Chemistry of Life
This element is essential for life, forms four covalent bonds, and is the backbone of organic molecules like carbohydrates, proteins, and nucleic acids.
Carbon
This membrane-bound organelle contains digestive enzymes and is responsible for breaking down macromolecules, worn-out organelles, and pathogens.
Lysosomes
This part of an enzyme binds to the substrate, facilitating the reaction and lowering the activation energy.
active site
This type of signaling involves the release of chemicals that affect nearby target cells, typically over a short distance.
Paracrine
This type of RNA delivers the correct amino acid to the ribosome during translation.
tRNA
This property of water explains why it can "stick" to surfaces like glass and plant roots.
Adhesion
In this process, the cell engulfs large particles or liquids by wrapping the cell membrane around them and forming a vesicle.
Endocytosis
The light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis occur in this part of the chloroplast.
thylakoid
This phase is the shortest in the cell cycle, where the cell undergoes rapid growth and prepares for mitosis.
G2
This region of DNA, often located just upstream of the gene, contains binding sites for transcription factors and RNA polymerase to initiate transcription.
Promoter
This property of water allows water to resist temperature changes and is crucial for maintaining homeostasis in organisms.
high specific heat capacity
This organelle helps to regulate the internal water balance of the cell and may contribute to maintaining osmotic pressure in plant cells.
In the light-independent reactions (Calvin Cycle), this molecule is the primary carbon source used to form glucose.
Carbon dioxide
This type of feedback loop enhances or amplifies a response, leading to an increase in the original signal or process.
Positive feedback
This mutation results in a premature stop codon, which leads to a truncated (shortened) protein.
nonsense mutation
The monomer units that make up carbohydrates are called:
Monosaccharides
In a human body, this hormone helps regulate water balance by affecting the kidneys' ability to concentrate urine.
ADH
This cycle occurs in the mitochondria and produces high-energy electron carriers, CO₂, and a small amount of ATP.
Kreb's cycle
This molecule acts as a secondary messenger in many signal transduction pathways, amplifying the signal inside the cell.
cAMP
Enzyme that removes RNA primers.
DNA polymerase I
This type of bond forms between two sulfur atoms in the R groups of cysteine amino acids, helping stabilize the protein's tertiary structure.
Disulfide bridge
This phenomenon occurs when a plant cell is placed in a hypertonic solution, causing the plasma membrane to pull away from the cell wall.
Plasmolysis
This molecule is the final electron acceptor in the electron transport chain, combining with electrons and hydrogen ions to form water.
Oxygen
This protein complex that regulates the progression of the cell cycle.
This process refers to the uptake of foreign DNA by a bacterium, often leading to the introduction of new genetic traits.
Transformation