B2.1 Inside Living Cells Key words Flashcards
Adenine
A base found in DNA and RNA that pairs with Thymine/Uracil.
Aerobic
A process using oxygen. Aerobic respiration is respiration that needs oxygen.
Amino Acids
One of about 20 different small molecules that link together in long chains to form proteins. Often called the building blocks of proteins.
Anaerobic
A process that does not use oxygen. Anaerobic respiration is respiration that does not need oxygen.
Aseptic
Conditions that are free from contamination by unwanted microorganisms. Aseptic precautions are
Bases
Chemical groups making up part of the DNA and RNA molecules. The order of bases in the DNA forms
Capillary
Very small blood vessel with walls one cell thick. The site of exchange of materials between the
Coding
The strand of DNA that carries the genetic code.
Cramp
Muscle pain caused by build-up of lactic acid when a muscle is overworked.
Cultivated
The growth of organisms, such as plants and microorganisms, in controlled conditions.
Culture Medium
A liquid in which microorganisms are grown.
Cytosine
A base found in DNA and RNA that pairs with Guanine.
Diffusion
The movement of molecules from a region where they are at a high concentration to a region where they are at a low concentration.
DNA
The chemical that makes up genes (deoxyribonucleic acid).
Double Helix
The shape of the DNA molecule, like a twisted ladder.
Enzymes
Proteins in cells that control chemical reactions. They are biological catalysts.
Fermentation
Using microorganisms to break down nutrients into useful products.
Genes
Sequences of DNA inside chromosomes that control the characteristics of an organism.
Genetic code
The instructions carried by the DNA for making a cell and telling it what to do.
Glucose
A simple sugar that is broken down in cells to release energy. It is also produced during photosynthesis.
Guanine
A base found in DNA and RNA that pairs with Cytosine.
Insulin
A protein hormone that controls the level of blood glucose.
Lactic Acid
The waste product of anaerobic respiration in muscle cells.
Messenger RNA
A type of RNA that carries the genetic code out from the nucleus to the cytoplasm during protein synthesis.
Microorganism
A very small organism that can only be seen through a microscope. Bacteria, fungi and viruses are examples of microorganisms.
Organelle
A part of a cell with a specific function, such as the nucleus.
Polypeptide
A long chain of amino acids. A protein is made of one or more polypeptides folded into a particular shape.
