Biology Basics Flashcards
atom
smallest particle of an element that retains its properties; smallest distinct unit of an element
bacteriophage
a type of virus that only targets certain bacteria
conjugation
a sexual reproduction method that involves a temporary union for the purpose of genetic material exchange; commonly observed in bacteria, ciliate protozoans, and certain algae and fungi
eukaryotes
a single or multi-celled organism whose cells have a distinct membrane-bound nucleus
gamete
a reproductive cell containing a haploid chromosome or half of the genetic material needed for the formation of a new organism through fusion with another gamete cell
homeostasis
the internal regulation of an environment through the interaction of multiple organ systems in order to maintain a dynamic equilibrium or stability in support of health and growth
hydrogen bond
a relatively weak bond that shares an electron with a hydrogen atom
kinetic energy
the energy due to an object’s motion; the energy being actively used by a plant or animal
meiosis
cell division process, associated with sexual reproduction, that reduces chromosome numbers from diploid to haploid; produces gametes in animals and spores in plants
nucleic acid
a large, chain-like molecule composed of phosphoric acid, sugar, and purine and pyrimidine bases; includes RNA and DNA
potential energy
energy stored and available for use by a plant or animal
prokaryote
an organism whose cells lack a true nucleus, such as a bacterium or a blue-green algae
sexual reproduction
the production of a new living thing by two parent organisms, with each parent contributing half the material in the DNA of the offspring
syngamy
fusion of two gametes via fertilization
thermodynamics
the study of the interaction between heat and energy
