Random Bio Definitions Flashcards
Definition of polarised.
A change in potential difference.
Definition of resting potential.
The potential difference across a cell membrane when it’s resting.
Definition of millivolt.
Unit of measurement for potential difference.
Definition of active transport.
Diffusion against concentration gradient that requires energy.
What is a sodium-potassium pump?
It’s a co-transporter protein for sodium ions (going out) and potassium (going in).
What is a potassium ion channel?
It’s a channel protein that transports potassium ions.
Definition of facilitated diffusion.
Diffusion across a membrane with the use of proteins.
Definition of ion.
A molecule that’s charged.
Definition of an electrochemical gradient.
It’s the concentration of ions.
Definition of permeable.
The ability for molecules to move across a membrane.
What is a “voltage-gated” channel protein?
A channel protein which only open/function when they are hit with a certain voltage.
Definition of a threshold.
The potential needed for a response/movement>
Definition of an action potential.
The rapid change in potential.
Definition of a stimulus.
The change in an organism’s environment.
Definition of depolarisation.
The decrease in potential difference across a membrane.
Definition of repolarisation.
The return of a cell membrane to its resting potential.
Definition of hyperpolarisation.
The increase in potential difference across a cell’s membrane.
Definition of phosphorylation.
The attaching of an inorganic phosphate group to a molecule.
What is ATP hydrolase?
The enzyme which aids with hydrolysis.
What is ATP synthase?
The enzyme which aids with phosphorylation.
What does autotroph mean?
Self-feeding.
What is a photoautotroph?
A photosynthesising organism.
Definition of aerobic respiration.
Respiration with oxygen.
Definition of anaerobic respiration.
Respiration without oxygen.
Definition of the compensation point.
Where the rate of photosynthesis matches the rate of respiration.
Definition of photophosphorylation.
The attaching of an inorganic phosphate group to a molecule using light.
What is the function of a starch grain?
To store carbohydrates.
Where does the light-dependent reaction take place?
The thylakoid membrane.
Where does the light-independent reaction take place?
The stroma.
What is a granum?
Stacked thylakoid membranes.
What is the function of a coenzyme?
It aids the function of an enzyme.
What are electron carriers?
Proteins which carry/transfer electrons.
What is the electron transfer chain?
The chain of proteins through which excited electrons flow.
Definition of photoionisation.
The turning of an atom or molecule into an ion using light energy.
Definition of photolysis.
The splitting of a molecule using light energy.
Definition of skeletal muscle.
Muscle that is attached to bone.
Definition of antagonist.
Muscles which work opposing to another.
Definition of agonist.
Muscles which co-ordinate motion.
Definition of antagonistic pair.
A pair of muscles which work together.
Definition of myofibril.
Elongated fibre in a muscle cell.
Definition of myofilaments.
Small section of myofibril made of actin and myosin.
Definition of actin.
Thin myofilaments.
Definition of myosin.
Thick myofilaments.
Definition of multinucleate.
Multiple nuclei.
Definition of sarcolemma.
The membrane of the muscle cell.
Definition of sarcoplasm.
The cytoplasm of the muscle cell.
Definition of sarcoplasmic reticulum.
Where Ca+ ions are stored and released from.
Definition of transverse tubules.
Folds in a membrane that distributes charge.
Definition of sarcomere.
A unit of myofibril, consisting of actin and myosin that make up the A and I bands.
