How Cells Function

Science

active transport

the movement of materials through the cell membrane using energy

active transport Simple Definition

ATP

adenosine triphosphate, molecules that store energy

ATP Simple Definition

cell cycle

the life cycle of a cell

cell cycle Simple Definition

cellular respiration

cells using oxygen to produce energy from food

cellular respiration Simple Definition

cytokinesis

the division of the cytoplasm during cell division

cytokinesis Simple Definition

diffusion

the movement of molecules from an area of higher density to an area of lower density

diffusion Simple Definition

enzyme

a protein that speeds up chemical reactions in cells

enzyme Simple Definition

fermentation

cells breaking down molecules to release energy without using oxygen

fermentation Simple Definition

homologous chromosome

a chromosome with the same structure and gene sequence

homologous chromosome Simple Definition

interphase

the stage of cell cycle before cell division occurs

interphase Simple Definition

metabolism

the sum of all chemical reactions in an organism

metabolism Simple Definition

mitosis

the stage of the cell cycle during which the nucleus divides

mitosis Simple Definition

osmosis

the diffusion of water through a semipermeable membrane

osmosis Simple Definition

passive transport

the movement of materials through a cell membrane without the use of energy

passive transport Simple Definition

photosynthesis

the process by which plants use sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water to make food

photosynthesis Simple Definition

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