In eukaryotic cells, the membrane-bound organelle that contains the genetic material. A membrane-bound organelle that both generates and breaks down hydrogen peroxide. Phospholipid A fatty compound that contains phosphate. Phospholipids make up much of the outer membranes of cells and organelles. Protein A molecule made up of a number of amino acids arranged in a specific order determined by the genetic code.
Proteins are essential for all life processes.
Receptor A specialized molecule of a cell's membrane that receives information from the environment and conveys it to other parts of the cell. The information is transmitted in the form of a specific chemical that must fit the receptor like a key in a lock. When segments of foreign DNA are transferred into another cell or organism, the substance for which they code may be produced along with substances coded for by the native genetic material of the cell or organism. The duplication of hereditary material prior to cell division. Respiration Within cells, the breakdown of food molecules to liberate metabolically useful energy.