Chapter 2

Cell Theory

States that all organisms are composed of cells, all cells come from pre-existing cells, and the cell is the smallest living organizational unit.

Eukaryotes

Organisms with membrane-bound organelles, a nucleus, and multiple linear strands of DNA.

Prokaryotes

Single-celled organisms without a nucleus and with a circular loop of DNA.

Mitosis

The process of cell division in eukaryotic cells that results in two identical daughter cells.

Binary Fission

The method of cell replication used by prokaryotic cells.

Organelles

Subunits within cells that perform specific functions, increasing cellular efficiency.

Nucleus

The organelle that contains the cell's genetic material and controls its activities.

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (RER)

A type of endoplasmic reticulum involved in protein synthesis and modification.

Golgi Apparatus

An organelle responsible for packaging proteins into vesicles for transport.

Lysosomes

Organelles that contain enzymes for digesting waste materials and cellular debris.

Polypeptide Chain

A chain of amino acids linked by peptide bonds.

Amino Acids

Building blocks of proteins, characterized by a central carbon atom, an amino group, and a variable R-group.

Protein Denaturation

The process by which a protein loses its structure and function due to external stressors like extreme temperature or pH.

Enzymes

Proteins that act as biological catalysts to accelerate biochemical reactions.

Proteomics

The large-scale study of proteins, their structure, function, and interactions.

Cofactors

Non-protein chemical compounds required for protein function.

Chloroplasts

Organelles found in plant cells responsible for photosynthesis.

Vacuoles

Storage organelles for nutrients, water, and waste products in cells.

Cell Membrane

Regulates the movement of substances in and out of the cell.

Phospholipids

Molecules that make up the cell membrane, containing hydrophilic and hydrophobic regions.

Hydrophobic

Substances that do not mix with water.

Hydrophilic

Substances that readily mix with or dissolve in water.

Glycoproteins

Proteins that have sugars attached to them, important for cell recognition.

Hydrolysis Reaction

The process of breaking down proteins into amino acids by adding water.

Condensation Reaction

The process of joining amino acids together with the release of water.

Secretory Pathway

The route taken by secretory proteins as they are synthesized and modified before being released from the cell.

Exocytosis

The process of transporting secretory products out of the cell.

Optimal Temperature

The temperature range at which a protein functions best.

Denaturation

The alteration of a protein's structure due to environmental stressors, leading to loss of function.

Nitrogen Fixation

The process by which nitrogen-fixing bacteria convert atmospheric nitrogen into usable nitrogen compounds.