Lecture Notes on Photosynthesis, Cellular Respiration, Enzymes, DNA Replication, Mitosis and Cancer

Vocabulary flashcards based on lecture notes about photosynthesis, cellular respiration, enzymes, DNA replication, mitosis and cancer.

Photosynthesis

The process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy.

Chloroplast

Organelle where photosynthesis occurs.

Thylakoid Membrane

Location of light-dependent reactions in photosynthesis.

PSI and PSII

Photosystems I and II, involved in light absorption.

ATP

Energy currency of the cell, produced during photosynthesis and cellular respiration.

NADPH

Electron carrier used in photosynthesis.

Respiration

The process of converting glucose into energy (ATP).

Glycolysis

First step in cellular respiration; occurs in the cytosol.

Oxidation of Pyruvate

Second step in cellular respiration; occurs in the mitochondrial matrix.

Krebs Cycle (Citric Acid Cycle)

Third step in cellular respiration; occurs in the mitochondrial matrix.

Oxidative Phosphorylation

Final step in cellular respiration; occurs in the cristae.

Calvin Cycle

Light-independent reactions in photosynthesis; occurs in the stroma.

Fixation

Initial step of the calvin cycle, CO2 is taken in.

Reduction

Step in the calvin cycle, NADPH levers electrons so the stroma can make sugar.

Regeneration

Step in the calvin cycle, ATP resets.

Enzymes

Proteins that catalyze biological reactions.

Helicase

Enzyme that unwinds DNA by breaking hydrogen bonds.

DNA Polymerase

Enzyme that synthesizes new DNA strands.

Primase

Enzyme that synthesizes RNA primers needed for DNA replication.

Topoisomerase

Enzyme that prevents supercoiling of DNA during replication.

Ligase

Enzyme that joins Okazaki fragments on the lagging strand during DNA replication.

Interphase

Phase of the cell cycle that includes G1, S, and G2 phases.

Mitosis

Cell division resulting in two genetically identical cells.

Prophase

First stage of mitosis, chromosomes condense and nucleus disappears.

Metaphase

Chromosomes line up in the middle of the cell.

Anaphase

Sister chromatids are pulled apart by spindle fibers.

Telophase

Nucleus reforms and chromosomes unwind.

Cytokinesis

Cell splits into two daughter cells.

Cancer

Uncontrolled cell growth due to mutations and failed checkpoints.

Apoptosis

"Cell suicide"; programmed cell death.

P53

Tumor suppressor protein that pauses the cell cycle to repair DNA or triggers apoptosis.

Cyclins

Proteins that bind to and activate CDKs to regulate cell checkpoints.