Key Terms Flashcards
carbohydrate
the category of organic compounds that includes sugars and starches
cell
the basic structural and functional unit of the living organism, a microscopic unit that combines with other cells to form tissues
chromosome
a thread-like body in a cell’s nucleus that contains genetic information
cytology
study of cells
cytoplasm
the fluid that fills a cell and holds the organelles
DNA
the genetic compound of the cell, makes up the genes; deoxyribonucleic acid
enzyme
an organic substance that speeds the rate of a metabolic reaction
gene
a hereditary unit composed of DNA and combined with other genes to form chromosomes
glucose
a simple sugar that circulates the blood, the main energy source for metabolism
histology
study of tissues
homeostasis
a steady state; a condition of internal stability and constancy
lipid
a category of organic compounds that includes fats
membrane
a simple, very thin, and pliable sheet of tissue that might cover an organ, line a cavity, or separate structures
metabolism
the sum of all the physical and chemical reactions that occur within an organism
mitosis
cell division
mucus
a thick fluid secreted by cells in membranes and glands that lubricates and protects tissues
nucleus
the cell’s control center; directs all cellular activities based on the information contained in its chromosomes
organ
a part of the body with a specific function, a component of a body system
organelle
a specialized structure in the cytoplasm of a cell
protein
a category of organic compounds that includes structural materials, enzymes, and some hormones
RNA
an organic compound involved in the manufacture of proteins within cells; ribonucleic acid
tissue
a group of cells that acts together for a specific purpose
ATP
the energy compound of a cell that stores energy needed for cell activities; adenosine triphosphate
