Biology Terms

Question 1

Cell theory

Answer 1

Theory that all living things are made up of one or more cells, that cells are the basic unit of life, and that all cells come from pre-existing cells

Question 2

Prokaryote

Answer 2

Cell that does not contain a nucleus or other membrane/bound organelles

Question 3

Eukaryote

Answer 3

Cell that contains a nucleus and other organelles, each surrounded by a thin membrane

Question 4

Organelle

Answer 4

Cell structure that performs a specific function for the cell

Question 5

DNA

Answer 5

The material in the nucleus of a cell that contains of the cells genetic information

Question 6

Asexual reproduction

Answer 6

Process of producing offspring from only one parent; production of offspring that are genetically identical to the parent

Question 7

Sexual reproduction

Answer 7

Process of producing offspring by the fusion of two gametes; the production of offspring that have genetic information from each parent

Question 8

Diffusion

Answer 8

A transport mechanism for moving chemicals into and out of the cell, from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration

Question 9

Osmosis

Answer 9

The movement of fluid, usually water, across a membrane toward an area of high solute concentration

Question 10

Interphase

Answer 10

Phase of the cell cycle during which the cell performs its normal functions and its genetic material is copied in preparation for cell division

Question 11

Mitosis

Answer 11

Stage of cell cycle in which DNA in the nucleus is divided the first part of the cell cycle

Question 12

Cytokinesis

Answer 12

Stage in the cell cycle when the cytoplasm divides to form two identical cells; the final part of cell division

Question 13

Daughter cell

Answer 13

One of two genetically identical, new cells the result from the division of one parent

Question 14

Prophase

Answer 14

First stage of mitosis, in which the chromosomes become visible and the nuclear membrane dissolves

Question 15

Chromosomes

Answer 15

Structure in the cell nucleus made up of a portion of the cells DNA, condensed into a structure that is visible under a microscope

Question 16

Chromatid

Answer 16

One of two identical strands of DNA that make up a chromosome

Question 17

Centromere

Answer 17

The structure that holds chromatids together as chromosomes

Question 18

Metaphase

Answer 18

Second stage of mitosis in which chromosomes line up in the middle of the cell

Question 19

Anaphase

Answer 19

Third stage of mitosis, in which the sister chromatids separate into daughter chromosomes, and each move toward opposite ends of the cell

Question 20

Telophase

Answer 20

Final stage of mitosis, in which chromatids unwind and a nuclear membrane reforms around the chromosomes at each end of the cell

Question 21

Tumour

Answer 21

A mass of cells that continue to grow and divide without any obvious function in the body

Question 22

Benign tumour

Answer 22

A tumour that does not affect surrounding tissues other than by physically crowding them

Question 23

Malignant tumour

Answer 23

A tumour that interferes with the functioning of surrounding cells; a cancerous tumour

Question 24

Mutation

Answer 24

A random change in the DNA

Question 25

Carcinogens

Answer 25

Any environmental factor that causes cancer

Question 26

Pap test

Answer 26

Test that involves taking a sample of cervical cells to determine if they are growing abnormally

Question 27

Biophotonics

Answer 27

The technology of using light energy to diagnose, monitor, and treat living cells and organisms

Question 28

Specialized cell

Answer 28

A cell that can preform a specific function

Question 29

Hierarchy

Answer 29

Organizational structure, with more complex or important things at the top and simpler or less important things below it

Question 30

Tissue

Answer 30

A collection of similar cells that preform a particular, but limited, function

Question 31

Organ

Answer 31

A structure composed of different tissues working together to preform a complex body function

Question 32

Organ system

Answer 32

A system of one or more organs and structures that work together to preform a major vital body function such as digestion or reproduction

Question 33

Epithelial tissue (Epithelium)

Answer 33

A thin sheet of tightly packed cells that covers body surface and lines internal organs and body cavities

Question 34

Connective tissues

Answer 34

A specialized tissues that provides support and protection for various parts of the body

Question 35

Muscle tissue

Answer 35

Group of specialized tissues containing proteins that can contract and enable the body to move

Question 36

Nerve tissue

Answer 36

Specialized tissue that conducts electrical signals from one part of the body to another

Question 37

Cellular differentiation

Answer 37

The process by which a cell becomes specialized to preform a specific function

Question 38

Stem cell

Answer 38

An undifferentiated cell that can divide to form specialized cells

Question 39

Artery

Answer 39

A thick-walled blood vessel that carries blood away from the heart

Question 40

Vein

Answer 40

A blood vessel that carries blood back to the heart

Question 41

Capillary

Answer 41

Tiny, thin-walled blood vessel that enables exchange of gasses, nutrients, and wastes between the blood and the body tissue