English Words for "Biochemistry and Cell Structure" | SAT Vocabulary

cellulose

noun

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a substance found in the cell walls of plants, providing structure and making up dietary fiber

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Plants utilize cellulose as a structural component in their cell walls.

Cellulose provides rigidity and strength to plant cells.

What is "cellulose"?

Cellulose is a type of carbohydrate, specifically a polysaccharide, that forms the structural component of plant cell walls. It is made up of long chains of glucose molecules linked together, providing strength and rigidity to plant cells. While cellulose is indigestible by humans and most animals due to their lack of enzymes capable of breaking it down, it serves as dietary fiber, aiding in digestion and promoting bowel regularity. Cellulose is found in high amounts in plant-based foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes.

fructose

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a natural sugar found in fruits and honey, often used to sweeten foods and drinks

What is "fructose"?

Fructose is a type of sugar, classified as a monosaccharide, that is naturally found in fruits, honey, and certain vegetables. It is known for its sweet taste and is often used as a sweetener in processed foods and beverages. When consumed, fructose is absorbed into the bloodstream and transported to the liver, where it is processed and converted into glucose or stored as glycogen for energy. While fructose can provide energy like other sugars, excessive intake, particularly from added sugars in processed foods, has been associated with negative health effects, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, and fatty liver disease.

peptide

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a short chain of amino acids linked together, which can function as a building block for proteins or act as a signaling molecule in the body

carotenoid

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a type of pigment found in plants, algae, and some bacteria, responsible for bright red, yellow, and orange colors and important for photosynthesis and antioxidant activity

enzyme

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a substance that all living organisms produce that brings about a chemical reaction without being altered itself

What is an "enzyme"?

Enzymes are special proteins that speed up biological reactions in the body. They help reactions occur more quickly by reducing the amount of energy needed to start them. Enzymes are highly specific, meaning each enzyme typically activates only one type of reaction or a few closely related reactions. They play crucial roles in various bodily functions, including digestion, metabolism, and cellular processes. For example, digestive enzymes aid in breaking down food into smaller molecules that can be absorbed by the body, while metabolic enzymes assist in chemical reactions involved in energy production and the creation of essential molecules. Without enzymes, many vital biochemical reactions would happen too slowly to sustain life processes.

proteome

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the entire set of proteins expressed by a cell, tissue, or organism at a specific time under defined conditions

nucleotide

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a molecule that forms the basic building block of DNA and RNA, consisting of a sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base

monosaccharide

noun

/ˌmɑnəˈsækɝˌaɪd/

a simple sugar molecule, the most basic form of carbohydrates that cannot be further hydrolyzed

What is a "monosaccharide"?

Monosaccharides are simple sugars, which are the most basic form of carbohydrates. They consist of single sugar molecules that cannot be broken down further into smaller sugars. Common examples of monosaccharides include glucose, fructose, and galactose. These sugars are easily absorbed by the body and serve as a quick source of energy. Monosaccharides are found naturally in fruits, vegetables, and honey, and they are also added to processed foods as sweeteners. In addition to providing energy, monosaccharides play important roles in cellular processes and are essential for overall health and well-being.

glutamate

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a fundamental compound derived from glutamic acid, integral to biological functions and known for its role as a neurotransmitter in the central nervous system

antioxidant

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a substance, such as vitamin E, that helps clean the body of harmful substances

What is an "antioxidant"?

An antioxidant is a substance that possesses unique properties to counteract and neutralize harmful molecules called free radicals. Antioxidants can be naturally occurring or synthetic, and common examples include vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, and resveratrol. Antioxidants work by donating electrons to free radicals, thereby preventing or minimizing their damaging effects on cells. They are known for their potential health benefits, including protecting against chronic diseases, reducing inflammation, and promoting overall well-being. Antioxidants can be obtained through a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and other sources known for their antioxidant content.

organelle

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a specialized, membrane-bound structure within a cell that performs specific functions, contributing to the cell's overall structure and function

mitochondrial

Adjective

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relating to or characteristic of mitochondria, which are organelles found in cells responsible for energy production

cytoplasm

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the gel-like, semifluid substance within a cell that surrounds the organelles, providing a medium for cellular activities, including metabolism, transport of substances, and support for cellular structures

chlorophyll

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a green pigment found in all green plants and cyanobacteria that is responsible for the absorption of the sunlight needed for the photosynthesis process

membrane

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a thin sheet of tissue that separates or covers the inner parts of an organism

What is a "membrane"?

A membrane refers to a thin, flexible layer of tissue that covers, lines, or separates various structures and organs. These membranes serve diverse functions, such as protecting organs, providing structural support, facilitating movement and flexibility, and allowing for the exchange of substances. Examples of membranes in the human body include the mucous membranes that line the respiratory and digestive tracts, the serous membranes that encase organs in protective fluid-filled cavities, and the cell membranes that surround individual cells, regulating the passage of molecules. Membranes are essential for the proper functioning and integration of different body systems.

tissue

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a group of cells in the body of living things, forming their different parts

What is "tissue"?

Tissue refers to a group or collection of specialized cells that work together to perform a specific function. Tissues can be categorized into four main types: epithelial, connective, muscle, and nervous. Epithelial tissue forms protective barriers and linings, connective tissue provides support and structure, muscle tissue enables movement and contraction, and nervous tissue facilitates communication and electrical signaling. Tissues are the building blocks of organs and systems, playing a vital role in maintaining the body's structure, function, and overall homeostasis.

Golgi apparatus

noun

/ɡˈɑːlɡi ˌæpɚɹˈæɾəs/

a cellular organelle involved in the processing, packaging, and distribution of proteins and lipids within the cell, consisting of a stack of flattened membrane sacs called cisternae

Grammatical Information:

compound noun

ribosome

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a tiny structure within cells that assembles proteins by reading the genetic instructions carried by messenger RNA

lysosome

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a small, enzyme-filled sac in a cell that breaks down waste materials and unwanted substances

vacuole

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a cell organelle in plants, fungi, and some protists that stores nutrients, manages waste, and helps maintain cell pressure

nucleus

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(biology) the part of a cell that contains most of the genetic information

chloroplast

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a plant cell organelle that uses sunlight to produce energy and make glucose through photosynthesis

cytoskeleton

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a network of protein fibers in a cell that gives it shape, supports its structure, and aids in movement

cambium

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a layer of actively dividing cells in plants, responsible for secondary growth by producing new xylem and phloem tissues

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