Basics 3 min read
Potential and Kinetic Energy
When an object is in motion, there is energy associated with that object. Think of a wrecking ball. Even a…
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Basics 4 min read
Energy & Thermodynamics
Energy Thermodynamics refers to the study of energy and energy transfer involving physical matter. The matter relevant to a particular…
Basics 3 min read
Metabolic Pathways
Consider the metabolism of sugar. This is a classic example of one of the many cellular processes that use and…
Basics 2 min read
How Cells Obtain Energy?
Figure 4.1 A hummingbird needs energy to maintain prolonged flight. The bird obtains its energy from taking in food and…
Basics 2 min read
Exocytosis
In contrast to these methods of moving material into a cell is the process of exocytosis. Exocytosisis the opposite of…
Basics 2 min read
Endocytosis
Endocytosis is a type of active transport that moves particles, such as large molecules, parts of cells, and even whole…
Basics 3 min read
Electrochemical Gradient
We have discussed simple concentration gradients—differential concentrations of a substance across a space or a membrane—but in living systems, gradients…
Basics 1 min read
Active Transport
Active transport mechanisms require the use of the cell’s energy, usually in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). If a…
Basics 15 min read
The Cell Membrane
A cell’s plasma membrane defines the boundary of the cell and determines the nature of its contact with the environment.…
Basics 9 min read
Animal Cells versus Plant Cells
Despite their fundamental similarities, there are some striking differences between animal and plant cells Animal cells have centrioles, centrosomes (discussed…
Basics 2 min read
Ribosomes, Mitochondria & Peroxisomes
Ribosomes Ribosomes are the cellular structures responsible for protein synthesis. When viewed through an electron microscope, free ribosomes appear as either…
Basics 1 min read
Vesicles and Vacuoles
Vesicles and vacuoles are membrane-bound sacs that function in storage and transport. Vacuoles are somewhat larger than vesicles, and the…