Cell metabolism

Metabolism

The series of chemical reactions necessary for the use of raw materials in cells.

Anabolism

Reactions that build larger, more complex substances from simpler substances, requiring an input of energy.

Catabolism

Reactions that break down larger, more complex substances into simpler substances, releasing energy converted to ATP.

ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate)

The energy currency of the cell, which powers cellular processes.

Carbohydrates

Organic compounds composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen; an important source of energy in the body.

Monosaccharides

Single-sugar compounds that are the simplest form of carbohydrates.

Disaccharides

Double-sugar compounds formed by two monosaccharides.

Polysaccharides

Many-sugar compounds that are complex carbohydrates, such as starch and glycogen.

Glycogen

A polysaccharide that serves as a storage form of glucose in the liver and muscles.

Glycolysis

The process of breaking down glucose into lactic acid or pyruvic acid, occurring in the cytoplasm.

Anaerobic Catabolism

The breakdown of glucose in the absence of oxygen, resulting in lactic acid.

Aerobic Catabolism

The breakdown of glucose in the presence of oxygen, resulting in carbon dioxide, water, and ATP.

Lipids

Organic compounds commonly known as fats and oils, serving as energy sources and structural components.

Triglycerides

The most common type of lipid composed of glycerol and three fatty acids.

Essential Amino Acids

Amino acids that must be ingested through diet because the body cannot synthesize them.

Nonessential Amino Acids

Amino acids that the body can synthesize.

Urea

A waste product formed from the breakdown of amino acids, which is excreted in urine.

RNA (Ribonucleic Acid)

A nucleic acid that plays a crucial role in coding, decoding, regulation, and expression of genes.

mRNA (Messenger RNA)

RNA that carries the genetic information from DNA to ribosomes for protein synthesis.

tRNA (Transfer RNA)

RNA that carries amino acids to the ribosome and matches them to the coded mRNA sequence.

Nucleotide

The basic building block of nucleic acids, composed of a sugar, phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base.

Transcription

The process of copying a segment of DNA into RNA.

Translation

The process by which the sequence of nucleotides in mRNA is translated into an amino acid sequence in a protein.

Base Pairing

The specific hydrogen bonding between nitrogenous bases in DNA, where adenine pairs with thymine and cytosine pairs with guanine.

Base Sequencing

The order of nucleotide bases in a strand of DNA or RNA that determines genetic information.