Ch. 4 Introduction - Concepts of Biology

Vocabulary terms and definitions based on the Chapter 4 introduction of Concepts of Biology, focusing on cellular energy use and metabolism.

Energy

A fundamental requirement for every task performed by living organisms, from heavy labor and exercise to thinking and sleep.

Metabolism

The cellular process where nutrients are imported, broken down, possibly synthesized into new molecules, modified, and transported around the cell or organism.

Dietary amino acids

Smaller molecules weight imported through the diet that serve as the building blocks for creating the large proteins found in muscles.

Complex carbohydrates

Molecules that are broken down into simple sugars to be used by the cell for energy.

Simple sugars

The form of energy produced when the cell breaks down complex carbohydrates.

Biochemical reactions

A series of events that transform the energy contained in food molecules into forms that power activities like flight.

Synthesis and breakdown

The cellular processes of building and demolishing molecules, both of which require energy to perform.

Pathogenic bacteria and viruses

External biological agents that living cells must ingest and break down using energy.