B2.2 Divide and Develop Key words Flashcards
Anabolic Steroids
Hormones that promote cell growth and division, especially in muscle and bone tissue. Taken by some athletes to build muscle.
Cancer Cell
A cell that divides uncontrollably due to faulty genes. It has no Hayflick limit.
Cell Division
The process through which one cell splits into two daughter cells.
Chromosomes
Long DNA molecules that carry genetic information.
Continuous Variable
A variable that shows a gradual variation in data across a population. One example is height.
Differentiation
In cells, the process whereby new cells develop special characteristics to allow them to do their job.
Diploid
A cell that contains the full set of 46 chromosomes.
Distribution
The range of geographical locations in which a plant is found.
Dry Weight
The weight of an object or organism (usually plant matter) that has had its water content removed.
Elongation
The increase in the length of plant cells when they absorb water during growth.
Embryo
The collection of cells that grows from a fertilised egg in animals. The next stage in development after the zygote.
Foetus
The name for an embryo after the eighth week of development in the womb.
Full-term
The end of a pregnancy, between 37 and 40 weeks after conception, when the baby is fully developed for life outside the womb.
Gametes
Sex cells, such as sperm, ova and pollen.
Genes
Sequences of DNA inside chromosomes that control the characteristics of an organism.
Genetic Modification
Changing the genetic characteristics of an organism by manipulating genes and introducing them into DNA.
Growth
A permanent increase in the size or mass of an organism.
Growth Factor
A substance that stimulates the growth of cells. Artificial growth factors may be used to enhance the way the body works.
Haploid
A cell that contains 23 (half ) the full number of chromosomes. Produced by meiosis.
Hormones
Chemicals produced by a living organism which regulate growth, metabolism, and other important processes.
Impotence
The inability to produce offspring.
Inheritance
A term used to describe the passing of genes from parents to offspring.
Initiation
The process by which plants start to produce fruit.
Meiosis
A type of cell division that produces sex cells with half the full number of chromosomes.
Mitosis
A type of cell division that produces cells for growth, repair or the replacement of older cells.
Nucleus
In biology the part of both plant and animal cells that contain its genetic material (chromosomes and DNA). It directs and controls the activities of the cell.
Nutrients
The chemicals needed by an organism to grow.
Organ
A collection of different tissues working together to perform a particular function.
Ovum
An egg cell, found in females.
Regeneration
The special ability of some organisms to regrow parts of their bodies.
Selective Breeding
Breeding plants or animals from individuals that have the characteristics you most want.
Species
A group of living things sharing the same characteristics.
Sperm
A male sex cell.
Stem cells
Cells that have the ability to become any type of cell in an organism. Found in large quantities in developing embryos.
Termination
Deliberately ending a pregnancy.
Tissue
A collection of similar cells that perform the same function.
Viability
The ability of a foetus to live outside the womb.
Wet Weight
The weight of a living organism, including its water content.
Zygote
An ovum that has been fertilised by a sperm cell.
