Macromolecules

Lactose Intolerance

A condition illustrating the importance of biological molecules in cell function and human health.

Covalent Bonding

Enables carbon to form complex structures essential for life's molecular diversity.

Hydrocarbon

Molecules composed of only hydrogen and carbon.

Visible Light

Part of the electromagnetic spectrum that is detectable by the human eye.

Functional Group

A group of atoms attached to the carbon skeleton that influence the properties of organic compounds.

Isomers

Molecules with the same molecular formula but different structures and properties.

Macromolecules

Large molecules made up of smaller organic monomers.

Monomer

A small building block molecule that can join together to form polymers.

Polysaccharides

Long chains of monosaccharides linked together by dehydration reactions.

Triglycerides

Fats that are lipids whose main function is energy storage.

Amino Acid

Building blocks of proteins, linked by peptide bonds.

Peptide Bond

The bond that links two amino acids together.

Protein Folding

The process that creates specific grooves in proteins allowing them to perform functions.

Hydrophilic

Water-loving; describes substances with polar bonds.

Hydrophobic

Water-fearing; describes nonpolar substances that do not mix with water.

Phospholipid Bilayer

A double-layer of phospholipids forming the main barrier of cell membranes.

Diffusion

The process by which particles spread out evenly in an available space, moving from high to low concentration.

Osmosis

The diffusion of water across a selectively permeable membrane.

Active Transport

The process of moving molecules against a concentration gradient, requiring energy.

Endocytosis

The process of taking in large molecules or particles by folding the membrane inward.

Exocytosis

The process of expelling materials from the cell by vesicle fusion with the membrane.

Ribosome

The cellular structure that translates RNA into proteins.

Mitochondria

Organelles that convert chemical energy from food into ATP, the energy currency of the cell.

Chloroplasts

Organelles found in plants that convert solar energy into chemical energy through photosynthesis.

Cell Theory

The theory stating that all organisms are made of cells, cells are the basic unit of life, and all cells come from pre-existing cells.

Prokaryotic Cell

A simpler type of cell that lacks a membrane-bound nucleus, present in bacteria and archaea.

Eukaryotic Cell

A more complex cell with a true nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.

Endomembrane System

An interconnected system of membranes involved in the synthesis, modification, and transport of proteins and lipids.

Buffers

Substances that minimize changes in pH.

Homeostasis

The maintenance of a stable internal environment in organisms.