Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM

Browse over 1 million classes created by top students, professors, publishers, and experts.


See full index

Biology > Definitions > Flashcards

Definitions Flashcards

You may prefer our related Brainscape-certified flashcards:
AP® Biology flashcards Biology 101 flashcards
1
Q

Abiotic factors

A

Abiotic factors are non-living factors.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

Active immunity

A

Active immunity is the production of a person’s own antibodies in response to foreign antigens that enter the body.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

Active site

A

The active site is the part of the enzyme that combines with the substrate.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

Active transport

A

Active transport (in the form of ATP) is used to move molecules, often against a concentration gradient, i.e. from low to high concentrations.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

Adaptation

A

An adaptation is any alteration that improves an organism’s chances of survival or preproduction.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

Adhesion

A

Adhesion occurs when different molecules stick together.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

Aerobic respiration

A

The controlled release of energy from food using oxygen.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

Alleles

A

Alleles are different (or alternative) forms of the same gene.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

All or nothing law

A

The all or nothing law states that if the threshold is reached, an impulse is carried, but if the threshold is not reached, no impulse is carried.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

Anabolic reactions

A

Anabolic reactions use energy to convert smaller molecules into larger molecules.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

Anaerobic respiration

A

Anaerobic respiration is the controlled release of energy from food without the use of oxygen.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

Antagonistic pair

A

An antagonistic pair are two muscles that have opposite effects to each other.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

Antibiotics

A

Antibiotics are chemicals produced by micro-organisms that stop the growth of or kill, other micro-organisms without damaging human tissue.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

Antibody

A

An Antibody is a protein produced by white blood cells (called lymphocytes) in response to a specific antigen.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

Antigen

A

An antigen is a foreign molecule that stimulates the production of antibodies.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

Appendicular skeleton

A

Ones appendicular skeleton is composed of the limbs (arms and legs), the pectoral girdle (shoulder) and the pelvic girdle (hip).

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

Artificial active immunity

A

Artificial active immunity occurs when a pathogen is medically introduced into the body (also known as a vaccination).

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

Artificial passive immunity

A

Artificial passive immunity occurs when a person is given an injection containing antibodies made by another organism.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

Aseptic or Asepsis

A

Aseptic or Asepsis means that measures are taken to exclude unwanted micro-organisms.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

Asexual reproduction

A

Asexual reproduction is a reproduction where only one parent is involved.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

Autotrophic organism

A

An autotrophic organism is an organism which makes its own food.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

Axial skeleton

A

The axial skeleton consists of the skull, spine, ribs and sternum.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

Bacteriophage (or phage)

A

A bacteriophage (or phage) is a virus that infects bacteria.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

Balanced diet

A

A balanced diet is a diet which contains all the necessary food types in the correct proportion.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
Q

Batch culture

A

Batch culture is the growth of cells in a sealed container (or bioreactor) over a short period of time and under ideal conditions until all the nutrients are used up.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
26
Q

Biogenesis or Continuity of life

A

Biogenesis or Continuity of life is when living things arise from other living things of the same type.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
27
Q

Biology

A

Biology is the study of living things.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
28
Q

Biomolecules

A

Biomolecules are chemicals that are made inside a living thing.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
29
Q

Bioprocessing

A

Bioprocessing is the use of enzyme-controlled reactions to produce a product.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
30
Q

Bioreactor

A

A bioreactor is a vessel or container in which living cells or their products are used to make a product.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
31
Q

Biosphere

A

A biosphere is a certain part of the planet containing living organisms.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
32
Q

Biotechnology

A

Biotechnology is the use of living things or their components (especially cells or enzymes) to manufacture useful products or to carry out useful reactions.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
33
Q

Biotic factors

A

Biotic factors are living factors.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
34
Q

Birth control

A

Birth control is methods taken to limit the number of children that are born.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
35
Q

Blastocyst or Blastula

A

A blastocyst or blastula is a hollow ball of cells formed from a morula.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
36
Q

Blood pressure

A

Blood pressure is the force exerted by the blood against the walls of the blood vessels (mainly the arteries).

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
37
Q

Bud

A

A bud is a potential growth point that may develop into a shoot, a leaf or a flower.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
38
Q

Bulb

A

A bulb is a modified bud.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
39
Q

Cancer

A

Cancer is a group of disorders in which certain cells lose their ability to control both the rate of mitosis and the number of times which mitosis takes place.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
40
Q

Carnivores

A

Carnivores are animals that feed mainly on animals (eg dogs, cats, ladybirds).

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
41
Q

Carpels

A

Carpels are the female part of the flower.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
42
Q

Catabolic reactions

A

Catabolic reactions are reactions which release energy when a complex molecule is broken down into a simpler form.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
43
Q

Catalyst

A

A catalyst is a substance that speeds up a reaction, without itself being used up in the process.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
44
Q

Cell continuity

A

Cell continuity means that all cells develop from pre-existing cells.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
45
Q

Cell cycle

A

The cell cycle is the changes that take place in a cell during the period between one cell division and the next.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
46
Q

Cellular energy

A

Cellular energy is the energy stored in the bond of the biomolecules.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
47
Q

Centromere

A

The centromere is the point at which the chromosomes are attached in a double-stranded chromosome.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
48
Q

Characteristics

A

Characteristics are traits or features that are inherited genetically.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
49
Q

Chemosynthesis

A

Chemosynthesis is the production of food using the energy released from chemical reactions.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
50
Q

Chemotropism

A

Chemotropism is a change in the growth of a plant in response to chemicals.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
51
Q

Chromatin

A

Chromatin is the name given to chromosomes when they are elongated and not dividing.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
52
Q

Chromosomes

A

Chromosomes are coiled threads of DNA and protein that become visible in the nucleus at cell division.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
53
Q

Climatic factors

A

Climatic factors refer to the weather over a long period of time.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
54
Q

Closed circulatory system

A

A closed circulatory system means that blood remains in a continuous system of blood vessels.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
55
Q

Cohesion

A

Cohesion is the sticking of similar molecules to each other.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
56
Q

Community

A

A community are all of the different populations in an area.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
57
Q

Competition

A

Competition occurs when organisms actively struggle for a resource that is in short supply.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
58
Q

Conclusion

A

A conclusion is a summary of the results of an experiment.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
59
Q

Conservation

A

Conservation is the wise management of the existing natural resources in an ecosystem, in order to maintain a wide range of habitats and prevent the death and extinction of organisms.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
60
Q

Consumers

A

Consumers are organisms that take in food from another organism.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
61
Q

Contest competition

A

Contest competition is the active physical contest between two individual organisms.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
62
Q

Continuous flow (food processing)

A

Continuous flow in food processing is the growth of cells in an open container (or bioreactor), where nutrients are added and at the end, products are removed all the time at a rate which maintains the volume of liquid and the number of cells.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
63
Q

Contraception

A

Contraception is the deliberate prevention of fertilisation or pregnancy.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
64
Q

Control (experiment)

A

A control is used to provide a comparison (or standard) against which the actual experiment can be judged.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
65
Q

Copulation

A

Copulation is the act of having sexual intercourse.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
66
Q

Cotyledon

A

A cotyledon is a seed leaf.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
67
Q

Cross-pollination

A

Cross-pollination is the transfer of pollen from an anther to a stigma on a different plant.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
68
Q

Cutting

A

Cutting is when a portion of a plant is removed from the parent plant and grown into a new, independent plant.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
69
Q

Cytoplasm

A

The cytoplasm is the living material in the cell outside the nucleus.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
70
Q

Data

A

Data is the measurements, observations or information gathered from an experiment.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
71
Q

Decomposers

A

Decomposers are organisms which feed on dead organic matter.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
72
Q

Denatured enzyme

A

A denatured enzyme is an enzyme that has lost its shape and can no longer carry out its function.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
73
Q

Denitrification

A

Denitrification is the conversion of nitrates to nitrogen gas.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
74
Q

Detritus feeders

A

Detritus feeders are organisms that feed on small pieces of dead organic matter.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
75
Q

Diastole

A

Diastole is when the heart chambers relax.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
76
Q

Diffusion

A

Diffusion is the spreading out molecules from a region of high concentration to a region of low concentration.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
77
Q

Diploid cell

A

A diploid cell is a cell that has two sets of chromosomes (i.e. It has two of each type of chromosome in the nucleus).

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
78
Q

Dispersal

A

Dispersal is the transfer of a seed or fruit away from a parent plant.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
79
Q

Dormancy

A

Dormancy is a resting period when seed undergoes no growth and has reduced cell activity or metabolism.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
80
Q

Double blind

A

Double blind testing is when both the investigator and the participant are unaware of the nature of the treatment the participent is receiving.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
81
Q

Ecological niche

A

An ecological niche (of an organism) is the fundamental role it plays in the community.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
82
Q

Ecology

A

Ecology is the study of the interactions between living things (organisms) and between organisms and their environment.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
83
Q

Ecosystem

A

An ecosystem is a group of clearly distinguished organisms that interact with their environment as a unit.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
84
Q

Ectotherms

A

Ectotherms gain or lose heat in correspondance with their external environment.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
85
Q

Edaphic factors

A

Edaphic factors are factors which relate to soil.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
86
Q

Ejaculation

A

Ejaculation is the release of semen from the penis.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
87
Q

Endocrine gland

A

An endocrine gland is a ductless gland which produces hormones, which are released directly into the bloodstream.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
88
Q

Endospermic seed

A

An endospermic seed contains some endosperm when fully formed.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
89
Q

Endotherms

A

Endotherms are organisms which generate their own heat from metabolic reactions.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
90
Q

Enzymes

A

Enzymes are proteins that speed up a reaction without being used up on the reaction.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
91
Q

Enzyme specificity

A

Enzyme specificity means each enzyme will react with only one particular substrate.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
92
Q

Ethics

A

Ethics relates to whether conduct is right or wrong.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
93
Q

Eukaryotic cells

A

Eukaryotic cells have a nucleus and cell organelles, all of which are enclosed by membranes.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
94
Q

Evolution

A

Evolution is the way in which living things change genetically to produce new forms of life over long periods of time.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
95
Q

Excretion

A

Excretion is the removal of waste products of metabolism from the body.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
96
Q

Exhalation

A

Exhalation is breathing out.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
97
Q

Exocrine glands

A

Exocrine glands release their product into ducts or tubes.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
98
Q

Experiment

A

An experiment is a test for a hypothesis.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
99
Q

Facultative parasite

A

A facultative parasite is a parasite that can get its froid from a live or dead host.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
100
Q

Fauna

A

Fauna are all the animals in an ecosystem.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
101
Q

Fermentation

A

Fermentation is another name or anaerobic respiration.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
102
Q

Fertilisation

A

Fertilisation is the the union of the male and female garages to form a diploid zygote.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
103
Q

Filtration

A

Filtration is when water and small molecules pass (under high pressure) from the blood into the nephron.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
104
Q

Flora

A

Flora are all the plants in an ecosystem.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
105
Q

Food chain (food grazing chain)

A

The food chain is a sequence of organisms in which one is eaten by the next member of the chain.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
106
Q

Food web

A

A food web is two or more interlinked food chains.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
107
Q

Frequency

A

A frequency is the chance of finding a named species with any one throw of a quadrat.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
108
Q

Fruit

A

A fruit is a developed ovary.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
109
Q

Gametes

A

Gametes are haploid cells capable of fusion.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
110
Q

Ganglion

A

A ganglion is a group of cell bodies located outside of the CNS.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
111
Q

General defence system

A

Th general defence system acts as a barrier to all pathogens attempting to gain entry to the human body.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
112
Q

Geotropism (gravitropism)

A

Geotropism is the change of growth in a plant in response to gravity.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
113
Q

Germination

A

Germination is the regrow that of the embryo, after a period of dormancy, if the environmental conditions are suitable.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
114
Q

Germ layers

A

Germ layers are the basic layers of the cell in the blastocyst from which all adult tissue and organs will form.

115
Q

Gestation

A

Gestation is the length of time spent in the uterus from fertilisation to birth.

116
Q

Glycolysis

A

Glycolysis is the conversion of Glucose ino two molecules of pyruvic acid.

117
Q

Gonad

A

A gonad is an organ that produces sex cells in animals.

118
Q

Grafting

A

Grafting is the joining and uniting of part of one plant to a second plant.

119
Q

Growth inhibitor

A

A growth inhibitor is a chemical that causes a reduction in growth of plants.

120
Q

Growth plate

A

A growth plate is the area between the epiphysis and the diaphysis in a long bone within which bone growth occurs.

121
Q

Growth promoter

A

A growth promoter is a chemical which causes increased growth in plants.

122
Q

Growth regulator

A

A growth regulator is a chemical which controlls the growth of a plant.

123
Q

Habitat

A

A habitat is a the place where a plant or an animal lives (and is also the local area of study).

124
Q

Haploid cell

A

A haploid cell is a cell which has one set of chromosomes, (i.e. It has only one of each type of chromosome in the nucleus).

125
Q

Helper T cells

A

Helper T cells stimulate B cells and killer T cells.

126
Q

Herbaceous plants

A

Herbaceous plants are plants which do not contain wood (or lignin).

127
Q

Herbivores

A

Herbivores are animals that feed mainly on plants (e.g. sheep, cattle, rabbits).

128
Q

Heterotrophic organism

A

A heterotrophic organism is an organism that takes in food made by other organisms.

129
Q

Homeostasis

A

Homeostasis is the ability of an organism to maintain a constant internal environment.

130
Q

Homologous pair

A

A homologous pair is two chromosomes of similar size with the same sequence of genes.

131
Q

Hormone

A

A hormone is a chemical messenger produced by an endocrine gland and carried by the bloodstream to another part of the body, where it has a specific effect.

132
Q

Hydrotropism

A

Hydrotropism is a change in growth of a plant in response to water.

133
Q

Hypha

A

A hypha is a tube or filament in a fungus.

134
Q

Hypothesis

A

A hypothesis is an educated guess based on observations.

135
Q

Immobilised enzymes

A

Immobilised enzymes are attached, or fixed, to each other, or to an inert material.

136
Q

Immunisation

A

Immunisation occurs when we produce or are injected with antibodies against a pathogen.

137
Q

Immunity

A

Immunity is the ability to resist infection

138
Q

Implantation

A

Implantation is the embedding of the fertilised egg into the lining of the uterus.

139
Q

Induced immunity

A

Induced immunity is the ability to resist disease caused by specific pathogens by the production of antibodies.

140
Q

Infertility

A

Infertility is the inability to produce offspring.

141
Q

Inhalation

A

Inhalation is breathing in.

142
Q

Insemination

A

Insemination is the release of semen into the vagina, just outside the cervix.

143
Q

Interneuron (intermediate relay or association neuron)

A

The interneuron carries information between sensory and motor neurons.

144
Q

Internode

A

The internode is the region on a stem between two nodes.

145
Q

Interphase

A

Interphase is the phase in the cell cycle when the cell is not dividing.

146
Q

Inter-specific competition

A

Inter-specific competition occurs between different members of different species.

147
Q

Intra-specific competition

A

Intra-specific competition occurs between members of the same species.

148
Q

In-vitro fertilisation (IVF)

A

In-vitro fertilisation (IVF) is the act of removing the eggs from an ovary and fertilising them outside of the body.

149
Q

Joint

A

A joint is where two or more bones meet.

150
Q

Key

A

A key means naming organisms by answering a series of questions with alternative answers.

151
Q

Killer T cells

A

Killer T cells destroy abnormal human body cells.

152
Q

Lactation

A

Lactation is the secretion of milk by the mammary gland (breast) of the female.

153
Q

Larynx

A

The larynx is the voice box.

154
Q

Law or Principle

A

A law or principle arises from a theory that has been shown to be valid when fully tested over a long period of time.

155
Q

Layering

A

Layering is the growth of a new plant from a stem that is still attached to the parent plant.

156
Q

Lenticels

A

Lenticels are openings in the stems of plants to allow for gas exchange.

157
Q

Life

A

Life is the possession of all of the following characteristics; organised, requiring nutrition and excretion, capable of responding and reproducing.

158
Q

Ligaments

A

Ligaments are strong, fibrous, slightly elastic tissues that connect bone to bone.

159
Q

Lignin

A

Lignin is a strengthening material found in some plant cell walls.

160
Q

Meiosis

A

Meiosis is a form of nuclear division in which four daughter nuclei contain half the chromosome number of the parent nucleus.

161
Q

Memory B cells

A

Memory B cells are cells which survive for years after the infection is eliminated and can make the specific antibody if the same infection later enters the body.

162
Q

Memory T cells

A

Memory T cells are cells which survive for years after the infection is eliminated and can stimulate the specific B cells and killer T cells if the same infection enters the body.

163
Q

Menopause

A

Menopause is when the ovulation and menstruation stop happening in a female.

164
Q

Menstrual cycle

A

The menstrual cycle is a series of events that occur every 28 days on average in the female if fertilisation not taken place.

165
Q

Menstruation

A

Menstruation is the discharge of the lining of the uterus (the endometrium) and the unfertilised egg.

166
Q

Meristem

A

The meristem is a plant tissue which is capable of mitosis.

167
Q

Metabolism

A

Metabolism is the sum of all the chemical reactions in an organism.

168
Q

Micro-organisms

A

Micro-organisms are small living things.

169
Q

Micropropagation

A

Micropropagation is the growth of plants from small pieces of tissue under sterile conditions on a specially selected medium.

170
Q

Mitosis

A

Mitosis is a form of nuclear division in which one nucleus divides to form two nuclei, each containing the same number of chromosomes with identical genes.

171
Q

Morula

A

The morula is the solid ball of cells formed from a zygote by mitosis.

172
Q

Motor (or Efferent) neuron

A

A motor (or efferent) neuron takes a message from the CNS to a muscle or gland.

173
Q

Mycelium

A

Mycelium is a (usually) visible mass of hyphae.

174
Q

Natural active immunity

A

Natural active immunity occurs when a pathogen enters the body in the normal way (i.e. when you get an infection).

175
Q

Natural passive immunity

A

Natural passive immunity occurs when a child gets antibodies from its mother.

176
Q

Natural selection

A

Natural selection is the process by which those organisms with genetically controlled characteristics that allow them to be well adapted to their environments will survive to reproduce so that they will be able to pass on their genes to the following generation.

177
Q

Natural vegetative propagation

A

Natural vegetative propagation involves forming new plants from a stem, root, leaf or bud.

178
Q

Negative tropism

A

Negative tropism occurs when the growth is away from the stimulus.

179
Q

Neuron (or Neurone)

A

a neuron (or neurone) is a nerve cell.

180
Q

Nitrification

A

Nitrification is the conversion of ammonia to ammonium (NH4^+) compounds to nitrate (NO3^-).

181
Q

Node

A

A node is a point on a stem at which a leaf is attached.

182
Q

Non-endospermic seed

A

A non-endospermic seed has no sperm when fully formed.

183
Q

Nutrient recycling

A

Nutrient recycling is the way in which elements (such as carbon and nitrogen) are exchanged between the living and non-living components of an ecosystem.

184
Q

Nutrition

A

Nutrition is the way organisms obtain and use food.

185
Q

Obligate parasite

A

An obligate parasite can only take food from a live host.

186
Q

Observation

A

Observation is when something is noticed.

187
Q

Omnivores

A

Omnivores are animals that feed on plants and animals (e.g. humans, badgers and hedgehogs).

188
Q

Open circulatory system

A

An open circulatory system is when blood leaves blood vessels and flows around the cells of the animal’s body before re-entering blood vessels again.

189
Q

Optimum pH

A

Optimum pH is the pH value at which the enzyme works best.

190
Q

Organ

A

An organ is a structure composed of a number of tissues that work together to carry out one or more functions.

191
Q

Organisation

A

An organisation are living things which are composed of cells, tissues, organs and organ systems.

192
Q

Organism

A

An organism is a living thing.

193
Q

Organ system

A

An organ system is a number of organs working together to carry out one or more functions.

194
Q

Orgasm

A

An orgasm is the physical and emotional sensations experienced at the peak of sexual excitement.

195
Q

Osmosis

A

Osmosis is the movement of water molecules across a semi-permeable membrane from a region of high water concentration to a region of low water concentration.

196
Q

Osteoblast

A

An osteoblast is a bone-forming cell.

197
Q

Osteoclast

A

An osteoclast is a bone-digesting cell.

198
Q

Ovulation

A

Ovulation is the release of an egg from an ovary.

199
Q

Parasites

A

Parasites are organisms that take in food from a live host and usually cause harm.

200
Q

Parasitism

A

Parasitism is when two organisms of different species live in close association and one organism (the parasite) obtains food from, and to the disadvantage of, the second organism (the host).

201
Q

Passive immunity

A

Passive immunity occurs when individuals are given antibodies that were formed by another organism.

202
Q

Pathogen

A

A pathogen is an organism that causes disease.

203
Q

Pathogenic bacteria

A

Pathogenic bacteria is a bacteria which can cause disease.

204
Q

Pectoral girdle

A

The pectoral girdle consists of the collarbone (or clavicle) and the shoulder blade (or scapula).

205
Q

Pelvic girdle

A

The pelvic girdle is composed of the two halves of the hip joined to the sacrum.

206
Q

Percentage cover

A

The percentage cover is an estimate of the amount of ground in a quadrat study.

207
Q

Peristalsis

A

Peristalsis is a wave of muscular action in the walls of the alimentary canal that moves the contents along.

208
Q

Pharynx

A

The Pharynx is the throat.

209
Q

Phospholipids

A

Phospholipids are fat-like substances in which one of the fatty acids is replaced by a phosphate group or has a phosphate group added to it.

210
Q

Photolysis

A

Photolysis is the splitting of water by light.

211
Q

Phototropism

A

Phototropism is the change in the growth of a plant in response to light, usually from one direction (i.e. unidirectional light).

212
Q

Plasma

A

Plasma is the liquid part of the blood.

213
Q

Plasma B cells

A

Plasma B cells produce antibodies.

214
Q

Plumule

A

The plumule is the part of the plant embryo that develops into the shoot.

215
Q

Pollination

A

Pollination refers to the transfer of pollen from an anther to a stigma of a flower from the same species.

216
Q

Pollutants

A

Pollutants are harmful additions to the environment.

217
Q

Pollution

A

Pollution is any harmful addition to the environment.

218
Q

Population

A

A population is all of the members of the same species which live in a certain area.

219
Q

Portal system

A

A portal system is a blood pathway which begins and ends in capillaries.

220
Q

Positive tropism

A

Positive tropism occurs when the growth is towards a stimulus.

221
Q

Predation

A

Predation is the catching, killing and eating of another organism.

222
Q

Predator

A

A predator is an organism which catches, kills and eats another organism.

223
Q

Prey

A

Prey are organisms that are eaten by a predator.

224
Q

Producers

A

Producers are organisms which carry out photosynthesis.

225
Q

Product

A

A product is a substance(s) formed by an enzyme.

226
Q

Prokaryotic cells

A

Prokaryotic cells do not have a nucleus or membrane-enclosed organelles.

227
Q

Protoplasm

A

The protoplasm is all the living parts of the cell.

228
Q

Puberty

A

Puberty is the beginning of sexual maturity.

229
Q

Pulse

A

A pulse is the alternate expansion and contraction of the arteries.

230
Q

Pyramid of numbers

A

The pyramid of numbers represents the numbers of organisms at each tropic level (or stage) in a food chain.

231
Q

Qualitative study

A

A qualitative study records the presence or absence of organisms.

232
Q

Quantitative study

A

Quantitative study records the number of organisms that are present.

233
Q

Radicle

A

The radicle is the part of the plant embryo that develops into a root.

234
Q

Reabsorption

A

Reabsorption is when molecules pass from the nephron back into the blood.

235
Q

Reflex action

A

A reflex action is an automatic, involuntary, unthinking, response to a stimulus.

236
Q

Reflex arc

A

The reflex arc is the pathway taken by the nerve impulse in a reflex action.

237
Q

Refractory period

A

The refractory period is a short time span after a neuron has carried an impulse during which a stimulus fails to cause a response.

238
Q

Replicate

A

A replicate is a repeat of an experiment.

239
Q

Reproduction

A

Reproduction is the production of new individuals.

240
Q

Response

A

A response is the activity of a cell or organism as a result of a stimulus.

241
Q

Root tuber

A

A root tuber is a swollen, underground root that remains dormant during winter and from which new plants may grow.

242
Q

Runners

A

Runners are horizontal stems that run (or grow) above the ground from which new plants grow.

243
Q

Saprophytes

A

Saprophytes are organisms that take in food from already dead organic matter.

244
Q

Scientific method

A

The scientific method is a process of investigation in which problems are identified and their suggested explanations are tested by carrying out experiments.

245
Q

Scramble competition

A

Scramble competition occurs when all of the competing individuals get some of the resources.

246
Q

Secondary sexual characteristics

A

Secondary sexual characteristics are features that distinguish males and females, apart from the sex organs themselves.

247
Q

Secretion

A

Secretion occurs when some substances pass from the blood into the nephron.

248
Q

Selectively permeable membrane

A

A selectively permeable membrane allows some but not all molecules to pass through it.

249
Q

Self-pollination

A

Self-pollination is the transfer of pollen from an anther to a stigma on the same plant.

250
Q

Semen

A

Semen is a fluid containing sperm and seminal fluid.

251
Q

Sensory (or Afferent) neuron

A

The sensory (or afferent) neuron takes a message from a sensory organ to the CNS.

252
Q

Serum

A

Serum is plasma from which the clotting proteins have been removed.

253
Q

Sexual reproduction

A

Sexual reproduction is the union of two sex cells or gametes.

254
Q

Solar energy

A

Solar energy is energy from the sun.

255
Q

Specific defence system

A

The specific defence system attacks particular (or specific) pathogens.

256
Q

Sporulation

A

Sporulation is the process of making spores.

257
Q

Stamens

A

Stamens are the male parts of a flower.

258
Q

Sterile

A

Sterile means that all micro-organisms are destroyed (i.e. there is nothing living).

259
Q

Stimulus

A

A stimulus is anything that causes a reaction in an organism or any of its parts.

260
Q

Substrate

A

A substrate is a substance with which an enzyme reacts with.

261
Q

Suppressor T cells

A

Suppressor T cells inhibit the immune response.

262
Q

Symbiosis

A

Symbiosis occurs when two different species live (and have to live) in close association and at least one of the species benefits.

263
Q

Synapse

A

A synapse is a region where two neurons come into close contact.

264
Q

Synaptic cleft

A

A synaptic cleft is a tiny gap between the two neurons at a synapse.

265
Q

Systole

A

Systole is when the heart chambers contact.

266
Q

Tendons

A

Tendons are the strong, flexible, inelastic fibre that connects muscle to bone.

267
Q

Theory

A

A theory is a hypothesis that has been supported by many different experiments.

268
Q

Thigmotropism

A

Thigmotropism is a change in the growth of a plant in response to touch.

269
Q

Threshold

A

A threshold is the minimum stimulus need to cause an impulse to be carried in a neuron.

270
Q

Tissue culture

A

A tissue culture is the growth of cells in or on a sterile nutrient medium outside an organism.

271
Q

Tissue

A

A tissue is a group of similar cells that are modified (or adapted) to carry out the same function(s).

272
Q

Transpiration

A

Transpiration is the loss (by evaporation) of water vapour from the leaves and other and ariel parts of a plant.

273
Q

Trophic level

A

The trophic level is a feeding stage in a food chain.

274
Q

Tropism

A

Tropism is a change in the growth of a plant in response to an external stimulus.

275
Q

Turgor (or turgor pressure)

A

Turgor (or turgor pressure) is the outward pressure of the cytoplasm and vacuole against the cell wall of a plant.

276
Q

Ultrastructure

A

Ultrastructure is the detail of a structure as seen using an electron microscope.

277
Q

Vaccination

A

Vaccination is the administration (usually by injection) of a non-disease-causing dose of a pathogen (or its toxin) to stimulate the production of antibodies.

278
Q

Vaccine

A

A vaccine is a non-disease-causing dose of a pathogen (or its toxin), which triggers the production of antibodies.

279
Q

Valves

A

Valves control the direct flow of blood.

280
Q

Variable

A

A variable is a factor that may change in an experiment.

281
Q

Vegetative propagation (or vegetative reproduction)

A

Vegetative propagation (or vegetative reproduction) is asexual reproduction in plants.

282
Q

Venation

A

Venation is the pattern of veins in a leaf.

283
Q

Woody plants

A

Woody plants contain wood (or lignin).

Biology (24 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2024 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions