C- Interaction and Interdependence

Metabolism

All the chemical reactions happening in living things; includes anabolic and catabolic reactions.

Anabolic reactions

Metabolic reactions that build large molecules from smaller ones and require energy.

Catabolic reactions

Metabolic reactions that break down large molecules into smaller ones and release energy.

Enzymes

Special proteins that speed up reactions by lowering the energy needed.

Active site

The region on an enzyme where a substrate binds.

Substrate

The reactant that an enzyme acts upon.

Denatured

The process when an enzyme stops working due to extreme temperature or pH.

ATP (adenosine triphosphate)

The main energy source for all cells, powering various cellular functions.

ADP (adenosine diphosphate)

Formation that occurs when ATP loses a phosphate and releases energy.

Aerobic respiration

A type of respiration that uses oxygen and produces lots of ATP.

Anaerobic respiration

Respiration that occurs without oxygen and produces less ATP.

Cell respiration

The process by which cells make ATP, usually by breaking down glucose.

Photosynthesis

The process by which certain organisms use sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen.

Light-dependent reactions

The first stage of photosynthesis that uses sunlight to split water, producing oxygen.

Light-independent reactions

The second stage of photosynthesis that uses hydrogen and carbon dioxide to make glucose.

Emergent properties

Characteristics of complex systems that arise from the interaction of simpler components.

Resting potential

The state of a neuron when it is not sending a signal, maintained by sodium and potassium movements. The resting number is -70

Action potentials

Electrical signals that travel along neurons, triggered by the right conditions.

Synapses

Gaps between neurons or between a neuron and a muscle/gland where neurotransmitters cross.

Neurotransmitters

Chemicals that transmit signals across synapses.

Innate immunity

The first line of defense against pathogens, offering fast, general protection.

Adaptive immunity

Slower, specific, and long-lasting immune response involving B-cells and T-cells.

B-cells

Cells that produce antibodies to neutralize antigens.

T-cells

Cells that help regulate the immune response or kill infected cells.

HIV

A virus that attacks helper T-cells, weakening the immune system and potentially leading to AIDS.

Antibiotics

Medications that kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria.

Zoonotic diseases

Diseases that spread from animals to humans.

Food chains

Diagrams that show how energy moves through an ecosystem.

Autotrophs

Organisms that produce their own food using sunlight or inorganic compounds.

Heterotrophs

Organisms that obtain energy and nutrients by consuming other organisms.

Decomposers

Organisms that break down dead matter and return nutrients to the environment.

Trophic levels

Levels in the food chain that categorize organisms based on their feeding positions.

Carbon cycle

The series of processes by which carbon is recycled between the atmosphere, organisms, and the Earth.

Primary production

The rate at which producers synthesize organic compounds, typically through photosynthesis.

Carbon sinks

Ecosystems that absorb more carbon than they release, aiding in carbon storage.

Carbon sources

Ecosystems that release more carbon than they absorb, contributing to increased CO₂ levels.