Characteristics of life Flashcards
asexual vs. sexual reproduction
mode of reproduction in which a new offspring is produced by a single parent
vs.
reproduction by combining genetic info. from 2 individuals of different types (sexes)
autotroph vs. heterotroph
an organism that can produce its own food.
vs.
an organism that gets energy indirectly from eating other organisms.
cell
A small structural unit of an organism consist of a single cell, which is either eukaryotic or prokaryotic
chromatid
Each of the 2 threadlike strands into which a chromosome divides longitudinally during cell division. Each contains a double helix of DNA.
Chromatin
The material of which the chromosomes of organisms other than bacteria are composed. It consists of protien, RNA, DNA
Development
The process by which animals, plants, and other organisms grow and develop.
Growth
The increase in mass and size of a body or organs. It typically occurs through the multiplication of cells and an increase in intro cellular substance.
Homeostasis
The state of study internal, physical, and chemical conditions maintained by living systems. This is the conditions of optimal functioning for the organism, and induces many variables being kept within certain preset limits.
meiosis
A type of cell division that results in 4 daughter cells each with half the number of chromosomes of the parent cell.
mitosis
a type of cell division that results in 2 daughter cells each having the same number and kind of chromosomes as the parent nucleus.
organelle
any of a number of organized or specialized structures within a living cell.
photosynthesis
the process by which green plants and other organisms use sunlight to synthesize foods from carbon dioxide usually involves the green pigment chlorophyll and generates oxygen as a by product.
prokaryote (ic) vs eukaryote (ic)
a microscopic single celled organism that has neither a distinct nucleus with a membrane nor other specialized organelles. Include bacteria and cyanobacteria.
vs.
an organism consisting of a cell or cells in which the genetic material is DNA in the form of chromosomes contained within a distinct nucleus. They include all living organisms other than bacteria and archaebacteria.
stimulus
anything that can trigger a physical or behavioral change.
tissue
any of the distinct types of material of which animals or plants are made, consisting of specialized cells and their products.
unicellular vs. multicellular
made up of only one cell that carries out all of the functions needed by the organism.
vs.
an organism composed of many cells, which are to varying degrees integrated and independent.
(Characteristics of living things) Cells
Living things are MADE OF cells
Basic unit of life (uni-one) or (multi-many)
ex. Bacteria are single-celled organisms.
(Characteristics of living things) DNA
Living things have GENETIC CODE.
Characteristics of living things are PASSED on to the next GENERATION.
ex. Blue eyes are passed from a father to his child.
(Characteristics of living things) Reproduce
Living things produce OFFSPRING.
asexual- 1 parent
sexual- 2 parents
ex. Spiders can lay 1000 eggs depending on the species.
(Characteristics of living things) Grow
Living things grow and DEVELOP.
Increase in SIZE, mature over time, Have a lifespan (LIVE and DIE)
ex. Bamboo plants can grow 10cm a day!
(Characteristics of living things) Respond to stimuli
SENSITIVE and can react quickly and rapidly to SURROUNDINGS.
Living things REACT and respond.
ex. a plant grows towards a light source.
(Characteristics of living things) Adapt over time
Change over a LONG period of time to better SURVIVE in a environment.
Living things change OVER TIME
ex. Galapagos Finches beaks change allowing them to eat nuts and seeds.
(Characteristics of living things) Energy
Either MAKE their own food, EAT other things or BREAK down dead material.
Living things NEED and USE energy.
METABOLISM.
ex. plants produce energy using the process of photosynthesis.
(Characteristics of living things) Internal Balance
Homeostasis- when a body remains STABLE inside regardless of outside conditions.
Living things MAINTAIN and SUSTAIN.
ex. humans maintain a body temperature near 98.6 degrees F or 37 degrees C.
