vocab Flashcards
Photosynthesis
The process by which plants use sunlight to make their own food from carbon dioxide and water.
Macromolecule
A large molecule made up of smaller units (like proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids).
Monomer
A single building block or unit that can join together to form a larger molecule (polymer).
Polymer
A large molecule made up of many repeating units (monomers) linked together.
Dehydration synthesis
A process that joins two molecules together by removing water.
Carbohydrate
A type of molecule made of sugars, which provide energy (like glucose).
Hydrolysis
A process that breaks down a molecule by adding water.
Cellular respiration
The process by which cells convert food into energy, using oxygen.
Lipid
A type of fat or oil that stores energy and makes up cell membranes.
Protein
A molecule made of amino acids that helps build and repair tissues and supports many functions in the body.
Nucleic acid
Molecules (like DNA and RNA) that store and transmit genetic information.
Autotroph
An organism that makes its own food, usually through photosynthesis (like plants).
Heterotroph
An organism that cannot make its own food and gets energy by consuming other organisms (like animals).
ATP
A molecule that provides energy for many cellular processes.
Chemosynthesis
A process by which some organisms make their own food using chemicals instead of sunlight.
