Definitions Flashcards
<p>Acoelomate </p>
<p>An animal without a coelom</p>
<p>Aerobic </p>
<p>A process requiring oxygen or an organism that thrives in the presence of oxygen</p>
<p>Agar</p>
<p>A gelatinous polysaccharide derived from algae, used as a culture for bacteria and fungi</p>
<p>Alternation of Generations </p>
<p>A life cycles that includes multicellular haploid and diploid stages. Occurs in plants and some algal protists</p>
<p>Anaerobic</p>
<p>Process that does not need oxygen or an organism that thrives in absence of oxygen</p>
<p>Angiosperm </p>
<p>A flowering plant that has seeds enclosed in fruit (Anthophyta)</p>
<p>Annulus</p>
<p>Any ring like structure (ex. body segments of an annelid worm.)</p>
<p>Anterior</p>
<p>Head region of an organism</p>
<p>Anther</p>
<p>The pollen producing structure of a flowering plant</p>
<p>Antheridium</p>
<p>The male reproductive organ in some plants, fungi, and algal protists which produces sperm</p>
<p>Aquatic </p>
<p>Live in water</p>
<p>Archegonium</p>
<p>Female reproductive organ in some plants which produces an egg</p>
<p>Ascocarp</p>
<p>A reproductive structure of fungi which produces asci and ascospores</p>
<p>Ascospore</p>
<p>A reproductive cell produced within an ascus in fungi </p>
<p>Ascus </p>
<p>The sac - like cell within which meiosis occurs to produce ascospores</p>
<p>Aseptate</p>
<p>Fungal hyphae which lack cross walls or septa</p>
<p>Asexual Reproduction </p>
<p>Reproduction involving only a single organism and resulting in clones of the original organism. There is no change in the chromosome number of the organism, no meiosis. no fertilization. </p>
<p>Auricle</p>
<p>A projection on either side of the head of "Planaria", used for sensing tactile and chemical signals.</p>
<p>Autotroph </p>
<p>An organism which produces organic molecules from inorganic molecules using energy from either photosynthesis or chemical reactions.</p>
<p>Bacillus</p>
<p>Rod shaped bacterium</p>
<p>Basal disc</p>
<p>The posterior region of "Hydra" that functions in adhering the organism to the substrate</p>
<p>Basidium </p>
<p>A cell on a basidiocarp within which meiosis occurs to produce basidiospores</p>
<p>Basidiocarp</p>
<p>A reproductive structure which produces basidiospores usually on the surface of its gills</p>
<p>Basidiospore</p>
<p>A reproductive cell produced by meiosis within a basidium</p>
<p>Binary Fission </p>
<p>A means of asexual reproduction in bacteria and archaea in which a cell divides to form two identical organisms</p>
Biodiversity
The number and variety of organisms in any given ecosystem or biome
Bisexual
Plants or animals that have both male and female reproductive structures on one individual
Blood Vessel
Hollow tube that carries blood throughout body
Body Column
The cylindrical body of an organism like “Hydra”
Body Plan
IN animals, the number of tissue layers in the body and the presence or absence of a coelom
Budding
A type of asexual reproduction in plants and many primitive animals that is accomplished by the development of one or more outgrowths “Ex. Hydra”
Capsule
1) A protective outer covering composed of poly sacarides found on many bacterial cells.
2) The sporangium of a bryophtye
Carnivore
A consumer that eats animal tissue
Carpel
The female reproductive organ which produces ovules that contain the female gametophyte in flowering plants
Cell Membrane
The membrane that separates a cell’s contents from the surrounding environment and regulates passage of substances into and out of the cell.
Cell Wall
A relatively rigid layer found immediately outside the cell membrane, provides support and protection
Cephalization
The localization of sensory structures and nervous tissue in the anterior region of an animal
Chitin
A tough polysaccaride found in cell walls and in exoskeletons of arthropods; used for support and prevention of dessication
Chloroplast
Chlorophyll filled region where photosynthesis occurs
Chromosome
A structure in a cell consisting of DNA or DNA and associated proteins
Circulatory System
A continuous series of vessels or spaces in animals that transports fluids and dissolved solutes throughout an organisms body. Ranges from a series of open spaces (arthropods) to fully enclosed system of vessels (mammals). Also removes waste
Clitellum
a structure in some annelid worms that aid in sexual reproduction.
Cnidoblast
A string cell found in organisms of the phylum Cnidaria that contains an organelle called a nematocyst
Coccus
spherical bacterium
Coelom
In animals, a fluid filled body cavity surrounded entirely by mesoderm
Colonial
An organism of individual cells living together which interact in mutually advantageous ways. Minimum division of labor between cells and minimal communication.
Cone
Reproductive structure which produces spores in the phylum Lycopodiophyta and pollen or ovule/seeds in the phylum Coniferophyta
Conjugation
1) In bacteria, when two cells join together using pili and transfer or exchange genetic info
2) In some protist and fungi, a type of sexual reproduction involving two cells of one species joining together and exchanging DNA or combining cell contents to produce a zygote
Consumer
An organism that feeds on other organisms
Contractile vacuole
A membrane bound organelle involved in osmoregulation in animal like protists and freshwater sponges
Cotyledon
Part of the embryo in the seeds of seed plants. Often used for food storage or early food production by photosynthesis during germination of seed
Crop
An expansion of the anterior end of the gut where food is digested or stored
Cuticle
Refers to a non living secretion forming a waterproof barrier on the exterior of some plants and animals
Cytoplasm
The contents of a cell contained by the cell membrane
Cytoplasmic Streaming
The movement of cytoplasm within a cell, used to circulate cell contents to distribute food and remove wastes and for movement of the amoeba
Decomposer
A heterotrophic organism which obtains its energy by breaking down dead organic material by secreting digestive enzymes into it and absorbing the products of digestion; a saprobe
Detritivore
An organism which obtains its energy from dead organic material by first ingesting, then digesting it
Dicot
A type of flowering plant with tow cotyledon within the seed
Digestive cavity
An internal body cavity in an animal in which food is stored and digested
Digestive Tract
A tubular passage that extends from the mouth to the anus in an animal in which food is stored and digested
Diploblastic
A body plan with only two germ layers (endo and ecto)
Diploid
Refers to a cell or organism which has two sets of chromosomes
Domain
In classification, the level above kingdom (Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya)
Ecosystem
A community of organism and its physical environment in a given area
Ectoderm
In animal embryology, the outermost later of germ cells that differentiates into the epidermis and nervous system
Egg
The haploid female gamete
Embryo
The early stage of development in multicellular diploid plants and animals
Endoderm
In animal embryology, the innermost later of germ cells that lines the gut and differentiates into many different issues
Esophagus
A hollow tube that conducts food from the pharynx to the crop in earthworms or to the stomach in vertebrates
Eukaryotic
Cells or organisms with membrane bound organelles and a true nucleus
Extracellular
situated or occurring outside of a cell
Eye Spot
A cluster of light sensitive cells found on the heads of some primitive animals “Planaria” enables detection of light.
Female gamete
The haploid cell that fuses with a male gamete to form a diploid zygote
Fertilization
The union of two gametes such as egg and sperm to produce a diploid zygote.
Filament
1) A chain of cells
2) the stalk of the stamen in flowering plants
Filter feeding
A method of feeding used by many sessile aquatic organisms that involves creating water currents that enable the organism to filter out microscopic organisms or organic materials for food
Fimbriae
In bacteria, hairlike extensions used for attachment to surfaces
Flagellum
A long cellular projection used for cell motility or movement of extracellular fluid; prokaryotic flagella differ in structure from eukaryotic flagella
Floral tube
The fused bases of the sepals, petals and stamens of a flower
Flowering plant
A plant that has seeds enclosed in fruit; an angiosperm
Food vacuole
A membrane bound organelle that contains and digests food obtained by phagocytosis
Foot
an organ of locomotion differing widely in different animals
Fragmentation
A type of asexual reproduction whereby a new individual develops from a fragment of the parent individual
Free - living
An organism that does not require a host to survive and reproduce; no parasitic
Freshwater
Refers to bodies of water with low concentrations for dissolved salts
Fruit
The ripened ovary which contains seeds in flowering plants
Funiculus
A stalk that connects the ovule/seed to the placenta of the ovary in flowering plants
Gametangium
A cell or organ where gametes are produced: found in plants, some fungi and some protists
Gamete
A haploid reproductive cell which combines with another gamete during sexual reproduction
Gametophyte
The multicellular haploid generation in the life cycle of a plant; produces gametes by mitosis
Gastrovascular Cavity
a body cavity with a single opening (mouth/anus) which functions to both digest and distribute nutrients
Gelatinous Sheath
A jelly-like layer surrounding cells of some algae and some bacteria; it holds the cells together and provides protection from predators and the environment.
Gill
1) In fungi the thin structure on the underside of a mushroom cap which produces spores
2) In aquatic animals, a respiratory structure for gas exchange
Gizzard
A muscular structure capable of grinding up food in the digestive tract if some annelids and birds
Gymnosperm
A plant that produces seeds that are not enclosed in fruits
Haploid
Refers to a cell or organism which has only one set of chromosomes
Hermaphroditic
An animal that has both male and female reproductive structures on one individual
Heterocyst
a cell in some cyanobacteria which is specialized for nitrogen fixation
Heterotroph
An organism which cannot synthesize all of the organic material that it needs and therefore must obtain its food and energy from other organisms
Holdfast
A specialized root like structure in some large algae which allows them to attach to rocks to withstand waves and tides
Hydrostatic Skeleton
A skeletal system composed of fluid held under pressure in a closed body compartment; the man skelton of cindarians, flatworms, roundworms and segmented worms
Hypha (hyphae)
In fungi, a long narrow strand of cells which makes up the body of a fungus
Intestine
Part of the digestive tract of an animal
Intracellular
Situated or occurring inside of a cell
Invertebrate
An animal that does not possess a vertebral column/spine
Kingdom
In classification, a group made up of one or more phyla
Larva
The pre adult form of many animals that is morphologically different from the adult
Locule
In flowering plants, a cavity within an ovary in which ovules are produced
Macronucleus
In protists of Ciliophora, a large nucleus which is not involved with reproduction but rather with metabolism
Male gamete
The haploid cell that fuses with a female gamete to form a diploid zygote
Male gametophyte
In plants, a multicellular haploid generation that produces sperm
Marine
Saltwater
Medusa
A free swimming stage in the lifecycle of most members of Cnidaria
Megasporangium
In plants, a sporangium within which meiosis occurs to produce megaspores
Meiosis
A type of nuclear division which produces haploid nuclei from a diploid nucleus
Mesoderm
In animal embryology, the middle later of germ cells that develops between the endoderm and the ectoderm and gives rise to the skeleton, muscles and much of the circulatory system
Mesoglea
A non cellular later that is located between the endoderm and ectoderm in members of Cnidaria
Micronucleus
In protists of Ciliophora, a small nucleus which stores genetic materials and is involved in sexual reproduction
Microsporangium
In plants, a sporangium within which meiosis occurs to produce microspores
Monocot
A type of flowering plant that has seeds with only one cotyledon
Motility
The ability of a cell or organism to move
Mouth/Anus
A single opening that functions as both a mouth and an anus and leads to a gastrovascular caviy; in animals of phyla Cnidaria and Platyhlminthes
Muscle cells
Specialized cells that function in contraction to produce movement in most animals
Muscle fibers
1) Specialized contractile structures in cells that function to produce movement in animals of Cnidaria
2) Bundles of specialized cells that function in contraction to produce movement
Mycellium
The body of a fungus which is comprised of many hyphae
Mycirrhiza
A mutualistic association between fungi of either the phylum Zygomycota or Basidiomycota and the roots of plants whereby the fungi grow in and around the plants roots; this aids in water and mineral uptake by the plant, provides protection to plant roots from the environment and pathogenic organism, and provides fungus with water and nutrients
Nematocyst
A specialized harpoon like organelle found in cnidoblast cells of members of the phylum Cnidaria; functions in capturing prey and defense
Nerve cord
a strand of nervous tissue that extents from the anterior end of an animal to the tail
Nucleoid
In prokaryotes the region of the cell containing the DNA
Nucleus
In eukaryotes, the membrane bound organelle containing chromosomes
Organ
Any part or structure of an organism that is composed of two or more tissues and adapted for a specific function or functions
Organelle
A specialized structure in a cell which has a specific function, may have membrane or lack membrane
Osculum
A large opening at the top of a sponge that allows water to exit during filter feeding
Osmoregulation
The process of regulating water and salt balance withing an organism
Osmosis
Movement of water through a semi permeable membrane
Ovary
1) In plants, part of a female reproductive organ (carpel/pistil) that produces ovules
2) In animals, a female reproductive organ that produces haploid eggs
Ovule
A structure that contains a female gametophyte enclosed within a sporangium that is surrounded by integuments (modified leaves). Found withing the ovule cones in conifers and with in the ovaries of flowering plants
Ovuliferous scale
IN some conifers, a structure that bears the ovules in female/ovule cones
Parasite
An organism that lives in or on and at the expense of another organism from which it obtains organic nutrients
Pathogen
An organism that causes diseases
Peptidoglycan
A polymer of sugars and proteins which forms part of the cell wall of most bacteria
Phagocytosis
The process of a cell engulfing another cell or a foreign body; process used for feeding or defense
Pharynx
1) A canal leading from the mouth to he esophagus in the digestive tract of vertebrate animals
2) A tube that can be everted from the body for feeding in some freeliving flatworms
Phloem
A type of vascular tissue in plants which transports sugars and hormones
Phylum
In classification, the level below kingdom
Pili
In bacteria, long hairlike extensions used to exchange DNA during conjugation
Pistil
The female reproductive organ of flowering plants, composed of two or more carpels fused together
Placenta
1) Nutritive tissue in the ovary of flowering plants to which ovules attach
2) Organ consisting of embryonic and maternal tissues within the uterus of mammals for nutrition of embryo
Pneumatocyst
In wracks(brown algae), air bladders which keep the alga floating at high tide
Pollen
The male gametophyte in seed plants which produces and transports the sperm for pollination
Pollen Sac
The microsporangium of seed plants within which meiosis occurs to produce microspores which develop into pollen
pollination
A process b y which pollen is transferred from the pollen cone to the ovule cone in Coniferophyta or from a stamen to a carpel/pistil in phylum Anthophyta
Polyp
The normally sessile stage in the life cycle of members Cnidaria; may form colonies
Posterior
Pertaining to the rear or tail end of a bilaterally symmetrical animal
Protist
A eukaryotic organism which cannot be classified as plant, animal or fungus; usually unicellular
Pseudocoelom
A false coelom; a body cavity that is only partially surrounded by mesoderm; in members of Nematoda
Pseudopodium
False foot
Pyrenoid
A structure associated with the chloroplast of some algae; site where the sugar produced by photosynthesis is converted to starch for storage purposes
Radula
In mollusks, a tongue like organ bearing many teeth for rasping food
Rhizoid
1) In fungi, a type of hypha that anchors the fungus in the substrate and is involved in extracellular digestion
2) In some plants, a hairlike structure involved in anchorage and water absorption
Rhizome
In plants, a horizontal stem that usually grows undergorund
Root
In plants, an organ that anchors the plant and absorbs water and minerals from the soil
Saprotroph
A heterotropic organism which obtains its energy by breaking down dead organic material; a decomposer
Scavenger
An animal which consumes the remains of dead animals
Seed
A protective structure in seed plants that consists of a young sporophyte with a food supply enclosed in integuments; aids in dispersal
Seed coat
The protective, waterproof outer layer of the seed developed from the intrguments of the ovule
Segmentation
The division of the body into similar repeated parts
Seminal Receptacle
A sac for storing sperm in a female animal or in a hermaphroditic invertebrate
Seminal vesicle
In some animals, an organ which stores sperm in the male and adds secretions to the semen
Sepal
A flower part that protects the flower bud in flowering plants
Septum
A partition between two cells or cavities; in many fungal hyphae, the septa are cell walls which divide the hypha into distinct cells
Setae
Small bristles found on “Lumbrucus” used to increase traction in its burrow
Shell
A hard protective covering that is made up of calcium carbonate in members of the phylum Mollusca
Spicule
A hardened pointed structure found within the body of sponges that protect them from predators; made of either calcium carbonate or silica
Spirillum
Spiral shaped bacteria
Spongin
A fibrous protein that is a component of the body of a sponge
Spongocoel
The internal cavity in sponges, which is lined with flagellated cells that produce a current for filter feeding
Sporangiophore
In a fungi, a Type of aerial hypha which bears a sporangium and elevates it from the surface to facilitate spore dispersal; involved in asexual reproduction
Sporangium
A structure which produces spores; in fungi, plants and some algal protists
Spore
A reproductive cell which is usually haploid and is often adapted for dispersal; spores are formed by plants, fungi and some protists
Sporophyll
A modified leaf of a plant that bears one or more sporangia
Sporophyte
The multicellular diploid generation in the life cycle of a plant; produces spores by meiosis
Stamen
A male reproductive organ in angiosperm flowers which is made up of the anther and the filament
Stigma
The tip of the carpel or pistil, which receives pollen
Stolon
1) In fungi, a horizontally growing hypha that spreads the fungus over its food source
2) In plants, a horizontally growing stem that produces buds along its length that can become new plants
Style
The portion of a carpel or pistil between the stigma and the ovary in angiosperm flowers
Symbiont
An organism that lives in association with another organism; the association may be beneficial to both of the organisms (mutualism) , beneficial to one and not significant to the other (commensalism) or beneficial to one and harmful to the other (parasitism)
Terrestrial
Associated with land
Thallus
A simple undifferentiated body; found in some algal protists and gametophytes of some plants
Thylakoid
An arrangement of flattened membranes which contain chlorophyll and are used for photosynthesis; in members of the phylum Cyanobacteria as well as in chloroplasts of algal protists and plants
Tissue
In multicellular organisms, an association of many structurally and functionally similar cells.
Tracheid
A think-walled, water-conducting cell of vascular tissue in plants
Tripoblastic
A type of body plan with three germ layers
Unicellular
An organism or part of an organism consisting of only one cell
Vascular plant
A plant that has vascular tissue
Vascular tissue
In plants, tissue which consists of tubular arrangements of cells involved in transport of substances including water and dissolved sugars
Velum
Tissue on the underside of a mushroom cap which encloses and protects the gills until they are mature and ready to release spores
Venation
The particular pattern of branching of vascular tissue (vein) in leaves of angiosperms
Visceral Mass
In mulluscs, the part of the body that contains the internal organs
Xylem
A type of vascular tissue in plants which transport water and minerals
Zygospore
A zygote that matures into a think walled spore. It is often a resting or overwintering stage, resistant to harsh environmental conditions
Zygote
A diploid cell formed when two gametes fuse
