previously existing cells.
Phospholipid bilayer
Two layers of phospholipids arranged to allow the membrane to exist in a watery environment.
Transport protein
Proteins that move substances and wastes through the membrane.
Selectively permeable
Some substances can pass through the membrane, while others cannot.
Cholesterol
Prevents the fatty acid tails of the phospholipid bilayer from sticking together and contributes to the fluidity of the membrane.
Diffusion
The net movement of particles from an area of high concentration to an area of lower concentration.
Dynamic Equilibrium
Molecules continue to move, but the concentration remains the same.
Facilitated Diffusion
Uses transport proteins to move ions and small molecules across the plasma membrane.
Osmosis
The diffusion of water across a selectively permeable membrane.
Active transport
Movement of particles across the cell membrane against the concentration gradient, requiring energy.
Endocytosis
The process by which a cell surrounds an object in the outside environment with a portion of the plasma membrane.
Exocytosis
The excretion of materials at the plasma membrane.
Energy
The ability to do work.
Metabolism
All of the chemical reactions in a cell.
Photosynthesis
Anabolic pathway in which light energy is converted to stored chemical energy.
Cellular respiration
Catabolic pathway in which organic molecules are broken down to release energy.
Adenosine triphosphate (ATP)
The most important biological molecule that provides chemical energy.
First Law of Thermodynamics
Energy can be converted from one form to another, but it cannot be created or destroyed.
Second Law of Thermodynamics
Energy cannot be converted without the loss of usable energy; entropy increases.
Catabolic Pathways
Release energy by breaking down larger molecules.
Anabolic Pathways
Use energy to build larger molecules.
Thylakoid
Flattened saclike membranes.
Granum
Stacks of thylakoids.
Stroma
Fluid-filled space outside the grana.
Pigments
Light-absorbing colored molecules.
Calvin Cycle
The second stage of photosynthesis in which energy is stored in organic molecules.
Light-dependent phase
Phase 1 of photosynthesis that requires light and water.
Light-independent phase
Phase 2 of photosynthesis that uses carbon dioxide to produce sugar.
Green
Most plant pigments reflect green instead of absorbing it.
CAM Plants
Collect COโ at night to conserve water.
Anaerobic Process
Process where oxygen is not required.
Aerobic Respiration
Involves the Krebs cycle and electron transport and requires oxygen.
Aerobic Process
Process where oxygen is required.
Glycolysis
Glucose is broken down in the cytoplasm.
Krebs Cycle
Series of reactions in which pyruvate is broken down into carbon dioxide.
Fermentation
Anaerobic process that follows glycolysis.