Characteristics of Life Flashcards
Cell
smallest unit of life
Organism
any living thing that has all the characteristics of life
Homeostasis
process by which organisms maintain a relatively stable internal environment
Photosynthesis
plants use the sun’s energy to convert water and carbon dioxide into sugars(glucose)
Cellular Respiration
process that releases energy by breaking down glucose and other food molecules in the presence of oxygen.
Passive transport
the movement of molecules across cell membranes without using any energy.
Active Transport
the movement of materials through a cell membrane using energy.
Diffusion
the process by which molecules move from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration
Osmosis
diffusion of water through a selectively permeable membrane.
Endocytosis
the process during which a cell takes in a substance by surrounding it with the cell membrane.
Exocytosis
process during which a cell’s vesicles release their contents outside the cell.
What are the three parts of the cell theory?
- All living things are composed of cells.
- Cells are the basic unit of life.
- New cells come from preexisting cells.
What are the characteristics of Prokaryotes?
Mostly tiny, single-celled organisms. (Bacteria)
No nucleus genetic material in cytoplasm
What are the characteristics in Eukaryotes?
Single-celled/multicellular organisms. (Animal or Plant)
Nucleus, genetic material in the nucleus.
List the 4 macromolecules. Give their monomer and function.
- Carbohydrate- Monomer: Monosacharides
Function: Energy Storage, Structural Support, communication - Lipid- Monomer: Glycerol + Fatty Acids
Function: Energy Storage, Protective membrane, communication - Protein- Monomer: Amino Acids
Function: Communication, Transport, Chemical Breakdown of substances, Structural Support - Nucleic Acid- Monomer: nucleotides
Function: contains genetic information.