Chapter 2, Lesson 1: The Nature of Matter

The most abundant element in the universe, vital for forming water and organic compounds. Its simplicity allows it to bond with other atoms like oxygen and carbon.

Specialized cells that detect changes in the environment, triggering responses to maintain homeostasis.

Essential for respiration and energy production in organisms. Found in water, organic molecules, and the air we breathe.

The process of maintaining a stable internal environment, like temperature, pH, and water balance.

Key for amino acids and proteins, part of DNA and RNA which carries the instructions for life.

The primary energy carrier in cells, used for various activities like movement, growth, and repair.

Found in ATP, providing energy for cellular activities, and in the phosphate groups of DNA and RNA.

A component of amino acids and proteins, contributing to their shape and function.

Energy is required for all living organisms to carry out life processes.

A substance formed when two or more different elements are chemically bonded together.

A molecule formed when ATP loses a phosphate group, releasing energy.

The bond between the second and third phosphate groups in ATP stores energy.

A type of bond formed when atoms share electrons, creating a stable molecule.

Occurs when ATP breaks down, releasing energy that cells can use for various tasks.

The process of a cell increasing its size.

A type of bond formed when one atom donates an electron to another, creating charged particles (ions) that attract each other.

The process of adding a phosphate back to ADP to reform ATP, restoring energy storage.

The ratio of a cell's surface area to its volume. A smaller ratio means less efficient exchange of materials.

The process by which a cell divides into two daughter cells, ensuring that each daughter cell receives a complete set of chromosomes.

A type of cell division that produces two identical daughter cells, used in growth, repair, and asexual reproduction.

The stage in the cell cycle where the cell prepares for division, including DNA replication.

The first stage of mitosis where chromosomes condense and the nuclear membrane breaks down.

The stage of mitosis where chromosomes line up along the middle of the cell.

The stage of mitosis where sister chromatids are pulled apart to opposite poles of the cell.

The smallest units that can perform all the essential functions of life.

All living organisms are composed of cells.

All cells arise from pre-existing cells.

A region in a prokaryotic cells where the genetic material is found.

Cells without a nucleus, smaller and simpler than eukaryotic cells.

Cells with a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles, larger and more complex than prokaryotic cells.

Lipids with a glycerol backbone, an ester linkage, and three fatty acid tails.

Lipids with a glycerol backbone, an ester linkage, two fatty acid tails, and a phosphate group.

Tiny channels that allow communication between adjacent plant cells.

Movement of molecules across a cell membrane from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration. No energy required.

Movement of molecules across a cell membrane from an area of lower concentration to an area of higher concentration. Requires energy.

The powerhouse of the cell, responsible for generating energy (ATP) through cellular respiration.

A series of flattened sacs that sorts, packages, and ships proteins.

Organelles that break down waste products and cellular debris.

A network of interconnected membranes that synthesizes proteins and lipids (Rough ER) and detoxifies the cell (Smooth ER).

Enzymes act as catalysts, speeding up chemical reactions without being consumed in the process. They have active sites where substrates bind.

The process by which plants and some algae use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to create glucose (sugar) for energy and release oxygen as a byproduct.

The chemical formula for photosynthesis, showing the raw materials and products.

Specialized cell organelles found in plants and some algae that contain chlorophyll and are the site of photosynthesis.

A green pigment found in chloroplasts that absorbs light energy, primarily in the red and blue wavelengths.

The first stage of photosynthesis, occurring in the thylakoid membranes of chloroplasts, where light energy is captured and used to split water molecules and produce ATP and NADPH.

The second stage of photosynthesis, taking place in the stroma of chloroplasts, where carbon dioxide is fixed using the ATP and NADPH from the light-dependent reactions to produce glucose.

The membrane-bound compartments within chloroplasts where the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis occur.

The fluid-filled space within the chloroplast, surrounding the thylakoids, where the light-independent reactions (Calvin cycle) of photosynthesis occur.