Science 30 Unit A - Living Systems

These flashcards cover key concepts related to the circulatory systems, blood components, genetics, and cell biology relevant to the student's lecture on Living Systems.

Circulatory System

The system that transports blood, nutrients, and gases throughout the body.

Arteries

Blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart, usually oxygenated.

Arterioles

Small arteries that branch from larger arteries and lead to capillaries.

Capillaries

Tiny blood vessels where gas and nutrient exchange occurs between blood and tissues.

Veins

Blood vessels that carry blood back to the heart, usually deoxygenated.

Vasoconstriction

The narrowing of blood vessels to reduce blood flow.

Vasodilation

The widening of blood vessels to increase blood flow.

Homeostasis

The maintenance of a stable internal environment in the body.

Blood Pressure

The force exerted by circulating blood upon the walls of blood vessels.

Cardiac Output

The volume of blood pumped by the heart per minute.

Anemia

A condition characterized by a deficiency of red blood cells or hemoglobin in the blood.

Leukocytes

White blood cells that play a key role in the immune response.

Phagocytosis

The process by which certain cells engulf and digest bacteria and other particles.

Antibody

A protein produced by B cells that binds to specific antigens to neutralize pathogens.

Gene

A segment of DNA that contains the instructions for making a protein.

Mutation

A permanent change in the DNA sequence of a gene.

Chromosome

A structure composed of DNA and protein that contains genetic information.

Genotype

The genetic constitution of an individual regarding a specific trait.

Phenotype

The observable physical or biochemical characteristics of an organism.

Mitosis

The process of cell division that results in two genetically identical daughter cells.

Meiosis

A type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, producing gametes.

Atherosclerosis

A condition where the arteries become narrowed and hardened due to plaque buildup.

Antigens

Molecules that are recognized by the immune system as foreign.

Haploid

A cell that contains one set of chromosomes.

Diploid

A cell that contains two sets of chromosomes.

Transgenic Organism

An organism that contains a gene or genes which have been artificially inserted instead of via reproduction.