GENERAL BIOLOGY

Atom Fundamental building block of all matter Molecule Two or more atoms Cell Basic form of life; smallest unit of life Organ A grouping of tissues engaged in a collective task Tissue Specialized cells organized in a pattern Organelle Structure that carries out a specialized metabolic function within a living cell Organ System A set of organs engaged in a collective task that keeps the body functioning properly Organism Individual that consists of of one or more cells Population Grouping of the same species Community All populations of all species in a given area; looks at interaction between the species Ecosystem All biotic and abiotic things; a community interacting with its environment Biosphere All ecosystems on the planet *Gaia Theory: planet is one big organism Characteristics of Life All living things: 1) Are made up of cells * 2) Have different levels of organization 3) Obtain and convert energy from environment * 4) Respond to their environment * 5) Get larger and more complex throughout life 6) Reproduce * 7) Adapt to their environment; Homeostasis * What is the basic unit of life in all living organisms? The cell What is the process by which green plants produce their food using sunlight? Photosynthesis Which organelle is known as the powerhouse of the cell? Mitochondria What is the function of ribosomes in a cell? Protein synthesis What is the molecule that carries genetic information in most organisms? DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) What is the process of converting glucose into energy called? Cellular respiration What is the semi-permeable structure surrounding the cell called? Cell membrane What is the fluid-filled space inside the cell that contains organelles called? Cytoplasm Which organelle is responsible for photosynthesis in plants? Chloroplast What is the process by which water moves across a semi-permeable membrane? Osmosis What term describes the movement of molecules from an area of high concentration to low concentration? Diffusion What are the building blocks of proteins? Amino acids What is the structural and functional unit of the nervous system? Neuron What is the name of the process by which cells divide to form identical daughter cells? Mitosis What is the process by which organisms produce offspring called? Reproduction What is the primary pigment involved in photosynthesis? Chlorophyll What is the term for a group of similar cells that perform a specific function? Tissue What is the largest organ in the human body? The skin What is the name of the process by which the body maintains a stable internal environment? Homeostasis What are the two types of nucleic acids found in cells? DNA and RNA What is the term for organisms that can make their own food? Autotrophs What is the primary gas taken in by plants during photosynthesis? Carbon dioxide What is the waste product released by plants during photosynthesis? Oxygen What is the smallest bone in the human body? The stapes (stirrup) in the ear What are organisms called that depend on others for their food? Heterotrophs What is the main function of the red blood cells in the human body? Transporting oxygen What is the part of the brain responsible for coordinating voluntary movements? Cerebellum What is the organ responsible for filtering and purifying the blood in humans? Kidneys What is the molecule that acts as an energy currency in cells? ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate) What is the main function of white blood cells? Fighting infections and protecting the body from pathogens What is the term for the process by which a less specialized cell becomes a more specialized cell type? Cell differentiation What is the protein in red blood cells that binds oxygen? Hemoglobin What is the process by which an animal sheds its outer layer, such as skin or exoskeleton? Molting What is the function of lysosomes in a cell? Breaking down waste materials and cellular debris What is the term for a permanent change in the DNA sequence of an organism? Mutation What is the organ responsible for producing insulin in the human body? Pancreas What is the type of reproduction where offspring arise from a single parent without the involvement of gametes? Asexual reproduction What is the name of the thin layer covering the surface of the Earth where life exists? Biosphere What is the relationship called where both organisms benefit from their interaction? Mutualism What is the phase of the cell cycle where the cell grows and replicates its DNA? Interphase What is the part of a plant that transports water from the roots to the leaves? Xylem What is the organ in the human body responsible for detoxifying chemicals and metabolizing drugs? Liver What is the basic structural framework of the human skeleton made of? Bones What is the primary function of platelets in the blood? Helping in blood clotting What is the term for the fusion of male and female gametes? Fertilization What is the organ responsible for gas exchange in humans? Lungs What is the term for organisms that feed on dead and decaying matter? Decomposers What is the name of the protein that gives hair and nails their structure? Keratin Carbohydrates 1:2:1 CH2O - Monosaccharides: simple sugars (glucose) - Oligosaccharides: few sugars (sucrose) - Polysaccharides: complex carbs; storage & structure (starch) *Biologically important molecule Proteins Composed of amino acid monomers - Complex - 3D enzymes - Diverse *Biologically important molecule