Basic concepts of Biology

Adenosine triphosphate - is a coenzyme molecule, a energy carrier that carries energy to where it is used inside the cell. ATP is broken into ADP (Adenosine diphosphate) and Pi, releasing energy that is needed for energy requiring processes.

prophase: chromosomes each consist of two chromatids attached at a centromere, nucleus disapperas

metaphase: chromosomes are aligned across the centre of the cell with threads attached to their centromeres

anaphase: pairs of chromatids separate in each of the chromosomes, giving rise to separate chromosomes that are drawn to opposite ends of the cell

and telophase: chromosomes arrive at each end of the cell

The phenotype is the physical appearance of an organism, while the genotype is its genetic make up.

A molecule is the term used for a groups of atoms, held together by chemical bonds.

A compound is a substance made up of a large number of molecules of the same kind, and the molecules of which are made up of atoms from more than one element.

The relative molecular mass (Mr) is calculated by adding the relative atomic mass (Ar) of each of the atoms a molecule contains. For water (H2O) it's hydrogen (1) + hydrogen (1) + oxygen (16) = 18

An ion is a positively (cations) or negatively charged (anions) atom. The positive or negative charge derives from gained or lost electrons in ionic bonding.

a form of bonding between atoms in transferring electrons to form positive and negative ions

a form of bonding between atoms where pairs of electrons are shared rather than gained or lost

A eukaryotic individual that has two different forms of a gene which determines a particular trait or characteristic.

A eukaryotic individual that has two identical copies of a gene which determines a particular trait or characteristic.

the alternative forms (or variants) of a gene

Enzymes are globular proteins. They speed up chemical reactions in living organisms to a rate that is suitable to sustain life by acting as a biological catalyst.

Polysaccharides (sugars), nucleic acids (DNA), proteins (fibrous and globular proteins)

Cellulose is an organic compound, a polysaccharide consisting of linear chain of several hundreds to many thousands glucose polymers to give a very tough fibre. It is an important structural component of the primary of cell walls in plants.

Triacylglycerol are the commonest lipids in living organisms, the molecules are esters of long-chain carboxylic acids (fatty acids) and an alcohol called glycerol. In living organisms they are mainly used as energy storage.