Tralongo Ch. 1 Bio Terms

Cell

The basic unit of structure and function in all living things.

Prokaryote

A single-celled organism without a nucleus or membrane-bound organelles (e.g., bacteria).

Eukaryote

An organism whose cells contain a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles (e.g., plants, animals, fungi).

Multicellular

Made up of more than one cell.

Unicellular

Made up of only one cell.

Metabolism

All the chemical reactions in an organism that build up or break down materials for energy and life processes.

Autotroph

Organism that makes its own food.

Photoautotroph

Uses sunlight to make food (photosynthesis).

Chemoautotroph

Uses chemical energy to produce food.

Heterotroph

Organism that obtains food by consuming other living things.

Cellular Respiration

Process by which cells release energy by breaking down glucose and other molecules.

Aerobic Respiration

Cellular respiration that requires oxygen.

Anaerobic Respiration

Cellular respiration that does not require oxygen.

Response

A reaction to a stimulus.

Stimulus

A signal or change in the environment that causes a response.

Homeostasis

The maintenance of stable internal conditions in an organism.

Positive Feedback

Process that increases a change in the body (e.g., childbirth contractions).

Negative Feedback

Process that returns conditions to normal or stable (e.g., body temperature regulation).

Grow (Biologic)

Increase in size or number of cells in an organism.

Develop

Changes that occur as an organism matures.

DNA

Molecule that carries the genetic instructions for life.

Reproduction

Process of producing new organisms.

Asexual Reproduction

Reproduction involving one parent; offspring are genetically identical.

Sexual Reproduction

Reproduction involving two parents; offspring have genetic variation.

Evolution

Change in a species over generations through natural selection and genetic variation.

Nutrition

The process of obtaining and using food and energy.

Transport

Movement of materials into, out of, or within a cell or organism.

Diffusion

Movement of molecules from an area of high concentration to low concentration.

Synthesis

Building larger molecules from smaller ones.

Stem Cell

An unspecialized cell that can develop into many different cell types.

Excretion

Removal of waste products from the body or a cell.

Regulation

Control and coordination of activities within an organism to maintain balance.

Hormone

A chemical messenger that regulates processes in the body.