Alejandro Ponce - Vocab Review Chapters 6-8

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 CO₂ 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.