Life Processes Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering key biological terms and concepts from Chapter 5: Life Processes.

Life Processes

The processes which together perform the maintenance job of living organisms to prevent damage and break-down.

Enzymes

Biological catalysts used by living organisms to break down complex substances into simpler ones.

Photosynthesis

The process by which autotrophs take in carbon dioxide and water and convert them into carbohydrates in the presence of sunlight and chlorophyll.

Stomata

Tiny pores present on the surface of leaves through which massive amounts of gaseous exchange take place for photosynthesis.

Salivary Amylase

An enzyme secreted by the salivary glands that breaks down complex starch molecules into simple sugar.

Peristaltic Movements

Rhythmic contraction movements of the muscular lining of the digestive canal that push food forward all along the gut.

Villi

Numerous finger-like projections on the inner lining of the small intestine that increase the surface area for the absorption of digested food.

Anaerobic Respiration

The breakdown of pyruvate in the absence of air or oxygen, such as during fermentation in yeast where it produces ethanol and carbon dioxide.

ATP

The energy currency for cellular processes, synthesised from ADP and inorganic phosphate during respiration, releasing energy equivalent to $30.5\,kJ\,mol^{-1}$ when its terminal phosphate linkage is broken using water.

Translocation

The transport of soluble products of photosynthesis through the vascular tissue known as phloem to other parts of the plant.