A Glossary of Terms from Lab 4:
anabolism
Metabolic reactions that require energy and result in the biosynthesis of
needed compounds. An example of this is photosynthesis, in which solar
energy is incorporated into complex compounds such as glucose and its
derivatives.
ATP
(Adenosine TriPhosphate) A molecule consisting of adenosine (adenine plus a
ribose sugar) and three phosphate groups. The last two phosphates are joined
by high energy bonds which provide energy used in chemical reactions such as
respiration and glycolysis. In plants, ATP is formed in the chloroplasts during
photosynthesis.
autotrophs
An organism able to build all the complex organic molecules that it
requires as
its own food source, using only simple inorganic compounds. Plants, and
some bacteria are autotrophs.
budding
A method of asexual reproduction common in some lower animal groups in
which part of the body wall bulges outward and eventually forms a new
individual, which becomes detached from the parent. Budding can also occur
in single-celled organisms such as yeast.
carbohydrate
A family of organic molecules with the general formula (CH20)x,
ranging from simple sugars, such as glucose and fructose, to complex molecules,
such as starch and cellulose.
catabolism
A type of metabolism in which biochemical processes taking place in a cell
result in the breaking down of complex compounds into simpler ones to
release energy.
ectotherm
An animal, such as a reptile, fish, or amphibian, that must use environmental
energy and behavioral adaptations to regulate its body temperature.
endotherm
An animal that uses metabolic energy to maintain a constant body
temperature, such as a bird or mammal.
fermentation
A catabolic process that makes a limited amount of ATP from glucose
without an electron transport chain and that produces a characteristic end-
product, such as ethyl alcohol or lactic acid.
glucose
(C6H12O6) an important monosaccharide (simple
carbohydrate) that acts as a primary energy supply for both plant and animal
cells
glycolysis
The splitting of glucose into pyruvate. Glycolysis is the one metabolic
pathway that occurs in all living cells, serving as the starting point for
fermentation or aerobic respiration.
glycogen
An extensively branched glucose storage polysaccharide found in the liver
and muscle of animals; the animal equivalent of starch.
heterotroph
An organism dependent on obtaining organic food from the environment
because it is unable to synthesize organic material. They (animals, fungi,
many bacteria, and a few flowering plants) obtain almost all their organic
material either directly or indirectly from the activity of autotrophs
homeothermic
Any warm-blooded animal (mammal or bird that can maintain its body
temperature within a narrow range, usually above that of its surroundings
despite large variations in environmental temperature. It may be maintained
continually or for limited periods only.
lipid
One of a family of compounds, including fats, phospholipids, and steroids,
that are insoluble in water.
metabolism
The totality of an organism's chemical processes, consisting of catabolic and
anabolic pathways.
oxidation
A chemical process in which either electrons are lost from an atom, or oxygen
is added to a molecule. Oxidation may also occur without the addition of oxygen
if hydrogen is removed (dehydrogenation.)
oxygen
A colorless, tasteless gas forming about 21% of Earth's atmosphere and
capable of combining with all other elements except the inert gases.
photoautotroph
A type of autotroph that uses light as an energy source to synthesize organic
compounds from inorganic materials. Green plants are photoautotrophs.
photosynthesis
The conversion of light energy into chemical energy that is stored in glucose
or other organic compounds; occurs in plants, algae, and certain
prokaryotes.
poikilothermic
(ectotherm) any animal whose body temperature follows that of the
surrounding environment.
polysaccharide
A large carbohydrate molecule with a chainlike or branched structure composed
of many monosaccharides. Functions in storage (ex. starch, insulin, glycogen)
or structre (ex. cellulose, chitin.)
protein
A three-dimensional biological polymer constructed from a set of 20 different
monomers called amino acids.
pyruvic
acid
An important 3-carbon molecule formed from glucose and glycerol in
glycolysis.
reducing agent
Any substance capable of removing oxygen from a molecule or of adding
hydrogen, that is, it is capable of contributing electrons to a process.
respiration
A process by which gaseous exchange-oxygen and carbon dioxide-takes place between
an organism and the surrounding medium.