Chapter 1 Vocab Flashcards
archaea
One of the two divisions of prokaryotes, often found in hostile environments such as hot springs or concentrated brine.
bacteria
One of the two divisions of prokaryotes; some species cause disease. The term is sometimes used to refer to any prokaryotic microorganism, although the world of prokaryotes also includes archea, which are only distantly related.
cell
The basic unit from which a living organism is made; consists of an aqueous solution of organic molecules enclosed by a membrane.
chloroplast
Specialized organelle in algae and plants that contains chlorophyll and serves as the site in which photosynthesis takes place.
chromosome
Long, threadlike structure composed of DNA and proteins that carries the genetic information of an organism; becomes visible as a distinct entity when a plant or animal cell prepares to divide.
cytoplasm
Contents of a cell that are contained within its plasma membrane but, in the case of eukaryotic cells, contained outside the nucleus.
cytoskeleton
System of protein filaments in the cytoplasm of a eukaryotic cell that gives the cell shape and the capacity for directed movement. Its most abundant components are actin filaments, microtubules, and intermediate filaments.
cytosol
Contents of the main compartment of the cytoplasm, excluding membrane-enclosed organelles. The cell fraction remaining after membranes, cytoskeletal components, and other organelles haven been removed
DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid)
Double-stranded polynucleotide formed from two separate chains of covalently linked deoxyribonucleotide units. It serves as the cell’s store of genetic information that is transmitted from generation to generation
electron microscope
Instrument that illuminates a specimen using beams of electrons to reveal and magnify the structures of very small objects, such as organelles and large molecules
eukaryote
An organism whose cells have a distinct nucleus and cytoplasm
evolution
Process of gradual modification and adaptation that occurs in living organisms over generations
florescence microscope
Instrument used to visualize a specimen that has been labeled with a fluorescent dye; samples are illuminated with a wavelength of light that excites the dye, causing it to fluoresce.
genome
The total genetic information carried by all the chromosomes of a cell or organism.
homologous
Describes genes, chromosomes, or any structures that are similar because of their common evolutionary origin. Can also refer to similarities between protein sequences or nucleic acid sequences.
micrometer
10^-6
light microscope
A light microscope utilizes a focused beam of visible light and is used to examine cells and organelles
mitochondrion (plural mitochondria)
Membrane-enclosed organelle, about the size of a bacterium, that carries out oxidative phosphorylation and produces most of the ATP in eukaryotic cells.
model organism
A living thing selected for intensive study as a representative of a large group of species. Examples include mice, yeast, and e. coli (representing mammals, unicellular eukaryotes, and bacteria respectively)
nucleus
In biology:
The prominent, rounded structure that contains the DNA of a eukaryotic cell.
organelle
A discrete structure or subcompartment of a eukaryotic cell that is specialized to carry out a particular function. Examples include mitochondria.
photosynthesis
The process by which plants, algae, and some bacteria use the energy of sunlight to drive the synthesis of organic molecules from carbon dioxide and water.
plasma membrane
The protein-containing lipid bilayer that surrounds a living cell.
prokaryote
Major category of living cells distinguished by the absence of a nucleus. Include archaea and bacteroa
