Living Things Flashcards
Mitosis
A method of cell reproduction where a cell splits to make two new cells.
Meiosis
Where cells go through a complex process of switching DNA and splitting before combining with another living being’s cells to make a new organisms.
Prokaryote Cell
Simple, single-celled with no nucleolus or organelles. Really old, came before eukaryotic cells.
Eukaryotic
A more complex cell with a nucleus and other organelles. Evolved from prokaryotic cells.
Nucleus
Cell’s headquarters. Controls what a cell does and how it’s made.
Chromosomes
Holds information that tells the cell what it is and how it behaves.
Cytoplasm
Gelatinous liquid that fills the inside of a cell. Holds various smaller parts.
Mitochondria
Powerhouse. ;) Processes oxygen and food to make energy for the cell.
Cell membrane
Like skin. Controls what goes in and out of the cell.
Organelles
Parts that function, e.g., the nucleus, mitochondria, ribosomes.
Ribosomes
Makes protein for the cell to use.
Diploid
A cell with two complete sets of chromosomes. 46 chromosomes total.
Haploid
A cell with only one set of chromosomes. 23 chromosomes total.
Gametes
A mature haploid cell that’s able to combine with another organism’s cell to form a zygote.
Zygote
A diploid cell resulting from the fusion of two haploid gametes.
Metaphase Plate
An imaginary line running across a cell that divides it horizontally into hemispheres.
Heredity
The process of traits being passed down through living things.
Dominant trait
A gene’s trait that will always show over other genes.
Evolution
The process by which living organisms change over time.
Natural selection
The process of fitter animals in a species surviving better.
Fitness
The ability to survive and reproduce.
Resources
Things all organisms need to survive.
Food Web
Different ways energy moves through an ecosystem.
Producers
Organisms that make their own energy.
