Biology Flashcards
Chapters 1-3 (25 cards)
cells
basic structural unit of living organisms
multicellular
composed of many cells
Cytoplasm
jelly-like material that makes up most of a cell
Organelles
part of a cell with a particular function
Nucleus
organelle that contains chromosomes, controls the cell’s activities
Chromosomes
thread-like structure found in the nucleus made of DNA and proteins. Contains genetic info.
Genes
part of a chromosome. A length of DNA that controls a characteristic of an organism by producing a specific protein.
Ribosomes
tiny structure, site of protein synthesis
Enzymes
protein that acts as a biological catalyst
Cell membrane
thin surface layer around cytoplasm of cell
Partially permeable
membrane that is permeable to some but not all molecules
Selectively permeable
membrane that allows certain ions/molecules to pass through it by active transport
Mitochondrion
tiny structure. Carries out aerobic respiration and produces ATP
Respiration
chemical reaction in cells where glucose is broken down to release energy
Cell wall
non-living layer outside cell membrane of certain types of cell
Cellulose
polysaccharide of glucose that forms plant cell walls
Vacuole
membrane-bound space in certain cells filled with cell sap
Chlorophyll
green pigment in chloroplasts that absorbs light energy during photosynthesis
Catalysts
chemical that increases the rate of a reaction but remains unchanged at the end of it
Metabolism
chemical reactions taking place inside cells
Substrate
molecule upon which an enzyme acts
Active site
area on the enzyme where the substrate attaches, and products are formed
Lock and Key model
substrate is the ‘key’ in the enzyme’s ‘lock’ or active site
Denatures
the process where the structure of a protein is damaged. If the protein is an enzyme, it will not catalyse a rection
