bio definitions

differentiation

the process by which a cell becomes specialised to perform a specific function

tissue

a group of similar cells work together to perform a specific function

diffusion

the net movement of particles from a region of higher concentration to a region a lower concentration, down a concentration gradient

osmosis

movement of water molecules from a region of higher water potential to a region of lower potential through a partially permeable membrane

active transport

the process in which energy is used to move particles against the concentration gradient, from lower concentrations to higher concentrations

turgor pressure

the pressure exerted outward on the cell wall due to water in the cell

plasmolysis

the shrinkage of cytoplasm and cell membrane away from the cell wall due to loss of water when a living cell is immersed in solution of lower water potential

enzymes

biological catalyst that alters the rate of chemical reactions and is chemically unchanged at the end of the reaction

digestion

the break down of large molecules into small, soluble, diffusible substances, that is absorbed into the body

denaturation

the change in the three dimensional structure of enzymes, or any soluble proteins, caused by heat or chemicals like acids and alkalis

egestion

the removal of undigested matter from the body

assimilation

the process whereby some of the absorbed food materials are being converted into new protoplasm or used to provide energy

reducing sugar

sugar that produces red precipitate when boiled with benedict’s solution

peristalsis

rhythmic, wave like muscular contractions in the wall of the alimentary canal

arteries

blood vessel that transport blood away from the heart

photosynthesis

the process in which light energy is absorbed by the chlorophyll is transformed into chemical energy which is used to synthesise carbohydrates from water and carbon dioxide and oxygen released in the process

detoxification

the process of converting harmful substances into harmless ones