Chapter 3: Cell Processes Flashcards
organic compound
most compounds that contain carbon (ex: carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acid)
enzyme
specific proteins that regulate almost all chemical reactions in cells without being changed themselves
inorganic compound
most compounds made from elements other than carbon (ex: water)
diffusion
movement of molecules from areas where there are more of them to areas where there are fewer of them
equilibrium
state in which the molecules of a substance are evenly distributed throughout another substance
osmosis
diffusion of water through a cell membrane
passive transport
movement of substances through a cell membrane without the use of cellular energy
active transport
energy-requiring movement of substances through a cell membrane
endocytosis
process in which substances too large to cross the cell membrane enter the cell
exocytosis
process in which large particles leave the cell
metabolism
total of all chemical reactions in a living thing
producer
organism (such as a green plant) that makes its own food
consumer
organism that can’t make its own food
fermentation
form of respiration without oxygen
