Mitochondria generate ATP through cellular respiration, providing energy for the cell's activities. The nucleus controls genetic functions but does not produce energy.

Cells are the smallest units that exhibit all the properties of life. Tissues, organs, and organ systems are made up of cells working together.

Osmosis is the passive movement of water molecules across a semi-permeable membrane from an area of low solute concentration to an area of high solute concentration. It does not require energy input.

Ribosomes are the sites of protein synthesis where amino acids are assembled into proteins. They play no role in lipid breakdown, DNA replication, or carbohydrate storage.

DNA is known for its double helix structure, which is crucial for its role in genetic information storage and replication. RNA is typically single-stranded and proteins have varied three-dimensional structures.

The smooth endoplasmic reticulum is primarily involved in lipid synthesis and detoxification of harmful metabolic byproducts. Protein synthesis is conducted by the rough endoplasmic reticulum.

Cholesterol is embedded within the phospholipid bilayer and plays a key role in modulating membrane fluidity. It adjusts the packing of the fatty acid tails, thus stabilizing the membrane structure.

DNA replication occurs during the S phase (synthesis phase) of the cell cycle. This phase prepares the cell for division by accurately duplicating its genetic material.

Passive transport relies on the concentration gradient to move molecules from areas of high concentration to areas of low concentration. This process does not require energy in the form of ATP or other active mechanisms.

Enzymes act as catalysts in biochemical reactions by lowering the activation energy required for the reaction, and they are not consumed during the process. Inhibitors reduce reaction rates, while substrates are the molecules being transformed.

Carrier proteins in facilitated diffusion bind specific molecules and undergo conformational changes to help transport them across the membrane. This process is passive and does not require energy input.

Lysosomes contain digestive enzymes that break down waste materials and cellular debris. They are essential for recycling cellular components and maintaining cell health.

Organelles are specialized structures within the cell that carry out specific functions, effectively dividing the cell into compartments. This organization allows for efficiency and regulation of cellular processes.

Passive transport relies on natural diffusion along a concentration gradient and does not require energy input. Active transport, in contrast, requires energy to move substances against the gradient.

Exocytosis involves the fusion of vesicles containing large molecules with the cell membrane, releasing their contents outside the cell. This process is tightly regulated and is distinct from simple diffusion.

The fatty acid tails (hydrocarbon chains) in phospholipids provide flexibility, which allows the molecules to move laterally within the bilayer, contributing to membrane fluidity. This fluidity is essential for numerous cellular functions including transport and signaling.

In a hypotonic environment, the lower solute concentration outside the cell causes water to move into the cell by osmosis, leading to swelling. If too much water enters, the cell may burst, a process known as lysis.

Temperature affects the kinetic energy and the structural conformation of enzymes, thereby directly influencing the rate of enzyme-catalyzed reactions. Extreme temperatures can denature enzymes, reducing their efficiency.

Replication forks form during the S phase, where multiple enzymes work together to duplicate DNA with high fidelity. Proofreading mechanisms ensure that the new DNA strand is accurately copied from the original template.

Cells respond to changes in osmotic conditions by regulating osmoregulatory proteins and ion channels to adjust the movement of ions and water. This dynamic mechanism helps maintain internal equilibrium despite external fluctuations.