B1 - B2.2 Glossary Flashcards
Multicellular organisms
Organisms composed of multiple cells working together as a cohesive unit to perform various functions.
Unicellular organisms
Organisms consisting of a single cell that carries out all necessary life functions.
Eukaryotic cell
A type of cell that contains a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles. Examples include cells of plants, animals, fungi, and protists.
Prokaryotic cell
A type of cell that lacks a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles. Examples include bacteria and archaea.
Nucleus
A membrane-bound organelle within eukaryotic cells that contains the genetic material (DNA) and controls cellular activities.
Cytoplasm
The gel-like substance that fills the cell and surrounds the organelles.
Cell membrane
The outer boundary of a cell that separates the cell from its environment and controls the movement of substances in and out of the cell.
Mitochondria
Membrane-bound organelles in eukaryotic cells responsible for producing energy (ATP) through cellular respiration.
Subcellular structures
Various organelles and structures within a cell, such as mitochondria, chloroplasts, and the nucleus.
Cell wall
A rigid outer layer found in plant, fungal, and bacterial cells that provides support and protection.
Vacuole
A membrane-bound sac within a cell that stores water, nutrients, and waste materials.
Chloroplasts
Organelles found in plant cells and some protists that contain chlorophyll and are responsible for photosynthesis.
Bacteria
Microscopic, single-celled organisms that belong to the domain Bacteria. They are prokaryotic and have various shapes and structures.
Genetic material
The material (such as DNA or RNA) that carries the genetic information of an organism.
Flagella
Whip-like appendages on the surface of some cells that allow for movement.
Pili
Short, hair-like structures on the surface of some bacteria that help with attachment and transfer of genetic material.
Slime capsule
A protective layer outside the cell wall of some bacteria that aids in attachment and protection.
Plasmid
Small, circular DNA molecules found in some bacteria that can replicate independently from the main chromosome.
Resolution
The ability to distinguish or separate two objects or details in an image.
Electron microscopes
Microscopes that use a beam of electrons instead of light to magnify and visualize samples.
Transmission electron microscopes
Electron microscopes that create detailed, high-resolution images by transmitting electrons through a thin sample.
Scanning electron microscopes
Electron microscopes that provide detailed three-dimensional images of the surface of a sample by scanning it with a beam of electrons.
Chromosome
A structure composed of DNA and proteins that carries the genetic information of an organism.
Genes
Segments of DNA that contain instructions for the development and functioning of an organism.
Enzymes
Proteins that act as catalysts in biological reactions, speeding up the rate of chemical reactions in cells.
Lock and key hypothesis
A model that explains the specificity of enzyme-substrate interactions, where the enzyme (lock) and substrate (key) fit together in a specific way.
Optimum conditions
The ideal range of factors, such as temperature and pH, at which an enzyme or organism can function most effectively.
Denature
The process by which proteins lose their shape and function due to extreme conditions, such as high temperature or extreme pH.
Polymers
Large molecules made up of repeating subunits called monomers.
Monomers
Small molecules that can join together to form larger, more complex molecules called polymers.
Undifferentiated
Cells that have not yet developed specialized structures or functions.
Stem cells
Undifferentiated cells that have the potential to differentiate into various cell types in the body.
Meristems
Regions of plant tissue where cell division and growth occur, allowing for plant growth and development.
Lipids
A class of molecules that includes fats, oils, and waxes, which serve as a source of energy and are important components of cell membranes.
Respiration
The process by which cells convert organic compounds into usable energy, typically in the form of ATP.
Aerobic respiration
Respiration that requires oxygen and occurs in the presence of oxygen, producing more ATP compared to anaerobic respiration.
ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate):
A molecule that stores and provides energy for cellular processes.Form of chemical energy.
Anaerobic respiration
Respiration that occurs in the absence of oxygen, producing a limited amount of ATP.
Oxygen debt
The amount of oxygen needed to convert accumulated lactic acid to glucose after anaerobic respiration.
Producers
Organisms, such as plants and some bacteria, that can convert sunlight into chemical energy through the process of photosynthesis.
Photosynthesis
The process by which green plants and some other organisms use sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water to produce glucose and oxygen.
Biomass
The total mass of living organisms (plants and animals) in a given area or ecosystem.
Fructose
A simple sugar (monosaccharide) found in fruits and honey.
Sucrose
A disaccharide composed of glucose and fructose, commonly known as table sugar.
Limiting factors
Environmental factors that can limit or restrict the growth, activity, or distribution of organisms in an ecosystem.
Diffusion
The passive process by which molecules move from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration.
Concentration gradient
The difference in the concentration of a substance between two areas or across a membrane.
Passive process
A process that does not require energy expenditure by the cell, such as diffusion or osmosis.
Osmosis
The passive movement of water molecules across a selectively permeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration.
Water potential
The potential energy of water in a system compared to pure water under standard conditions.
Turgor pressure
The pressure exerted on the cell wall of a plant cell by the inward movement of water due to osmosis.
Turgid
Describes a plant cell that is swollen and firm due to the entry of water through osmosis.
Plasmolysed cell
Describes a plant cell that has lost water and has shrunk away from the cell wall due to a hypertonic environment.
Flaccid
Describes a plant cell that has lost water and has become limp or wilted.
Lysis
The bursting or disintegration of a cell due to the entry of excessive water.
Crenated
Describes a cell that has shrunk or become wrinkled due to water loss in a hypertonic environment.
Active transport
The movement of substances across a cell membrane against their concentration gradient, requiring energy and often involving carrier proteins.
Carrier proteins
Proteins embedded in the cell membrane that assist in the active transport of molecules or ions across the membrane.
Mitosis
The process of cell division in which a single cell divides into two identical daughter cells, each with the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell.
Cell cycle
The sequence of events that a cell undergoes, including growth, DNA replication, and division.
DNA replication
The process by which DNA molecules are duplicated, resulting in two identical copies of the DNA molecule.
Cell differentiation
The process by which cells become specialized in structure and function to perform specific roles in an organism.
Differentiated
Describes cells that have undergone differentiation and have specialized structures and functions.
Specialised
Describes cells, tissues, or organs that have developed specific structures and functions to perform specific tasks.
5/6/23 - check other deck to fill in any knowledge gaps
