biology 1

Cell

The smallest unit of life that can replicate independently.

Eukaryotic cell

A type of cell with a nucleus and organelles, found in animals and plants.

Prokaryotic cell

A single-cell organism that lacks a nucleus, such as bacteria.

Cell membrane

Controls which substances pass in and out of the cell.

Nucleus

Contains DNA within the cell.

Cytoplasm

The region where chemical reactions take place inside the cell.

Mitochondria

Organelles that provide cells with energy.

Ribosomes

The sites of protein synthesis.

Cell wall

Provides support and structure in plant cells.

Vacuole

A permanent storage organelle in plant cells that contains cell sap.

Chloroplasts

Organelles where photosynthesis occurs, containing chlorophyll.

Diffusion

The passive process of net movement of particles from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration.

Osmosis

The diffusion of water molecules across a partially permeable membrane.

Active Transport

The net movement of molecules from a lower to a higher concentration gradient requiring energy.

Balanced Diet

A diet that includes carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, vitamins, minerals, fiber, and water.

Biological Molecules

Molecules found in living organisms, produced by cells.

Enzymes

Biological catalysts that increase the speed of a reaction without being changed in the process.

Lock and Key Model

An outdated model suggesting that a substrate must exactly fit into the enzyme's active site.

Induced Fit

The updated model where the enzyme changes shape slightly to accommodate the substrate.

Magnification

How many times larger the image is than the actual size of the object.

Resolution

The shortest distance between two points on an object that can still be distinguished as separate entities.