B- Form and Function

Carbon atoms

Can form four single bonds or a mix of single and double bonds with other non-metal elements.

Macromolecules

Large molecules made by joining small units (monomers) in condensation reactions.

Glucose

A stable, water-soluble sugar used for energy in cells.

Polysaccharides

Carbohydrates like starch and glycogen that store energy and are compact, non-dissolving in water.

Cellulose

A tough plant fiber made of straight chains linked by hydrogen bonds.

Glycoproteins

Molecules that help cells recognize each other, such as in blood types.

Lipids

Fats, oils, waxes, and steroids that dissolve in non-polar liquids.

Triglycerides

Fats that store energy and help keep the body warm.

Phospholipids

Molecules that form membranes with hydrophilic and hydrophobic parts.

Amino acids

Building blocks of proteins, consisting of an amine group, a carboxyl group, a hydrogen atom, and an R-group.

Essential amino acids

Amino acids that must be obtained from food because the body cannot make them.

Non-essential amino acids

Amino acids that can be synthesized by the body.

Hydrolysis

The process of breaking down macromolecules into monomers by using water.

Denature

When extreme temperatures or pH break bonds in proteins, causing them to lose their shape.

Selectively permeable

A property of cell membranes that allows only certain substances to pass through.

Fluid mosaic model

Model describing the cell membrane as a flexible layer with moving proteins.

Compartmentalization

The division of cellular processes into different compartments to enhance functionality.

Morphogen gradients

Gradients that control gene expression during developmental processes.

Stem cell niche

Special environment supplying signals to stem cells about their function.

Gas exchange surfaces

Special surfaces that facilitate the exchange of gases necessary for respiration.

Alveoli

Tiny sacs in lungs where the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide occurs.

Ventilation

The process of moving air in and out of the lungs.

Transpiration

The loss of water vapor from plants, primarily through stomata.

Xylem

The type of vessel in plants responsible for carrying water, strengthened with lignin.

Habitat

The natural environment where an organism lives.

Tolerance range

The range of environmental conditions that a species can withstand for survival.

Ecological niche

The role an organism plays in its ecosystem, influenced by biotic and abiotic factors.

Holozoic nutrition

The process of consuming, digesting, and absorbing food, characteristic of animals.

Competitive exclusion

The principle stating that two species competing for the same resource cannot coexist.

Fundamental niche

The ecological role an organism could potentially occupy based on its traits.

Realized niche

The actual ecological role an organism plays in the presence of competition.