Download Biology Glossary

Living Environment Glossary
Vocabulary Word
Abiotic
Acid Rain
Acquired Characteristic
Active Immunity
Active Transport
Adhesion
Adrenal Gland
Aerobic Respiration
AIDS
Alimentary Canal
Algae
Allele
Alveoli
Amino Acid
Anaerobic Respiration
Analogous Structure
Definition
nonliving parts in an organism's environment (rock, pH, sunlight,
temperature)
rain that has a low pH that is harmful to the environment - caused by
pollution SO2 and NOx
a trait acquired during an organisms lifetime; example: tattoo
when the body makes its own antibodies by getting sick or receiving a
vaccine
movement of materials across a cell membrane from an area of low
concentration to an area of high concentration; requires energy
the molecular force of attraction between unlike molecules
secretes adrenaline to respond to stressful situations
form of respiration that requires oxygen and produces 36 ATP per
molecule of glucose
a disease resulting from getting the HIV (a virus) which destroys ones
immune system
Mouth -> Esophagus -> Stomach -> Small Intestine -> Large Intestine ->
Rectum -> Anus
photosynthetic aquatic organisms; resembles a plant
any form of a gene, usually arising through mutation, that is responsible for
hereditary variation. " One letter"
air sacs found in the lungs that are responsible for gas exchanged between
the capillaries and the lungs
the building blocks of proteins; excess is excreted in urine
form of respiration that does not require oxygen and produces 2 ATP per
molecule of glucose
different structure, same function; does not show close common ancestry
Antibiotic
Antibody
a chemical that is used to fight off bacterial infections
molecules that organisms produce to defend against pathogens; attach to
specific antigen
Antigen
a protein located on a pathogen that stimulates the body to produce
antibodies
Aorta
Arteries
Asexual Reproduction
ATP
largest artery in the body
carries blood away from the heart
involves one parent; no variation; body cells
a substance produced by organisms to be used as energy; Adenosine
triphosphate
receives blood from the body and lungs
An organism at the bottom of the food web which can produce its own
food.
Atrium
Autotroph/Producer
Picture
Bacterial Resistance
B-Cell
Binary Fission
Biodiversity
when a group of bacteria have a trait that makes them resistant to
antibiotics used to combat bacterial infection
WBC that makes shape specific antibodies against specific pathogens
reproduction in bacteria, the bacteria divides into two individuals that have
identical genetic information.
Variation of of living organisms in a specific location; increases stability
Biomagnification
pesticides and heavy metals accumulate as you move up the food chain;
thus organisms that feed at the top of the food chain have a higher chance
of contamination (tuna, humans)
Biotic
Bladder
Bronchi
Budding
living parts in an organisms environment (predators, prey, plants)
stores urine for excretion
branched tubes that bring air to both lungs
Asexual reproduction. The cell splits in two with equal genetic information
but unequal amounts of cytoplasmic material.
Cancer
a group of harmful cells (tumor) that invades healthy cells; able to be
spread through blood stream; uncontrolled mitosis
center for diffusion of substances between the blood and the cells
an organic compound obtained from grains commonly used as a source of
energy; example of monosaccharide is glucose, example of polysaccharide
is starch
the circulation of carbon atoms in the biosphere as a result of
photosynthetic conversion of carbon dioxide into complex organic
compounds by plants, which are consumed by other organisms: the carbon
returns to the atmosphere in the form of carbon dioxide as a result of
respiration, decay by fungi, bacteria, and combustion of fossil fuels.
Capillaries
Carbohydrate
Carbon Cycle
Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
waste molecule of cellular respiration that is taken in by plants
Carrying Capacity
the greatest number of species in a population that an ecosystem can
support
Catalyst
a substance that speeds up the rate of a reaction; biological catalyst =
enzyme
the life history of a cell
Cell Cycle
Cell Membrane
a boundary on every cell that is selectively permeable and regulates what
substances enter and exits
Cell Plate
cell wall reforms after mitosis in plant cells
Cell Theory
1. All cells come from preexisting cells.
2. Cells are the basic unit of structure and function.
3. Organisms are made up of one or more cells.
provides structure for the cell. Only found in plant cells.
Cell Wall
Cellular Respiration
Centriole
a life function where gas exchange occurs in order to make ATP
(water+carbon dioxide+light energy --> glucose+oxygen+water)
aids in mitosis of animal cells
Cerebellum
part of the brain that control coordination, balance, and movement
Cerebrum
part of the brain that controls thoughts, memory, interpretation etc.
Chemical Digestion
digestion that requires the presence of enzymes
Chlorophyll
Green pigment found in the chloroplast of a plant.
Chloroplast
an organelle only in plant cells; contains chlorophyll; carries out
photosynthesis
CHON
Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen, Nitrogen
Chromosome
structures in nucleus that contain genetic information
Classification
To put into groups. Classification of living things
Cleavage/ Rapid Mitosis
Climate Change/Global
Warming
Climax Community
a way that cells replicate (usually describing the formation of body cells or
microorganism reproduction); the division of one cell into two identical
cells
gradual change in climate due to increase concentrations of greenhouse
gases, such as carbon dioxide, in the atmosphere
A stable community with a balance of living and nonliving factors.
Cloning
Copying of cells.
CNS
Central Nervous System
Co-Dominance
Both alleles are seen in the phenotype. "You see both"
Codon
3 bases found on mRNA that codes for one amino acid in a protein
Cohesion
Commensalism
the molecular force of attraction between like molecules
Symbiotic relationship between two organisms. +/0
Comparative
Biochemistry
Complimentary
Comparing DNA through gel electrophoresis; best form of evidence
supporting evolution because it cannot be influenced by the environment
fit together A-T G-C
Concentration Gradient
Control Group
the gradual difference in concentration found on either side of a
membrane
group in an experiment that does not contain the Independent Variable
Coronary Circulation
blood circulation around the heart
Covalent Bond
the bond formed by the sharing of a pair of electrons by two atoms.
Crossing Over
when homologous chromosome embrace and exchange genetic
information during meiosis
Cytokinesis
splitting of the cytoplasm
Darwin
came up with the theory of natural selection
Data Table
organizes data; IV on the left, DV on the right
Deciduous Forest
biome that experiences the seasons and trees drop their leaves in the fall
Decomposer
Deforestation
Denature
an organism that obtains its food from dead organisms (many bacteria)
the destruction of forests (logging)
change shape
Dependent Variable
measurable data collected during an experiment
Desert
transitional biome that is found on the leeward side of a mountain and
receives very little precipitation
muscle that controls breathing
Diaphragm
Dichotomous Key
Diffusion
Diploid Cell
DKPCOFGS
DNA
a key used to identify a plant or animal in which each stage presents
descriptions of two distinguishing characters, with a direction to another
stage in the key, until the species is identified
the movement of materials across a cell membrane from an area of high
concentration to an area of low concentration; does not require energy
Having two sets of chromosomes. A pair.
Domain -> Kingdom -> Phylum-> Class -> Order -> Family -> Genus ->
Species
the hereditary material of all living organisms; the instruction for all
characteristics and functions; made up of subunits
Dominant Allele
allele that will be expressed when present
Dynamic Equilibrium
fluctuation around balance
Egestion
removal of undigested waste
Electrons
Embryo
Emulsification
negatively charged particles found in a cloud outside of the nucleus of an
atom
beginning stages of development following the formation of a zygote
to break larger groups into smaller groups to increase surface area
Enzyme
a protein that is necessary for all chemical reactions to occur
Eukaryote
complex cells that contain a nucleus; example: plant, animal, fungi, protists
Eutrophication
Excretion
an abundant accumulation of nutrients that support a dense growth of
algae and other organisms, the decay of which depletes the shallow waters
of oxygen
Changes that occur over time to organisms. This can cause the change of
genetic information. Certain traits can be lost.
The process of removing cellular wastes from an organism.
Experimental Group
group in an experiment that contains the Independent Variable
External Fertilization
sperm and egg meet outside of the body
Extinction
Feedback
the death of every individual of a particular species
when there is a change in the environment, an organisms is stimulated to
produce a change in itself in order to maintain homeostasis
Finite Resource
Fluid Mosaic Model
resources that are limited which will eventually run out
model of the cell membrane that contains a bilipid layer with random
receptor and transport protein scattered throughout
Fossil Record
evidence supporting evolution that shows species that are now extinct but
show similarities to species that are still alive today
technique for separating DNA molecules of varying sizes in a mixture by
moving them through a block of gel, by means of an electric field, with
smaller molecules moving faster and therefore farther than larger ones.
Evolution
Gel Electrophoresis
Gene
Genetic Engineering
Genotype
Gland
segment of chromosome that has the genetic information for a trait (the
human genome project has identified every gene in the human)
to manipulate genes; similar to biotechnology and recombinant gene
technology
the combination of genes that represent a particular trait. “The letters.”
organ of the endocrine system that secretes hormones into the
bloodstream
Glucose
simple carbohydrate necessary for the production of ATP; also represented
as C6H12O6
G-Phase
Graph
growth phase of a cells life
a diagram representing a system of connections or interrelations among
two or more things by a number of distinctive dots, lines, bars, etc.
a transitional biome that is found between a desert and a forest
destruction or fragmentation of an area that supports living organisms
sex cells with 1/2 as many chromosomes as normal cell that combine to
form a zygote during fertilization (sperm or egg)
4 chambered muscle that pumps blood around the body
enzyme that unzips DNA
protein found in red blood cells that helps carry oxygen throughout the
body
an organism that obtains its energy from other organisms (most animals)
having two different alleles for a specific trait.
Grassland
Habitat Loss
Haploid Cell
Heart
Helicase
Hemoglobin
Heterotroph/Consumer
Heterozygous
Homeostasis
Homologous
Chromosome
Homologous Structure
maintaining a constant internal environment
two chromosomes that contain the same genetic information
Homozygous
having two of the same alleles for a specific trait
Hormone
chemical substances (proteins) that are secreted from glands to maintain
homeostasis
Incomplete Dominance
sharing of alleles. Both alleles are seen in the phenotype. “Blending”
Independent Assortment
chromosomes can line up in different orders every time they go through
meiosis
the change that is being tested in the experimental group
a substance that changes color in the presence of another substance;
example: iodine
when one organism is dependent upon another organism for survival
sperm and egg meet inside the body
nerve cell found in the spinal cord that prevents communication with the
brain during emergency situations
attraction between two ions
Individual -> Population -> Community -> Ecosystem -> Biosphere
a picture of the full set of chromosomes arranged by size and shape
Independent Variable
Indicator
Interdependence
Internal Fertilization
Interneuron
Ionic Bond
IPCEB
Karyotype
same structure, different function; shows common ancestry
Kidney
Lactic Acid
Lamarck
Large Intestine
Law of Dominance
Law of Independent
Assortment
Law of Segregation
Left Side of the Heart
Lipase/Protease/Amylase
Lipid
Liver
Mechanical Digestion
Medulla
Meiosis
Menstrual Cycle
Mitochondria
filters waste out of the blood for excretion
waster product of anaerobic respiration
came up with the idea that organisms adapted to their environment
through acquired characteristics obtained during their lifetime.
absorbs water and prepares waste for egestion
one trait will dominant over the other
different traits are inherited independently of each other
alleles separate during gamete formation and recombine during
fertilization
receives oxygenated blood from the lungs that is then pumped to the body
digestive enzymes
made up of glycerol and fatty acids; used for energy storage, protection
and insulation
detoxifies blood, makes bile and urea
the process of breaking down food. Mechanical digestion begins in the
mouth.
part of the brain that control involuntary actions
a way that cells replicate (usually describing the formation of gametes); the
division of one cell into four cells, each with 1/2 as many chromosomes as
the original cell; daughter cells have variation
mature the egg -> release the egg-> build the lining -> release the lining
cell organelle involved with the production of energy (ATP); there are many
of these per animal cell
Monomer/Building Block
one unit
Motor Neuron
M-Phase
mRNA
nerve cell that communicates movement to muscle cells
mitosis
sends the instructions to build a specific protein from the DNA to the
ribosome
a relationship in which both organism benefit. +/+
Mutualism
Mutation
Natural Selection
Neuron
Neurotransmitter
Neutrons
Niche
Niche Overlap
Nitrogen Bases
Nitrogen Cycle
an error in the DNA code, thus changing a specific trait or characteristic
(sickle-cell anemia, cystic fibrosis)
those species that have the most adaptive traits for an environment are
more likely to survive and reproduce
nerve cell
any chemical substance that sends a signal form nerve cell to nerve cell
neutral component found in the nucleus of an atom
an organisms job or role in its ecosystem; when two niches overlap, there
may be competition for resources
when organisms share the same niche competition increases
A, T, C, G = genetic code
the continuous sequence of events by which atmospheric nitrogen and
nitrogenous compounds in the soil are converted, as by nitrification and
nitrogen fixation, into substances that can be utilized by green plants, the
substances returning to the air and soil as a result of the decay of the
Non-Disjunction
Nucleotide
plants
when chromosomes fail to separate properly during meiosis; can lead to
chromosomal mutations – downs syndrome
building block of DNA that consists of a phosphate, sugar and nitrogenous
base
Nucleus
cell organelle containing the genetic material (only one of these in each
cell)
Organ System
a group of organs that work together to complete a specific task
(esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines are organs which make up
the digestive system)
different structures within each cell that perform specific tasks
(mitochondria, vacuole, nucleus)
compounds that contain, among others, carbon and hydrogen - all living
things
diffusion of water
female reproductive unit that produces and releases eggs (normal women
have two ovaries)
Organelle
Organic Compound
Osmosis
Ovaries
Ovulation
Oxygen (O2)
development and release of egg into the fallopian tube
waste molecule excreted by plants and inhaled by animals
Ozone Depletion
reducing the amount of ozone (O3) in the ozone layer; caused by CFCs
Pancreas
secretes digestive enzymes into the digestive system and insulin into the
bloodstream
a feeding relationship where only one organism benefits. +/-
Parasitism
Passive Immunity
Passive Transport
Pathogen
Pedigree
Penis
Peppered Moth
Peristalsis
Pesticide Resistance
pH
Phagocyte/Macrophage
Phenotype
Photosynthesis
when and individual temporarily received antibodies from another
individual; breast feeding
the movement of materials across a cell membrane from an area of high
concentration to an area of low concentration; does not require energy
any organism that causes harm to another (virus, bacteria)
chart that tracks genetic traits through multiple generations
male reproductive organs that aids in internal fertilization
during the industrial revolution particulate matter settled on trees creating
an environmental pressure that favored dark moths over white moths
muscle contraction that pushes food through the alimentary canal
when a group of insects have a trait that makes them resistant to harmful
chemicals added to plants to kill insects that are destroying the plants
a measure of something to determine if it is more acidic or basic (scale of
1-->14, 1= most acidic, 7= neutral, 14=most basic)
WBC that engulfs tagged pathogens
what the organism looks like. The observable traits from the genotype.
a process occurring in plants (water+carbon dioxide+light energy -->
glucose+oxygen+water)
Pioneer Organism
Placenta
first organism to settle an area after a natural disaster or human impact
the organ in most mammals, formed in the lining of the uterus that
provides for the nourishment of the fetus and the elimination of its waste
products through the process of diffusion
PMAT
PNS
Polarity
Polymer
stages of mitosis Prophase -> Metaphase-> Anaphase -> Telophase
Peripheral Nervous System
uneven distribution of charge in a water molecule
many units
Polypeptide
Predator/Prey
Relationship
Primary Succession
protein
Predator - an organism that feeds on prey Prey- an organisms that is eaten
by predators; keeps population numbers in check
during succession soil is no longer intact and has to be broken down from
rock; example volcanic eruption
simple cell that does not contain a nucleus; example bacteria
organic compound made up of amino acids (hormones, enzymes,
antibodies) used for growth and repair in the body
positively changed component found in the nucleus of an atom
movement of blood around the lungs
shows how genes combine. shows the probability of genotypes.
biome located at the equator that has a lot of precipitation and highest
level of biodiversity
Red Blood Cell - transports oxygen to the cells
needed substances are placed back into the bloodstream
hidden trait, two recessive traits will show that trait.
bacterial DNA that has been genetically engineered to contains human and
bacterial DNA
Prokaryote
Protein
Protons
Pulmonary Circulation
Punnett Square
Rain Forest
RBC
Reabsorption
Recessive Allele
Recombinant DNA
Reflex Arc
Regeneration
Regulation
Replication
sensory neuron -> interneuron -> motor neuron
growth of an organism form a lost limb through mitosis
to keep in control.
To copy
Restriction Enzyme
cuts DNA
Ribosome
cell organelle where the synthesis (formation) of proteins occur
Right Side of the Heart
receive deoxygenated blood from the body that is then pumped to the
lungs
single stranded photocopy of DNA
Genus species
during succession soil is intact and does not have to be broken down from
rock; example forest fire
environmental pressure that drives natural selection
RNA
Scientific Name
Secondary Succession
Selecting Factor
Selective Breeding
an example of biotechnology where humans pick and choose the result
(breeding pure-bred dogs) “ Select a mate for a given trait!”
Semen
whitish fluid produced in the male reproductive organs in order to provide
a liquid medium for transportation of the sperm during fertilization
Sensory Neuron
nerve cell that detects changes in the environment
Sex-Linked
trait that is located on the sex-determine chromosomes
Sexual Reproduction
usually requires a male and female parent; there is variation in genetic
code of offspring
Skin
protective organ found on the outer surface of the body
Small Intestine
final stage of digestion and nutrient absorption into the bloodstream
Somatic Cell
body cell
Specialized/Differentiated cell that has been assigned a specific job, does not have access to all of the
Cell
DNA
S-Phase
DNA synthesis, replication
Starch
carbohydrate polymer
Stomach
liquefies food
Stomata/Guard Cell
located on plants which regulate the intake and excretion of water and
gases in order to maintain homeostasis
Substrate
Symbiosis
Systemic Circulation
Taiga
T-Cell
Testes
substance the enzyme acts on
relationship between organisms
blood circulation around the body
biome that is very cold and has needle leaved trees
WBC that temporarily fights off pathogens
male reproductive organs that produce sperm cells
Trachea
Transport
tRNA
Tundra
Umbilical Cord
Uracil
Uterus
windpipe
movement of substances around the cell or body
transfers amino acids to the ribosome
biome that has permanently frozen soil
"extension cord" between the baby and the placenta
in RNA A-U
reproductive organ where the developing embryo is implanted
Vaccine
a small dose or weakened amount of a specific virus that is injected to
prepare the immune system to fight a specific disease
organelle responsible for storage
birth canal
structures that prevent back flow of blood
a change from the original; usually refers to sexual reproduction
carries blood towards the heart
largest vein in the body
pumps blood up and out of the heart
a pathogen whose only life function is to use a host to replicate
Vacuole
Vagina
Valves
Variation
Veins
Vena Cava
Ventricle
Virus
Water Cycle
WBC
the circulation of the earth's water, in which water evaporates from the
sea into the atmosphere, where it condenses and falls as rain or snow,
returning to the sea by rivers or returning to the atmosphere by
evapotranspiration
white blood cell - fights infection
Womb
X Chromosome
Y Chromosome
Zygote
uterus- where the baby develops
XX girl
XY boy
a fertilized egg cell that is formed when two gametes join