Human Biology: Cells, Bio Molecules, and Tissues

Vocabulary flashcards covering the chemistry of life, cellular hierarchy and differentiation, and the four main tissue types in the human body.

Bio Molecules

Molecules that form living organisms, which include carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.

Carbohydrates

Biomolecules that act as the main energy source for cellular metabolism and form parts of the cell used to build other molecules.

Lipids

Biomolecules that serve as the main components of cell membranes and function as energy reserves or storage.

Proteins

Biomolecules that form most cellular structures, with some involved in the regulation and control of cell molecules.

Nucleic Acids

Biomolecules that serve as the cell's genetic material, defining all of the cell's characteristics and activities.

Zygote

The first cell formed when a sperm cell fertilizes an ovum/egg cell.

Cell Differentiation

The process through which cells acquire the particular morphological and physiological traits that determine their roles.

Stem Cells

Cells that have not gone through the process of cell differentiation.

Tissues

Groups of specialized cells working together to carry out a particular function.

Organ

Groups of different types of tissues working together to carry out a particular function.

Systems

Groups of organs that work together to carry out a function.

Extracellular Matrix (ECM)

The material surrounding cells in tissues that provides support, stores reserves, and enables regular communication.

Epithelial Tissues

Tissues composed of tightly bound cells with little ECM between them, which cover organs, line body surfaces, and secrete substances.

Connective Tissues

Tissues characterized by abundant ECM surrounding spread-out cells, performing connection and support roles (e.g., bone, blood).

Muscle Tissues

Tissues consisting of bundles of elongated cells (muscle fibers) specialized in contraction and movement.

Nervous Tissues

Highly specialized tissue cells (neurones) possessing the ability to react to stimuli and transmit responses.