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Biology SAT prep
biology SAT prep
345
Biology
Not Applicable
07/31/2011

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Term
circadian rhythms
Definition
behavior cycles that depend on time of day
Term
cilia
Definition
short, hairlike projections found on eukaryotic cells that can help the cel move or can sweep food particles toward the mouth
Term
imprinting
Definition
instinctual behavior in which social bonds are formed during early development
Term
carrying capacity
Definition
max number of induviduals in a population that can be sustained in a given environment

competition for food, space, predation, and disease all determine carrying capacity
Term
capillary
Definition
tiny blood vessels able to branch through the body and deliver oxygen and nutrients to every cell
Term
carbon
Definition
the central element of life

has the ability to form bonds with up to 4 other elements or molecules at the same time
Term
climax community
Definition
a combination of plant and animal forms that dominate mature ecological communities

climax communities are shaped by temperature, rainfall, and soil acidity
Term
circulatory system
Definition
system of organs and blood that brings nutrients and oxygen to cells and carries away wastes

in higher invertebrates-pulmonary and systemic circuit
(vertebrates-closed anthropods-open)
pulmonary circuit-carries blood to lungs to be oxygenated
systematic circuit-carries oxygeated blood to the body
Term
ovule
Definition
structure that contains the female gametophyte and gametes

after fertilization, develops into a seed
Term
olfactory epithelium
Definition
region near the top of the nasal cavity with chemoreceptors and neurons that inform the sense of smell
Term
phylogeny
Definition
the evolutionary relationships of a genetically similar group of organisms
Term
pinocytosis
Definition
form of endocytosis during which liquids are taken into the cell through the invagination of the cell membrane
Term
photoperiodism
Definition
an organism's rsponse to the length of day and night within a 24 hour period (photoperiod)

in many plants, the phenomenon determines when flowering occurs
Term
potic zone
Definition
zone with light

part of the marine pelagic zone and extends to 600 ft below the surface of the ocean

photosynthetic plankton, bony fish, sharks, and whales inhabit this zone
Term
photosynthesis
Definition
the process by which plants and other autotrophic organisms convert light energy into organic materials, such as glucose
Term
pituitary
Definition
the "master" gland on the endocrine system

releases hormones that conrol the other major glands of the endocrine system

anterior pituitary & posterior pituitary

controlled by the hypothalamus
Term
placenta
Definition
a structure that develops in the uterus during pregnancy

filter through which the embryo gains nutrition from the mother
Term
spinal cord
Definition
a long cylinder of nervous tissue that extends along the vertebral column from the head to the lower back

it controls some autonomic responses and connects the brain to the peripheral nervous system (PNS)
Term
sporophyte
Definition
a diploid plant or plant structure that prodces haploid spores through meiosis
Term
stamen
Definition
the male reproductive organ of the flower, consisting of an anther and filament
Term
stigma
Definition
the top part of the pistil, where pollen grain are received
Term
stabilizing selection
Definition
when selection pressures favor the average formof a trait
Term
spores
Definition
usually unicellular and microscopic
produced by protist molds, fungi, and plants. are able to develop into new induvidals.
able to survive without food/water for long periods
Term
coldlooded
Definition
animals that are unable to retain heat produced by metabolic activities
[aka ectothermic]
the metabolism of cldblooded animals is greatly influenced by climate and temperature
Term
stomata
Definition
small, epidermal pores, surrounded by 2 gaurd cells, through which gases diffuse and water transpires in/out of a leaf
Term
stop codon
Definition
a codon on mRNA that signals the termination of DNA translation
STOP CODONS:
UAA
UAG
UGA
Term
style
Definition
the shaft of the pistil that leads from the stigma down into the ovary
Term
neuron
Definition
functional unit of the nervous system
a specialized cell able to carry an action potential and made up of dendrites, a cell body, and an axon.
TYPES:
sensory
motor
interneurons
Term
ovary
Definition
in animals-the female gonad that produces ova and sex hormones

in plants-the ovaries are the structure at the base of the pistil that conatins the eggs
Term
vertebrate
Definition
an animal that has a skeletal rod of bone or cartiledge running up its back, surrounding the nerve cord

rod segments=vertebrae
Term
vegtative proagation
Definition
a form of asexual reproduction in which plants produce genetially identical offshoots (clones) of themselves, which then develop into independent plants.
Term
hybrid
Definition
a genetic mixture
the offspring of 2 geneticaly different parents.
hybrids are usually heterozygous for a variety of genes.
Term
hydrogen bond
Definition
a wek bond between hydrogen and a set of other elements, including oxygen.

are a subset of dipole-dipole interactions
Term
diffusion
Definition
the transport or natural drift of molecules traveling from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration

does not require outside energy from the cell
Term
hydrostatic skeleton
Definition
a fluid skeleton in many soft-bodied invertebrates including annelids, that allows an organism to change shap but not volume
Term
hormones
Definition
a chemical messenger that can either be made of peptides or lipids. secreted by glands in one part of the body, hormones afect glands and organs in another part.
Term
hydrophobic
Definition
having a reluctance to mix with water
(usually nonpolar molecules)
Term
hydrophilic
Definition
having an affinity for water
(usually polar molecules)
Term
citric acid cycle
Definition
[aka krebs cycle]
Term
dehydration synthesis
Definition
biochemical reaction in which a new compound is formed by the joining of 2 compounds to release water

occurs in the synthesis of polysaccharides and polypeptides

opposite of hydrolysis
Term
deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)
Definition
a type of nucleic acid polymer built from sugar-phosphate backbones and nitrogenous bones

DNA's sugar: deoxyribose-has 1 fewer oxygen atom than ribose, found in RNA

BASES: AT CG pairing
Term
dicot
Definition
a flowering plant (angiosperm) that possesses 2 cotyledons during embryonic development

usually has taproots, flower parts in multiples of fours and fives, and branching veins in leaves
Term
sperm
Definition
the male gamete in sexual reproduction
Term
heart
Definition
the muscular organ that pumps blood through the circulatory system
Term
heterotrophs
Definition
eats other crap!
not producer!
-herbivores
-carnivores
-omnivores
Term
messenger RNA (mRNA)
Definition
an RNA molecule that specifies the amino acid sequence of a protein
Term
metaphase
Definition
2nd stage of mitosis
Term
mitosis
Definition
the phase of the eukaryotic cel in which the cell divides
PMAT
Term
monocot
Definition
a flowering plant (angiosperm) that possesses one cotyledon during embryonic development
Term
monomer
Definition
each of the repeating units that make up a polymer
Term
minerals
Definition
inorganic molecules required by the body to carry out life proceses
Term
mitotic spindle
Definition
a complex of microtubules that forms between opposite poles of a cell during mitosis
Term
molecular clock
Definition
a molecule or gene sequence that has a constant rate of change through accumulation of neutral substituations
Term
antonie van leeuwenhoek
Definition
made the first observations of bacteria and protozoa using single-lens microscopes of his own design
Term
acetylcholine
Definition
a neurotransmitter released by neurons to excite an action potential or trigger a muscle to contract
Term
centriole
Definition
plays an important role in cell replication

in prophase, the centrioles migrate to the poles of the cell and form the mitotic spindle which allows the chromosomes to be organized and split when the cell divides
Term
cerebellum
Definition
part of the brain

makes sure that movements are coordinated and balanced
Term
cerebrum
Definition
part of the brain

controls all voluntary movement, sensory perception, speech, memory, and creative thought
Term
byophyte
Definition
a lower terrestrial plant (often moss or liverwort) that lacks a cascular system and is dependant on environmental moisture for reproductive and nutritive functions
Term
buffer
Definition
solutions that resist change in pH even when acids and bases are added
Term
bulb
Definition
roughly spherical underground bd containing additional buds that can develop asexually into new plants
Term
base
Definition
an ion or compound that removes H+ ions from solution

bases have pH values above 7

opposite of acids
Term
bile
Definition
an emulsifier of fats secreted by the liver and stored in the gallbladder for release in the small intestine
Term
binary fission
Definition
asexual reproduction found in prokaryotes in which a cel divides into 2 equal daughter cells by a nonmitotic process
Term
biomass
Definition
the amount of lving matter in a given ecosystem
Term
organelle
Definition
specialized membrane-bound structure in a cell that performs a specific function
Term
notochord
Definition
a longitudinal rod of cells that forms in the least developed chordates and in embryonic stages of more developed chordates
Term
cytosol
Definition
the main component of the cytoplasm
it is a grayish, dellike, liuid containing the nucleus, organells, and cytoskeleton
Term
intertidal zone
Definition
most shallow zone in a marine habitat
periodically dry/wet with the changing tides.
algae,sponges,mollusks,starfish,and crabs inhabit this zone
[aka the littoral zone]
Term
mitochondria
Definition
double membrane-bound organelle that produces most of the energy in eukaryotic cells though aerobic (cellular) respiration which generates ATP.
Term
ion
Definition
an atom or molecule that has lost or gained an electron and consequently has a positive or negative chargez
Term
interphase
Definition
the phase of the eukaryotic cell cycle in which the cell prepares for division, primarily by replicating its DNA

after interphase, the cell enter mitosis
Term
isotonic
Definition
a situation in which the concentration f the solutes in a soution is eual to what it contains

there is no concentration gradient in isotonic solutions and no net flow of solutes or water
Term
pollen
Definition
the male gametophye of gymnosperms and angiosperms
Term
polymer
Definition
a large molecule consisting of the same or similar units attached in a series, forming a chain
Term
population
Definition
a group of interbreeding organisms in a particular locale exhibiting a unique set of characteristics such as patterns of growth and reproductive strategies
Term
predation
Definition
one organism eating another

-carnivorous or herbvorous
Term
progesterone
Definition
hormone that prepares the uterus for embryo implantation and helps to maintain pregnancy
Term
pyrvate
Definition
the 3-carbon end product of glycolysis

the raw material of the krebs cycle
Term
prophase
Definition
1st stage of:
-mitosis
-meiosis I and meiosis II
Term
pseudopods
Definition
temporary cytoplasmic protrusions of ameboid cells that function in movement and food uptake by phagocytosis
Term
producers
Definition
autotrophc organisms such as plants, plankton, and chemosynthetic bacteria that are able to synthesize organic compounds using energy from the sun or chemical reactions.
do not have to consume other oganisms to attain energy and are the foundation of every food web
Term
anaphase
Definition
the stage of mitosis in which sister chromosomes are seperated and pulled to opposite ends of the cell by microtubules

(the 1st stage of meiotic division meiosis I & 4th stage of meiosis II)
Term
prokaryote
Definition
a single celled organism that completely lacks membrane-bound intercellular organelles

posesses only a single circular strand of DNA

in kingdom monera
Term
respiratory system
Definition
the organ system responsible for the intake of oxygen and diffusion of that gas into the blood and the elimination of carbon dioxide from the body
Term
cell wall
Definition
rigid structure that surrounds the outer membrane of some cells and helps maintain their shape.
plant cells-contains cellulose
fungi cells-chitin
prokaryotes-usually peptidoglycan
Term
reproductive isolation
Definition
the inability of induviduals within a species to create offspring with members of any other species
Term
recessive
Definition
an allele that cannot control the phenotype unless it is the only kind of allele present, as in a homozygote or hemizygote
Term
punnett square
Definition
a pictoral method of showing the gene combinations (genotypes) of offspring that might result from an experimental genetic cross of two parents
Term
ribonucleic acid (RNA)
Definition
one type of ncleic acid polymer. RNA nucleotide's sugars contain 1 more oxygen atom that DNA nucleotide's sugars.
AU CG
Term
root hair
Definition
an outgrowth of a plant root that provides an increased surface area for the absorbtion of waterand dissolved minerals from the soil
Term
runner
Definition
slender horizontal stem that can form new plants via specialized nodes
Term
saprophytes
Definition
[aka decomposers]
Term
sepal
Definition
green,leaflike structure that encloses and protects the unopened flower bud
Term
abiotic
Definition
non-living materials in the environment such as elements, sunlight, and soil that influence and are influenced by living (biotic) entities on the planet
Term
traceophyte
Definition
a terrestrial plant with a vascular system
Term
transpiration
Definition
the process by which a plant loses water to its environment through evaporation
Term
tropism
Definition
long-term growth of a plant toward or away from a stimulus
Term
tuber
Definition
fleshy underground storage structure composed of an enlarged portion of the stem that has on its surface bds capable of producting new plants
Term
xylem
Definition
vascular tissue composed of cells that are dead at maturity
transports water and dissolved minerals upward from the roots to the shoot
Term
grafting
Definition
an artificial form of vegatative propagation in which parts of 2 young plants are joined together, first by artificial means and then by tissue regeneration
Term
gymnosperm
Definition
a vascular nonflowering plant (conifer) in which seeds are 'naked'-collected in a cone and not protected by an ovary. the dispersion of their spermatozoids often relies on wind.
Term
muscle
Definition
structures that create movement in an organism by contacting under a stimulus from a nueron
TYPES:
skeletal
smooth
cardiac
Term
incomplete dominance
Definition
occurs when 2 different alleles of the same gene are both partially expressed ina heterozygote

phenotype=mx of homozygous phenotypes of the 2 alleles
Term
instincts
Definition
behavior that is hard wired into the brain of an organism

behavior that does not have to be learned
Term
insulin
Definition
hormone secreted by the pancreas that reduces blood sugar levels. a lack of insulin can result in diabetes.
Term
sex cells
Definition
[aka gamete]
Term
semicircular canal
Definition
fluid-filled structure within the ear that can detect balance
Term
sex chromosome
Definition
a chromosome involved in defining the sex of an induvidual
humans-2 sex chromosomes
females: X, X
males: X, Y
Term
segregation
Definition
mendel's 1st law:
induviduals have 2 copies of each gene, and that these copies seperate randomly during gamete formation, one copy per gamete.
*except for genes on sex chromosomes in males who only have 1 copy of such gene
Term
sex-linked
Definition
a gene located on a sex chromosome or to a trait defined by such a gene
Term
somatic cell
Definition
any plant/animal cell that is not a germ cel (not passed down to offspring)the class of cell formed during mitosis
Term
somatic nervous system
Definition
1/2 of the motor system of the PNS
responsible for voluntary /concious movement

neurons in this system target skeletal muscles and releases the neurotransmitter acetylcholine
Term
speciation
Definition
the development of a species through evolution. a species forms when its members become reproductively isolated from all other organisms. can occur through geographic seperation that eliminates gene flow through adaptive radiation.
Term
species
Definition
a group of organisms defined by their ability to interbreed with only each other
Term
niche
Definition
the unique role a population plays in a community. includes all the characteristics tat define the way a poplation exists in a community, from where the members live to what they eat, when they sleep, and how they reproduce.
Term
codon
Definition
a 3-nucleotide sequence in a DNA or mRNA molecule. each codon specifies a single amino acid.
Term
codominance
Definition
a phenomenon in which 2 alleles of the same gene are fully expressed in the phenotype when both are present in a heterozygote. blood type is an example of codominance.
Term
cell theory
Definition
the doctrine that every living organism is composed of cells and that all cells come only from other pre-existing cells.
Term
cellular respiration
Definition
process in which the cell burns glucose to ATP with the aid of oxygen
TYPES:
aerobic respiration
anaerobic respiration
Term
cell membrane
Definition
the phosholipid bilayer that surrounds all cells, regulating the passage of molecules in and out of the cell.
Term
cell cycle
Definition
a process in which cells reproduce
1.cell replicates its DNA
2. divides into 2 daughter cells
interphase + mitosis
Term
cell
Definition
the smallest unit of life consisting a solution of organic molecules enclosed by a plasma membrane
Term
cartilage
Definition
a firm but flexible substance found in regions of vertebrate skeletons, such as the ribs, that need to bend
Term
root
Definition
the part of a plant beneath the soil.
responsible for collecting water and minerals from the soil, storing nutrients, and securing the plant to the ground. can be fibrous or a taproot.
Term
substrate
Definition
the starting material that will undergo chemical change in a chemical reaction facilitated by an enzyme
Term
symbiosis
Definition
a type of interaction within a community that fals into 1 of 3 catagories:
commensal: benefits 1 does not affect other
parasitic: benefits 1 harms other
mutualistic: benefits both
Term
symbiosis
Definition
a type of interaction within a community that fals into 1 of 3 catagories:
commensal: benefits 1 does not affect other
parasitic: benefits 1 harms other
mutualistic: benefits both
Term
symbiosis
Definition
a type of interaction within a community that fals into 1 of 3 catagories:
commensal: benefits 1 does not affect other
parasitic: benefits 1 harms other
mutualistic: benefits both
Term
symbiosis
Definition
a type of interaction within a community that fals into 1 of 3 catagories:
commensal: benefits 1 does not affect other
parasitic: benefits 1 harms other
mutualistic: benefits both
Term
synapse
Definition
the gap between 2 neuons (space between axon of one and dendrites of the other)

in order to pass an implse across a synapse, neurons must release neurotransmitters.
Term
taste buds
Definition
structures on the tongue that contain chemoreceptors which respond to 4 main sensations-
sour
salty
bitter
sweet
=sense of taste
Term
taxonomy
Definition
the study of biological classification
Term
tendon
Definition
connective tissue between bones and muscles
Term
testes
Definition
the male gonads
sperm & testostorone are produced here
Term
teststerone
Definition
a hormone neccessary for sperm production in men.
also responsible for developing and maintaining the secondary sex characteristics of males.
Term
chromosome
Definition
a physical structure composed of a single long strand of DNA (and associated proteins) containing along its lenth many genes. the humane genome consists of 46 chromosomes contained within the nucleus of each cell.
Term
heredity
Definition
the genetic transmission of traits frm parents to offspring resemble their parents. traits transmitted this way are called hereditary traits.
Term
homologous trait
Definition
a trait found in different species that are morphollogically and functionally similar and that caomes from the same ancestral condition.
Term
hydrolysis
Definition
a common biochemical reaction in which the bond between 2 moleules is split by the addition of a water molecule.

the process that breaks down polymers and dimers
Term
glucose
Definition
a monosaccharide with the chemical formula: C6H12O6
used as the raw material for cellular respiration
Term
glycolysis
Definition
1st step of aerobic and anaerobic respiration.

produces ATP while converting glucose to pyruvate, which is the raw material for the rest of aerobic respiration.
Term
golgi apparatus
Definition
a series of memrane-bound sacs in the eukaryotic cytoplasm.
takes proteins prodced by the endoplasmic reticulum and packages and secreetes them to various destinatins inside and outside of the cell.
Term
fallopian tube
Definition
duct that connects the ovaries with the uterus. the pasage through which the ovulated egg travels from the ovaries to the uterus.
Term
fermentation
Definition
the 2nd stage of anaerobic respiration.
TYPES:
alcholic
lactic acid
Term
chemosynthesis
Definition
synthesizing organic compounds by enery derived from chemical reactionsrather than from the energy of the sun.
chemosynthetic organisms are autotrophs.
Term
chlorohyll
Definition
a pigment located within a cholorplast that absorbs light in plant cells, helping to convert light energy through the process of photosynthesis
Term
chloroplast
Definition
a double-membrane bound organelle that contains chlorophyll and is foud in plant cells. chloroplasts are responsible for mediating photosynthesis.
Term
kingdom
Definition
the broadest category of biological taxonomy
Term
endotherm
Definition
[aka warm-blooded]
Term
embryo
Definition
before birth, the maturing cells that will grow into a fuly formed organism
Term
fetus
Definition
the name given to an embryo after it has developed organs
Term
calvin cycle
Definition
light-indeendent phase of photosynthesis, where carbon is fixed to a 3-carbon compound used to form glucose.
ATP & NADH are consumed in this cycle
Term
monosaccharide
Definition
a carbohydrate monomer
ex. glucose and fructose
Term
electron microscope
Definition
an instrument that uses an eletron beam to form clear and highly magnified images of microscopic structures.
electron microscopes cannot take pictures of living organisms.
Term
charles darwin
Definition
english naturalist
proposed the modern theory of evolution through natural selection
went to the galapagos islands where his revolutionary observations took shape.
Term
hypotonic
Definition
a situation in which the concentration of solutes in a solution is lower than what an organism contains.
Term
pelagic zone
Definition
the open-ocean zone at the greatest dept in a marine habitat
photic zone: 600 ft below water's surface
aphotic zone
Term
peptide bond
Definition
the bond between the amino acids in a protein
Term
krebs cycle
Definition
a metabolic pathway in aerobic organism in which acetyl-coA combines with oxaloacetic acid to form citric acid.
[aka ctric acid cycle]
produces ATP energy in forms of: ATP, NADH, and FADH2
Term
electron transport chain
Definition
final stage of aerobic respiration
establishes an eletrochemical gradient across the inner mitochondrial membrane that powers the synthesis of ATP in oxadative phosphorylation.
Term
independent assortment
Definition
mendel's 2nd law!
mendel's conclusion that during gamete formation, the segregation of one pair of genes has no influence over the segregation of another pair of hereditary units. 2 diff. traits will be inherited independently of eachother except for linked genes
Term
homozygous
Definition
a situation in which an induvidual (homozygote) has the same exact allele on both homologous chromosomes
Term
hypertonic
Definition
a situation in which the concentration of solutes in a solution is higher than what it contains
Term
homologous chromosomes
Definition
chromosomes containing the same series of genes
Term
sex cell
Definition
cells that lead to the production of gametes

produced by meiosis
Term
phospholipid bilayer
Definition
a double membrane of phospholipid molecules that provides the structure of the cell membrane formed naturally from the alignment of the 2 layers of lipids such that their hydrophobic tails point inward toward each other and their hydrophilic phosphate heads point outward into the watery environments inside and outside of the cell.
Term
phospholipid bilayer
Definition
a double membrane of phospholipid molecules that provides the structure of the cell membrane formed naturally from the alignment of the 2 layers of lipids such that their hydrophobic tails point inward toward each other and their hydrophilic phosphate heads point outward into the watery environments inside and outside of the cell.
Term
hypothalamus
Definition
part of the brain responsible for temperature regulation, controlling hunger and thirst, and managing water balance.
it also helps generate emotion
Term
spermatogenesis
Definition
the process in which haploid sperm cells form through meiotic division
Term
spermatogenesis
Definition
the process in which haploid sperm cells form through meiotic division
Term
fossil record
Definition
the grouping of fossilized remains according to relative and absolute age
Term
active transport
Definition
the movement of molecules across a cell membrane from a region of lower concentration to a region of higher concentration.
requires energy
Term
adaptive radiation
Definition
the evolutionary process by which ancestral forms of an organism are diversified through adaptation to new environments
Term
adenosine triphosphate (ATP)
Definition
the energy storage molecule for the cell
adenosine bonded to 3 phosphate groups each phosphate contains energy, by breaking these bonds the cell can get energy it needs for chemical reactions.
ATP built up through cellular respiration using the raw material of glucose
Term
adrenal glands
Definition
two glands, the adrenal cortex and adrenal medulla located on the kidney
Term
aerobic respiration
Definition
form of cellular respiration that requires oxygen
produces 36 ATP per molecule of glucose
STAGES:
1.glycolysis
2.the krebs cycle
3.electron transport chain
Term
allele
Definition
a specific form or possible version of a gene having multiple versions. alleles may be dominant or recessive
Term
allelic frequency
Definition
the frequency with which a particular allele for a certain characteristic appears among all possible alleles for that characteristic in a population
Term
alteration of generations
Definition
the function between the diploid (sporophyte) and haploid (gametophyte) life stages that occur in plants
Term
amino acid
Definition
the monomer of a protein. a central carbon attached to an amino acid group (-NH2), a carboxyl group (-COOH), and a hydrogen atom (-H). the fourth group is variable and defines the amino acid's chemical identity.
Term
anaerobic respiration
Definition
form of cellular respiration that does not involve oxygen
2 ATP per molecule of glucose
STAGES:
1.glycolysis
2.fermentation
Term
analogous trait
Definition
a trait that is morphologically and functionally similar to that of a different species but that arose from a distinct, ancestral condition.
Term
angiosperm
Definition
a vascular flowering plant in which seeds are enclosed inside protective ovaries, such as fruit or flowers.
angiosperms can be monocots or dicots
Term
anther
Definition
pollen-producing structure at the top of the stamen, the male reproductive organ or flowers
Term
anticodon
Definition
the sequence of 3 nucleotides on tRNA that pairs with a codon of mRNA at the A site of a ribosome during translation
Term
antigen
Definition
a protein coat on the surface of red blood cells. a red blood cell may have a protein coat of type a, b, or ab. if the cell has no antigens, it is called type o. the presence of a foreign antigen in a body will cause blood to clot.
Term
aorta
Definition
the largest artery in the body. carries oxygenated blood from the left ventricle of the heart.
Term
aphotic zone
Definition
literally, zone without light. the aphobic zone is part of the marine pelagic zone and begins 600 ft below the surface of the ocean. only chemosynthetic organisms, scavengers, and predators are able to survive in the habitat.
Term
artery
Definition
vessel that carries blood away from the heart and has thick, elastic, muscular walls that can dilate or contact to control blood pressure within the vessels. blood in arteries is oxygenated, with the exception of the blood in the pulmonary artery.
Term
autonomic nervous system
Definition
the involuntary half of the peripheral nervous system.
sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems
interactions control:smooth & cardiac muscle, glands, organs, processes such as heartbeat,movements of digestive tract, and contraction of the bladder.
Term
autosome
Definition
any chromosome that is not a sex chromosome
humans: 44 autosomes in 22 homologous pairs

2 sex chromosomes =23rd pair of chromosomes
Term
autotroph
Definition
an organism that can produce the organic molecules and energy neccessary for life through photosynthesis/chemosynthesis. do not reply on any other organisms for food
autotrophs=producers
Term
auxin
Definition
one in a class of plant hormones that stimulates (among other things) cell elongation, secondary tissue growth, and fruit development
Term
blood
Definition
carries nutrients and oxygen to the cells and carries carbon dioxide and nitrogenous wastes away.
liquid fluid=plasma
red blood cells-contain hemoglobin (iron containing protein binds oxygen)
white blood cells-fight disease
platelets clot to prevent extreme blood loss
Term
bone
Definition
rigid structures composed of living cells rooted in a matrix of calcium, phosphate salts, and collagen fibers.
bones are the primary component of most vertebrate skeletons
Term
brain
Definition
the center of the CNS coordinates the processes of the body
each region=diff. function
including:
-cerebrum
-cerebellum
-medulla oblongada
-hypothalamus
Term
cytoplasm
Definition
the entire content of the cell outside the nucleus. including the membrane bound organelles and the cytosol.
Term
contractile vacuole
Definition
an organelle often found in protozoa that pumps excess water out of the cell to keep the cell from bursting in a hypotonic environment (like freshwater)
Term
ribosome
Definition
organelle responsible for protein synthesis. located in cytoplasm or endoplasmic reticulum
Term
nucleus
Definition
the large, central organelle of eukaryotes. the nucleus contains the genetic material of the cell and controls cellular activities.
Term
endoplasmic reticulum
Definition
a network of membrane bound tubes and sacs in the cytoplasm. the endoplasmic reticulum is a major site of protein and lipid synthesis.
Term
pancreas
Definition
a digestive organ that releases enzymes into the small intestine. regulates glucose levels in the blood by the release of insulin or glucagon from specialized cells called islets of langerhans
Term
gallbladder
Definition
an organ that stores the bile produced by the liver and releases it to the small intestine during digestion
Term
thyroid
Definition
gland that produces the hormone thyroxine (increases metabolism of most cells in the body). located in the neck.
Term
thyroid
Definition
gland that produces the hormone thyroxine (increases metabolism of most cells in the body). located in the neck.
Term
tissue
Definition
a group of closely connected and similar cells that cooperate to generate a specific structure or specialized function within an organism
Term
vein
Definition
a blood vessel that carries blood back to the heart. the blood in the veins is not oxygenated, with the exception of the pulmonary vein.
Term
endocytosis
Definition
process by which liquids or small solid particles are taken into a cell in the form of small vesicles that are produced through the invagination of the cell membrane
Term
parthenogenesis
Definition
asexual reproduction in which an unfertilized gamete (usually female) produces female offspring. vastly increases the speed at which a population can grow, though it results in a loss of genetic diversity among members of the population.
Term
oogenesis
Definition
the process in which haploid egg cells (ova) form through meiotic division.
Term
cytokenesis
Definition
the final part of mitosis. a cell with duplicated contents splits into 2 independent cells.
Term
telophase
Definition
final stage of mitosis before cytokenesis.
Term
karyotype
Definition
a photograph of the chromosomes from an induvidual cell, usually lined up in homologous pairs, according to size. missing, extra, or abnormal chromosomes can then be easily identified, aiding in the diagnosis of genetic disorders.
Term
nucleotide
Definition
the monomer of a nucleic acid.
1 phosphate group,a sugar,a nitrogenous base
CLASSES:
DNA- a, t, g, c
RNA-a, u, g, c
Term
nondisjunction
Definition
occurs when a pair of homologous chromosomes fail to separate during gamete formation. offspring from these gametes have either one too many or one too few of a particular chromosome. causes genetic disorders such as down syndrome.
Term
trait
Definition
any observable feature or characteristic of an organism
Term
gene flow
Definition
the movement of genes, within a population or between populations, through mating
Term
mutation
Definition
an error in the sequence of nucleotides in DNA or RNA that in turn affects the production of proteins.
TYPES:
substitution-1 nucleotide is replaced by another
frameshift-a nucleotide is either inserted or deleted into the code
Term
genetic code
Definition
the series of codons that make up an organism's DNA
Term
heterozygous
Definition
a situation in which an induvidual (heterozygote) possesses two dissimilar alleles for the same gene. the opposite is homozygous.
Term
gene
Definition
the fundamental unit of heredity composed of a stretch of DNA
Term
nitrogenous base
Definition
one of the nitrogen containing bases in DNA and RNA nucleotides. 5 nitrogenous bases in living organisms.
DNA-adenine,thymine,guanine,cytosine
RNA-adenine,uracil,guanine,cytosine
Term
active site
Definition
the part of an enzyme that interacts with, or binds to, a substrate.
Term
phagocytosis
Definition
a form of endocytosis in which cells ingest solid particles
Term
osmosis
Definition
process by which water naturally travels from an area of high concentration to low water concentration
Term
chemical cycles
Definition
the cycles in which inorganic elements move through the biotic and abiotic aspects of an ecosystem. the 2 most important chemical cycles are the carbon and nitrogen cycles.
Term
chemical cycles
Definition
the cycles in which inorganic elements move through the biotic and abiotic aspects of an ecosystem. the 2 most important chemical cycles are the carbon and nitrogen cycles.
Term
kidney
Definition
the organ of blood filtration in humanes. the functional unit of the kidney is the nephron.
Term
plasmids
Definition
circular DNA molecules found in prokaryotes
Term
ligament
Definition
connective tissue between bones
Term
medulla oblongata
Definition
part of the brain responsible for the control of involuntary functions such as breathing, cardiovascular regulation, and swallowing.
Term
lymphatic system
Definition
a means of returning blood fluid, lymph, that has escaped from capillaries back into the bloodstream. defended against foreign bodies by lymphocytes.
Term
acids
Definition
hydrogen ion (H+) donors. acids are very important in the chemical reactions of life because they are highly reactive. acids have pH values below 7. they are the opposite of bases.
Term
acids
Definition
hydrogen ion (H+) donors. acids are very important in the chemical reactions of life because they are highly reactive. acids have pH values below 7. they are the opposite of bases.
Term
actin
Definition
protein filaments that, along with myosin, allow muscles to contract.
Term
meiosis
Definition
a type of cellular reproduction that results in the formation of 4 haploid cells from 1 diploid cell. contains 2 cellular divisions, meiosis I and II, that follow only 1 round of DNA replication. meiosis produces germ cells.
Term
lymphocyte
Definition
white blood cell that is specialized to kill specific invading bacteria.
TYPES:
b cells
helper t cells
killer t cells
Term
myosin
Definition
protein filament that, along with actin, allow muscles to contract.
Term
gregor mendel
Definition
was an austrian monk and scientist. he discovered the basic laws of heredity, including dominance, segregation, and independent assortment.
Term
NADH
Definition
an energy-carrying co-enzyme produced by glycolysis and the krebs cycle. NADH carries energy to the electron transport chain, where it is stored in ATP.
Term
nephridium
Definition
a blood filtration and excretory organ characteristic of segmented worms
Term
nephridium
Definition
a blood filtration and excretory organ characteristic of segmented worms
Term
nephridium
Definition
a blood filtration and excretory organ characteristic of segmented worms
Term
menstrual cycle
Definition
a 28-day hormone sequence that defines the production, ovulation, and mestrulation of eggs in the female reproductive system. if fertilization of the egg occurs, the menstrual cycle stops.
Term
nephron
Definition
tiny, tubule structures responsible for the filtering of blood in the kidneys of vertebrates
Term
nephron
Definition
tiny, tubule structures responsible for the filtering of blood in the kidneys of vertebrates
Term
mesophyll
Definition
the internal tissue of a leaf between the epidermal cells. specialized for photosynthesis. contains the palisade or spongy layer.
Term
parathyroid
Definition
4 small glands embedded on the posterior surface of the thyroid gland. produces a hormone that regulates the level of calcium in the bloodstream.
Term
malpighian tubules
Definition
the organ of blood filtration in arthropods
Term
vascular tissue
Definition
a conductive component (either xylem or phloem) of the vascular system that transports food and nutrients throughout the plant body.
Term
warm-blooded
Definition
animals that have developed fat, fur,hair,or feathers in order to retain heat produced by metabolic activities. [aka endothermic]
Term
zygote
Definition
in sexual reproduction, the diploid product of the fusion of the father's haploid sperm cell and the mother's haploid ovum (egg) cell
Term
central nervous system (CNS)
Definition
the brain and spinal cord. the CNS acts as the central command center of the body. mostly made up of interneurons.
Term
vitamins
Definition
complex molecules that usually serve as coenzymes, assisting in physiological processes.
Term
budding
Definition
asecual reproductive process in which a small portion of the cell membrane and cytoplasm receive a nucleus and pinch off from the parent cell.
Term
endocrine system
Definition
control system of the body that functions by releasing hormones into the bloodstream
Term
organ
Definition
a discrete unit of tissues that work together to perform specific functions within the body.
Term
nervous system
Definition
control system of the body that functions by sending impulses through neurons to receive info. and spur muscles to action
Term
inheritance of acquired traits
Definition
a crucial, and incorrect, aspect of lamarck's theory of evolution. lamarck believed that the traits a parent acquired during its lifetime would be passed on to its offspring.
Term
uterus
Definition
structure in the female reproductive system in which the embryo develops
Term
vascular cambium
Definition
tissue that produces new vascular cells. lies between the xylem and phloem in dicot stems.
Term
corpus luteum
Definition
after releasing its ovum (ovulation) the follicle becomes the corpus leteum which produces progesterone for the continued buildup of the uterine wall.
Term
corpus luteum
Definition
after releasing its ovum (ovulation) the follicle becomes the corpus leteum which produces progesterone for the continued buildup of the uterine wall.
Term
competition
Definition
struggle for survival between organisms or populations that use similar resources and occupy similar niches.
interspecific-competitions between populations that may drive a population out of a community or push it to evolve a diff. niche
intraspecific-competition between individuals of the same species.
Term
cytoskeleton
Definition
a system of protein filaments found throughout the cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells, which provides structural support for the cell. also helps with the movement of organelles within the cell. made of microfilaments and mircotubules.
Term
crossing-over
Definition
the exchange of genetic info. between homologous chromosomes during meiosis I.
crossing over can disrupt the normal linkage between genes on the same chromosome.
Term
community
Definition
the many populations that interact in a given geographical locale constitute ecological communities.
interactions:
competition
symbiosis
predation
food relationships
undergo ecological succession
Term
community
Definition
the many populations that interact in a given geographical locale constitute ecological communities.
interactions:
competition
symbiosis
predation
food relationships
undergo ecological succession
Term
nucleolus
Definition
a dense, spherical body inside the nucleus of a cell. the nucleolus makes the RNA that is a structural component of the ribosomes.
Term
linked genes
Definition
genes that are located together on the same chromosome. will not undergo independent assortment during gamete formation. crossing-over will disrupt the linkage of 2 genes on the same chromosome if they are far enough apart.
Term
decomposer
Definition
organisms that consume waste products and dead organic material constitute part of the food web. [aka saprophytes] liberate inorganic elements such as nitrogen and carbon and allow those elements to move back into their respective chemical cycles
Term
decomposer
Definition
organisms that consume waste products and dead organic material constitute part of the food web. [aka saprophytes] liberate inorganic elements such as nitrogen and carbon and allow those elements to move back into their respective chemical cycles
Term
ganglion
Definition
a simple cluster of nerve cells that acts as a coordinating center. in more sophisticated organisms:ganglia evolved into a brain and spinal cord.
Term
gametophyte
Definition
a haploid plant or plant structure that produces haploid gametes through mitosis.
Term
gamete
Definition
a haploid sex cell (either an egg or sperm cell) male and female gametes join during fertilization to create a diploid zygote. gametes are created out of germ cells and are passed down to offspring.
Term
genotype
Definition
the entire set of specific alleles present in an organism or cell: the genetic info. that (together with the environment) defines the phenotype.
Term
ear
Definition
sensory organ capable of detecting sound
Term
dominant
Definition
refers to an allele that controls the phenotype even when a diff. allele is also present as a heterozygote
Term
disaccharide
Definition
a sugar compound consisting of 2 carbohydrate monomers
Term
diploid number
Definition
the total number of chromosomes present in a somatic cell.=twice the haploid number.
humans: diploid #=46
Term
digestive system
Definition
system of organs that converts food to usable nutrients through mechanical and chemical breakdown
Term
biome
Definition
characterized by specific climax communities. a particular geographic area with a common climate and characteristic plant and animal life
6 terrestrial- tropical rainforest, savanna,desert,temperate deciduous forest,taiga,tundra
2 aquatic-marine,freshwater
Term
chitin
Definition
a rough polysaccharide that constitutes the cell wall of fungi and exoskeleton of anthropods
Term
endoskeleton
Definition
an interior skeleton found in vertebrates made of bone and cartiledge
Term
cellulose
Definition
a complex carbohydrate that constitutes the cell walls of plants and protist molds
Term
lamarckism
Definition
an evolutionary theory (proved false by darwin) stating that species change over time by the use and disuse of structures and the inheritance of acquired traits
Term
learned behavior
Definition
behavior that an organism picks up over the course of its life.
3 TYPES:
habituation
conditioning
associative learning
Term
egg
Definition
the female gamete in sexual reproduction; also called an ovum.
Term
ectotherm
Definition
[aka cold-blooded]
Term
ecosystem
Definition
a community of organisms and its abiotic environment
Term
ecology
Definition
the study of the interactions and relationships of populations with each other and their abiotic environments.
Term
haploid number
Definition
the number of homologous pairs in a cell. half the diploid number. humans=23 haploid #
Term
ecological succession
Definition
the progression of plant life and attendant animal life in a given geographic location, from pioneer plant to climax community
Term
food web
Definition
many connected food chains that exhibit the relationships of all predators to all prey constitute a food web
Term
food chain
Definition
a linear relationship of predators and prey
Term
food chain
Definition
a linear relationship of predators and prey
Term
guard cells
Definition
epidermal plant cells found in pairs surrounding the stomata of leaves. by increasing their size, guard cells regulate gas exchange by opening and closing individual stoma.
Term
fluid-mosaic model
Definition
theory describing the cell membrane as a dynamic structure with proteins floating, yet partially embedded, in a sea of phospholipids.
Term
flagellum
Definition
a whiplike structure projecting from the surface of some cells and single-celled organisms; coordinated waving of the flagellum allows the organism to swim.
Term
facilitated diffusion
Definition
diffusion of molecules that cant pass through the cell membrane independently, but rather through permeable protein channels embedded in the membrane. doesnt require outside energy.
Term
facilitated diffusion
Definition
diffusion of molecules that cant pass through the cell membrane independently, but rather through permeable protein channels embedded in the membrane. doesnt require outside energy.
Term
facilitated diffusion
Definition
diffusion of molecules that cant pass through the cell membrane independently, but rather through permeable protein channels embedded in the membrane. doesnt require outside energy.
Term
eye
Definition
sensory organ capable of detecting light
Term
exoskeleton
Definition
a rigid,chitinous protective structure that surrounds the bodies of arthropods and provides support
Term
exocytosis
Definition
process by which molecules are secreted from the cell. exocytosis occurs when a vesicle fuses with the cell membrane and releases its contents to the outside.
Term
excretory system
Definition
the organ systsem that filters blood and removes nitrogenous wastes from the body in the form of urea or uric acid
Term
excretory system
Definition
the organ systsem that filters blood and removes nitrogenous wastes from the body in the form of urea or uric acid
Term
excretory system
Definition
the organ systsem that filters blood and removes nitrogenous wastes from the body in the form of urea or uric acid
Term
eukaryote
Definition
an organism whose cells have membrane-bound intracellular organelles including a nucleus containing multiple chromosomes. can undergo sexual reproduction via meiosis.
protists,fungi,plants,and animals
Term
eukaryote
Definition
an organism whose cells have membrane-bound intracellular organelles including a nucleus containing multiple chromosomes. can undergo sexual reproduction via meiosis.
protists,fungi,plants,and animals
Term
eukaryote
Definition
an organism whose cells have membrane-bound intracellular organelles including a nucleus containing multiple chromosomes. can undergo sexual reproduction via meiosis.
protists,fungi,plants,and animals
Term
estrogen
Definition
hormone that stimulates growth of the uterine lining during pregnancy and that develops and maintains the female secondary characteristics.
Term
estrogen
Definition
hormone that stimulates growth of the uterine lining during pregnancy and that develops and maintains the female secondary characteristics.
Term
enzymes
Definition
biological catalysts made from proteins. enzymes have attachment locations for substrates called active sites.
Term
energy pyramid
Definition
energy in a community can be depicted as a pyramid of food, or biomass. the availability of food, biomass, and the energy from the trophic level of producers up through each subsequent level on the food web is approx. 10% of that available in the previous trophic level.
Term
gonads
Definition
sex organs that produce gametes. the gonads also release hormones such as testosterone,estrogen,and progesterone.
humanes:
males-testes
females-ovaries
Term
gram staining
Definition
process by which components of bacterial cell walls are bound to gram's stain. depending on the amount of peptidoglycan in their cell walls, bacteria stain differently and are classified as gram-negative or gram-positive.
Term
oxidative phosphorylation
Definition
part of the electron transport chain. a process occuring in the mitochondria that results in the formation of ATP from the flow of electrons across the inner membrane to bind with oxygen.
Term
natural selection
Definition
the theory, first proposed by darwin, which holds that organisms produce as many offspring as possible, which compete for limited resources.
"better suited=survive longer"
ex. adaptive characteristics
Term
natural selection
Definition
the theory, first proposed by darwin, which holds that organisms produce as many offspring as possible, which compete for limited resources.
"better suited=survive longer"
ex. adaptive characteristics
Term
consumer
Definition
heterotrophic organisms within the food web of a community.
primary consumers-eat producers
secondary consumers-eat primary consumers
tertiary consumers-eat secondary consumers
Term
pioneer population
Definition
the 1st population to move into a geographic location and begin the process of ecological succession
Term
neritic zone
Definition
the medium depth zone of the marine biome. extends to 600 feet beneath the water's surface and sits on the continental shelf, hundreds of miles away from any shore.
algae,crustaceans,and fish inhabit this region.
Term
trophic level
Definition
steps on a food/biomass pyramid that are defined by organisms within a community that are the same distance from the primary producers in the food web.
Term
trophic level
Definition
steps on a food/biomass pyramid that are defined by organisms within a community that are the same distance from the primary producers in the food web.
Term
trophic level
Definition
steps on a food/biomass pyramid that are defined by organisms within a community that are the same distance from the primary producers in the food web.
Term
chromatin
Definition
the stringy web of genetic material and histone proteins found in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells. during cell division, each strand of DNA coils to form a chromosome.
Term
vestigial structures
Definition
bodily structures that developed in the past but no longer serve any function for an organism.
Term
myelin sheath
Definition
a structure that speeds the movement of action potentials along the axon of a neuron. the sheath is built of schwann cells, which wrap themselves around the axon of the neuron, leaving small gaps in between known as the nodes of ranvier.
Term
villi
Definition
fingerlike projections in the small intestine that increase surface area and maximize the absorption of nutrients
Term
coenzyme
Definition
a compound that regulates activity by binding to an enzyme to tell it when to catalyze a reaction.
Term
transfer RNA (tRNA)
Definition
an RNA molecule used in protein synthesis as a link helping to convert messenger RNA into amino acids
Term
pistil
Definition
the female reproductive organ of the flower, composed of a stigma, style, and ovary; sometimes called the carpel
Term
pistil
Definition
the female reproductive organ of the flower, composed of a stigma, style, and ovary; sometimes called the carpel
Term
peripheral nervous system (PNS)
Definition
the pathways by which the CNS receives sensory info. from the body and sends commands to muscles.
PNS
sensory system:brings info. in from the body
motor system:sends commands to muscles
Term
phospholipid
Definition
type of lipid found in cell membranes. made up of: a single hydrophilic phosphate head and 2 nonpolar hydrophobic lipid tails
Term
phospholipid
Definition
type of lipid found in cell membranes. made up of: a single hydrophilic phosphate head and 2 nonpolar hydrophobic lipid tails
Term
phospholipid
Definition
type of lipid found in cell membranes. made up of: a single hydrophilic phosphate head and 2 nonpolar hydrophobic lipid tails
Term
phenotype
Definition
the entire set of observable characteristics of an organism or cell. the physical traits of an organism. genotype+environmental factors=phenotype
Term
phloem
Definition
vascular tissue composed of cells that are living at maturity. transports the products of photosynthesis throughout the plant body.
Term
phagocyte
Definition
a type of white blood cell that kills invading cells by ingesting them
Term
FADH2
Definition
a molecule that stores energy for harvest by the electron transport chain
Term
F1 generation
Definition
the 1st generation of offspring from a cross between 2 varieties of induviduals
Term
F2 generation
Definition
the 2nd generation of offspring in a breeding experiment; the offspring from a mating between 2 F1 hybrids.
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