Energy and Cellular Processes

These flashcards cover key concepts related to energy, cellular respiration, and photosynthesis.

Energy

The capacity to perform work.

Kinetic Energy

The energy of motion.

Potential Energy

Stored energy.

ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate)

The energy currency of the cell, directly responsible for cellular work.

Enzyme Inhibitors

Substances that block the function of an enzyme.

Plasma Membrane

A phospholipid bilayer that regulates what can move into and out of the cell.

Diffusion

Movement of molecules from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration.

Osmosis

The movement of water from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration.

Passive Transport

Transport across the membrane that does not require ATP.

Active Transport

Transport across the membrane that requires ATP.

Signal Transduction

The process by which a cell receives a message that causes some change within the cell.

Autotrophs

Organisms that can make their own food from inorganic materials.

Heterotrophs

Organisms that must eat food to get energy.

Photosynthesis

The process by which plants convert sunlight into glucose.

Cellular Respiration

The process by which cells convert glucose into energy.

Aerobic

Processes that require oxygen.

Anaerobic

Processes that do not require oxygen.

Electron Carriers

Molecules that transfer electrons during cellular respiration.

Glycolysis

The process of breaking down sugar, starting with glucose.

Citric Acid Cycle

A stage of cellular respiration that takes place in the mitochondria.

Electron Transport Chain

A series of proteins in the mitochondrial membrane that produce ATP.

Fermentation

The process to make ATP without oxygen.

Lactic Acid

A byproduct of fermentation in humans.

Photosynthesis Stages

Consists of light reactions and Calvin cycle.

Photon

A packet of energy.

Calvin Cycle

The stage of photosynthesis where sugar is produced.