Cell Biology and Macromolecules Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering cellular structure, macromolecules, membrane transport mechanisms, chemical bonding, and metabolic reactions based on lecture objectives.

Prokaryotic Cell

A type of cell that lacks a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.

Eukaryotic Cell

A type of cell containing a membrane-enclosed nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.

Plasma Membrane

A cellular barrier made of phospholipids and transport proteins that regulates the movement of substances into and out of the cell.

Macromolecules

The four main classes of large biological molecules found in the human body, characterized by specific structures, monomers, and functions.

Catabolic Reaction

A metabolic reaction that breaks down complex molecules into simpler ones, releasing energy in the process.

Anabolic Reaction

A metabolic reaction that constructs complex molecules from simpler ones, requiring energy input.

Hydrolysis

A chemical reaction that breaks bonds between monomers by the addition of a water molecule.

Dehydration Synthesis

A chemical reaction that joins monomers together to build larger molecules by removing a water molecule.

Covalent Bond

A type of strong chemical bond formed when two atoms share pairs of electrons.

Hydrogen Bond

A weak attraction between a hydrogen atom covalently bonded to an electronegative atom and another electronegative atom.

Polarity

A property of a molecule where an uneven distribution of electrical charge results in distinct positive and negative regions.

Hydrophilic

Water-loving; describing polar or charged molecules or membrane regions that readily interact with water.

Hydrophobic

Water-fearing; describing nonpolar molecules or membrane regions that avoid water.

Concentration Gradient

A difference in the concentration of a substance across a region or across a cellular membrane.

Passive Transport

The movement of molecules across a cellular membrane down their concentration gradient without requiring energy input.

Active Transport

The movement of molecules across a cell membrane against their concentration gradient, requiring cellular energy.

Primary Active Transport

A transport mechanism that directly utilizes energy from ATP to move molecules across a membrane against their concentration gradient.

Secondary Active Transport

A transport mechanism that uses the energy stored in an electrochemical gradient created by primary active transport to move molecules across a membrane.

Diffusion

The passive movement of solute molecules from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration.

Facilitated Diffusion

The passive transport of molecules across a membrane down their concentration gradient using specific membrane transport proteins.

Osmosis

The passive diffusion of water molecules across a selectively permeable membrane.

Endomembrane System

The network of eukaryotic organelles beginning with the DNA-storing nucleus that functions together to build, modify, package, and release proteins.