bio Flashcards
What is a Capsid?
The protein coat that surrounds and protects the genetic material of a virus.
What is Infection?
The invasion and multiplication of pathogens (such as bacteria or viruses) in a host organism, leading to disease or illness.
What is a Vaccine?
A substance used to stimulate the immune system and provide immunity against a specific pathogen, usually made from weakened or inactive forms of the pathogen.
What is a Pathogen?
Any microorganism, such as a virus, bacteria, or fungus, that can cause disease.
What is an Antibiotic?
A type of medication that kills or inhibits the growth of bacteria, but is ineffective against viruses.
What is a Retrovirus?
A type of virus, such as HIV, that uses RNA as its genetic material and inserts a DNA copy of its genome into the host cell.
What is a Pandemic?
A widespread outbreak of an infectious disease that affects multiple countries.
What is an Epidemic?
A sudden increase in the number of disease cases in a specific region or population.
What is Xylem?
The vascular tissue in plants responsible for transporting water and dissolved nutrients from the roots to the rest of the plant.
What is Phloem?
The vascular tissue in plants that transports sugars and other organic nutrients from the leaves to other parts of the plant.
What is Meristem?
Regions of actively dividing cells in plants that allow for growth, such as in the tips of roots and shoots.
What is Pollination?
The transfer of pollen from the male structures (anthers) to the female structures (stigma) of a flower, enabling fertilization.
What is Fruit?
The mature ovary of a flowering plant that contains seeds and aids in their dispersal.
What is Germination?
The process by which a seed begins to grow into a new plant, usually triggered by water, oxygen, and temperature conditions.
What is Dormancy?
A period in which a seed or plant slows down metabolism and growth, often in response to unfavorable environmental conditions.
What is a Seed?
The fertilized and mature ovule of a flowering plant, containing an embryo and stored nutrients for early development.
What is Epidermis?
The outermost layer of cells in plants and animals that provides protection against the environment.
What is Stoma (stomata)?
Small openings in the epidermis of leaves that regulate gas exchange and water loss.
What is Transpiration?
The process by which water evaporates from plant leaves, helping to pull water up through the xylem.
What is a Hormone?
A chemical messenger that regulates physiological processes in plants and animals, such as growth, development, and homeostasis.
What is Homeostasis?
The ability of an organism to maintain a stable internal environment despite external changes.
What is Symbiosis?
A close and long-term interaction between two different species, which can be mutualistic, parasitic, or commensalistic.
What is Metamorphosis?
A biological process in which an organism undergoes a dramatic transformation in form and structure during its life cycle (e.g., caterpillar to butterfly).
What is a Stimulus?
Any change in the environment that triggers a response in an organism, such as light, temperature, or touch.
