bio paper 1

Cell

The basic structural unit of all living organisms.

Eukaryotic Cell

A cell that contains a nucleus and organelles, e.g., plant and animal cells.

Prokaryotic Cell

A cell that does not have a nucleus; DNA is found in a plasmid.

Cell Membrane

A semi-permeable barrier that controls the movement of substances in and out of the cell.

Cytoplasm

The jelly-like fluid within a cell where chemical reactions occur.

Mitochondria

Organelles where respiration occurs, producing energy for the cell.

Ribosomes

Small structures where proteins are synthesized.

Chloroplasts

Organelles in plant cells that contain chlorophyll and carry out photosynthesis.

Vacoule

A compartment in plant cells that stores sap and maintains turgor pressure.

Binary Fission

A method of asexual reproduction in bacteria where one cell divides into two identical cells.

Aseptic Technique

A procedure used to prevent contamination of cultures.

Diploid Cell

A cell containing two sets of chromosomes, one from each parent.

Haploid Cell

A cell containing a single set of chromosomes, as in gametes.

Mitosis

The process of cell division that results in two identical daughter cells.

Diffusion

The passive movement of particles from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration.

Osmosis

The diffusion of water across a semi-permeable membrane.

Active Transport

The movement of substances against their concentration gradient using energy.

Tissue

A group of similar cells working together to perform a specific function.

Organ

A structure made up of different tissues working together for a specific function.

Organ System

A group of organs that work together to perform complex functions.

Enzymes

Biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions in living organisms.

Amylase

An enzyme that breaks down starch into glucose.

Carbohydrase

A type of enzyme that breaks down carbohydrates into simple sugars.

Protease

An enzyme that breaks down proteins into amino acids.

Lipase

An enzyme that breaks down lipids into glycerol and fatty acids.

Denatured

The change in shape of an enzyme that prevents it from functioning.

Optimum Temperature

The temperature at which an enzyme works best.