Key Concepts in Biology: Life Processes and Reproduction

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102 Terms

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MRS GREN

Movement, Respiration, Sensitivity, Growth, Reproduction, Excretion, Nutrition.

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Biology

The study of life — from cells to whole ecosystems.

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Respiration

A process where organisms extract energy from glucose.

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Excretion

Removal of metabolic waste (like urea or CO₂).

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Difference between excretion and egestion

Excretion removes waste made by cells; egestion removes undigested food.

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Eukaryotic cell

A cell with a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.

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Prokaryotic cell

A cell without a nucleus; e.g. bacteria.

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Eukaryotic kingdoms

Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, Protista.

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Prokaryotic kingdoms

Bacteria and Archaea.

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Size of eukaryotic vs prokaryotic cells

Eukaryotic ~50μm, Prokaryotic ~1μm.

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Magnification formula

Image size ÷ Actual size.

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Asexual reproduction

One parent produces genetically identical offspring.

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Bacterial reproduction

By binary fission — a type of asexual reproduction.

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Yeast reproduction

By budding — a form of asexual reproduction.

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Sexual reproduction

Two parents produce genetically varied offspring.

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Zygote

A fertilised egg formed when sperm and egg fuse.

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Cell specialisation

When cells develop specific roles (e.g. nerve cells).

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Stem cell

An undifferentiated cell that can become specialised.

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Differentiation

The process of becoming specialised.

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Tissue

A group of similar cells doing the same job.

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Organ

A structure made of tissues with a specific function.

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Organ system

A group of organs working together.

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Organism

A living thing made of organ systems.

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Autotroph

An organism that makes its own food (e.g. plants).

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Heterotroph

An organism that consumes others for food (e.g. animals).

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Balanced equation for photosynthesis

6CO₂ + 6H₂O → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂.

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Photosynthesis location

In chloroplasts using chlorophyll.

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Light colours increasing photosynthesis

Red and blue (green is reflected).

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Greenhouse effect on photosynthesis

More light, warmth and CO₂ increases glucose production.

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Uses of glucose in plants

Making starch, cellulose, energy (respiration), proteins and lipids.

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Mineral absorption in plants

Through roots — potassium, phosphate, magnesium, etc.

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Word equation for aerobic respiration

Glucose + Oxygen → Carbon dioxide + Water.

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Aerobic respiration location

In the mitochondria.

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Anaerobic respiration (animals)

Glucose → Lactic acid.

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Anaerobic respiration (yeast)

Glucose → Alcohol + Carbon dioxide.

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Aerobic vs anaerobic respiration

Aerobic releases more energy (ATP).

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Function of the digestive system

Breaks down food and absorbs nutrients.

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Mouth function

Starts digestion by chewing and mixing food with saliva.

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Stomach function

Uses acid and enzymes to break food down.

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Small intestine function

Absorbs nutrients into the blood.

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Liver function

Produces bile to help digest fats.

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Gallbladder function

Stores bile and releases it into the intestine.

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Pancreas function

Makes enzymes: amylase, protease, lipase.

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Large intestine function

Absorbs water and forms faeces.

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Enzyme

A biological catalyst that speeds up reactions.

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Catalyst

A substance that speeds up a reaction without being used.

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Active site

The part of the enzyme that binds to the substrate.

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Amylase

An enzyme that breaks down carbohydrates into simple sugars.

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Protease

An enzyme (e.g. pepsin) that breaks down proteins into amino acids.

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Lipase

Enzyme that breaks down lipids into fatty acids and glycerol.

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Nuclease

Enzyme that breaks down nucleic acids into nucleotides.

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Test for starch

Iodine turns blue-black if present.

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Test for glucose

Benedict's + heat turns red/orange if present.

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Test for protein

Biuret test turns purple if present.

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Test for lipids

Ethanol test produces cloudy white emulsion if present.

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Stamen

Male parts of a flower, consisting of anther and filament.

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Carpel

Female parts of a flower, consisting of stigma, style, and ovary.

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Anther

Produces pollen (male gametes).

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Stigma

Collects pollen.

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Ovary

Contains ovules (egg cells).

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Pollination

Transfer of pollen from anther to stigma.

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Fertilisation in plants

Occurs in the ovary, when pollen fuses with an ovule.

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Testes

Produce sperm and testosterone; site of meiosis.

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Scrotum

Protects testes and controls temperature.

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Urethra (male)

Transports urine and semen out of the body.

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Epididymis

Stores, matures, and moves sperm.

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Prostate gland

Adds fluid to form semen.

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Seminal vesicle

Adds nutrient-rich fluid to semen.

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Ejaculatory duct

Delivers sperm into the urethra during ejaculation.

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Vas deferens

Transports sperm from testes to urethra.

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Penis

Transfers semen into the vagina.

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Sperm duct

Connects testes to urethra through the prostate.

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Cervix

Narrow opening between uterus and vagina; allows fluid flow.

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Vagina

Birth canal; receives sperm during intercourse.

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Uterus

Where a fertilised egg implants and baby develops.

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Ovaries

Produce eggs and hormones (oestrogen and progesterone).

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Oviducts

Transport eggs to the uterus; site of fertilisation.

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Fundus

Top of uterus; supports pregnancy and hormone control.

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Endometrium

The uterus lining that thickens and sheds monthly.

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Ovulation

Release of an egg from the ovary (around day 14).

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Menstrual cycle

~28-day cycle preparing uterus for pregnancy.

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Oestrogen

Builds the uterus lining during the cycle.

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Progesterone

Maintains the uterus lining after ovulation.

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Implantation

When a fertilised egg embeds into the uterine wall.

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Gestation

Time between fertilisation and birth (~9 months).

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Placenta

Transfers oxygen/nutrients to the fetus; removes waste.

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Puberty

The time when the body develops to become reproductive.

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Testosterone

Hormone that causes puberty in boys.

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Oestrogen (girls)

Hormone that causes puberty in girls.

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Changes in boys during puberty

Voice deepens, facial hair, sperm production, muscle growth.

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Changes in girls during puberty

Breasts grow, hips widen, periods start, body hair.

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Seminal fluid

Fluid that nourishes and helps sperm move.

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Semen

A mixture of sperm cells and seminal fluid.

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Condom

Barrier that prevents sperm from entering; protects against STIs.

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Combined pill

Prevents ovulation and thickens cervical mucus.

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IUD

Placed in uterus; prevents implantation of a fertilised egg.

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Diaphragm

A barrier that covers the cervix and stops sperm entering.

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Vasectomy

Sperm ducts are cut or sealed to prevent sperm release.

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Continuous variation

Traits that vary on a scale (e.g. height, weight).

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Discontinuous variation

Traits with distinct groups (e.g. blood group).