Biochemistry and Plant Biology: Flashcards for Review

A compilation of key terms and definitions from Biochemistry and Plant Biology to aid in exam preparation.

Trace element

A type of mineral necessary in small amounts for biological functions.

Macronutrient

Chemical elements that are required in larger amounts by plants and animals.

Osmotic pressure

The pressure required to prevent the flow of water across a semipermeable membrane.

Isomer

Compounds that have the same atomic composition but different structural arrangements.

Stereoisomer

Compounds with the same chemical structure but different spatial arrangements.

Hydrolysis

A chemical process that splits a molecule by adding water.

Amino acid

Organic compounds that combine to form proteins, containing an amine group and a carboxylic acid group.

Polysaccharide

Long-chain carbohydrates that consist of many monosaccharide units.

Glycogen

A multibranched polysaccharide that serves as a form of energy storage in animals.

Eukaryote

Organisms composed of one or more cells that contain a nucleus and other organelles.

Prokaryote

Single-celled organisms that lack a membrane-bound nucleus.

Taxonomy

The science of classification of organisms.

Spore

A reproductive cell capable of developing into a new individual without the fusion with another reproductive cell.

Ciliates

A group of protozoa characterized by the presence of hair-like organelles called cilia.

Mycelium

The vegetative part of a fungus, consisting of a mass of fine white filaments (hyphae).

Glycoprotein

A protein that has carbohydrate molecules attached to it.

Hemoglobin

An iron-containing biomolecule in red blood cells responsible for oxygen transport.

Enzyme

Proteins that act as catalysts to accelerate biochemical reactions.

Antibody

A blood protein produced in response to and counteracting a specific antigen.

Nomenclature

A system of naming in biology or another field.

Mitosis

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

Meiosis

A special type of cell division that produces reproductive cells.

Phylogenetics

The study of evolutionary relationships among biological entities.

Chlorophyll

The green pigment found in plants that absorbs light energy used in photosynthesis.