Module B: Terms Used to Describe Body Structure

Question 1

Body Structure Key Terms:

Answer 1

1. • chromatin*[KRŌ-mă-tĭn]
     Structural component of the nucleus, composed of nucleic acids and proteins
     Chromatin condenses to form chromosomes during cell division.
2. • chromosome*[KRŌ-mō-sōm]
     Threadlike structures within the nucleus composed of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) that carries hereditary information encoded in genes
     Each sperm or egg has 23 unpaired chromosomes. After fertilization, each cell of the embryo then has 46 chromosomes (23 pairs). In each pair of chromosomes, one chromosome is provided by the father and the other by the mother.
3. • deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)*[dē-ŏk-sē-rī-bō-noo-
     KLĀ-ĭk ĂS-ĭd]
     Molecule that holds genetic information capable of replicating and producing an exact copy whenever the cell divides
4. • metabolism*[mĕ-TĂB-ō-lĭzm]
     Sum of all physical and chemical changes that take place in a cell or an organism
     Metabolism includes the building up (anabolism) and breaking down (catabolism) of body constituents.
5. • organelle*[or-găn-ĔL]
     Cellular structure that provides a specialized function, such as the nucleus (reproduction), ribosomes (protein synthesis), Golgi apparatus (removal of material from the cell), and lysosomes (digestion)
     The membranes of many organelles act as sites of chemical reactions.

Question 2

Pronunciation Help:

Answer 2

Long Sound
ā — rate
ē — rebirth
ī — isle
ō — over
ū — unite
Short Sound
ă — alone
ĕ — ever
ĭ — it
ŏ — not
ŭ — cut

Question 3

Levels of Organization:

Answer 3

The human body contains several levels of structure and function. Each of these levels builds on the previous level and contributes to the structure and function of the entire organism.
Five levels of organization:
The cells, tissues, organs, systems, and organism.

Question 4

Cells: