The Cell System

Front

What is photosynthesis?

Back

Photosynthesis is the process by which autotrophs, like plants, convert light energy into chemical energy in the form of glucose, using carbon dioxide and water.

Front

What is an autotroph?

Back

An autotroph is an organism that can produce its own food using light, water, carbon dioxide, or other chemicals. Examples include plants and some bacteria.

Front

What is a heterotroph?

Back

A heterotroph is an organism that cannot produce its own food and must consume other organisms for energy. Examples include animals and fungi.

Front

What is the main function of a cell membrane?

Back

The cell membrane protects the cell and regulates what enters and exits the cell, maintaining homeostasis.

Front

What is a vacuole?

Back

A vacuole is a membrane-bound organelle in cells that stores nutrients, waste products, and helps maintain turgor pressure in plant cells.

Front

What is the difference between plant and animal cells?

Back

Plant cells have a cell wall, chloroplasts for photosynthesis, and larger vacuoles, while animal cells only have a cell membrane and smaller vacuoles.

Front

What is endocytosis?

Back

Endocytosis is the process by which cells take in materials by engulfing them in a membrane, requiring energy.

Front

What is exocytosis?

Back

Exocytosis is the process by which cells expel materials by vesicles fusing with the cell membrane, also requiring energy.

Front

What is diffusion?

Back

Diffusion is the passive movement of molecules from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration.

Front

What is facilitated diffusion?

Back

Facilitated diffusion is the process of passive transport of molecules across a cell membrane via specific transmembrane proteins.