Organisms

Integumentary System

acts as a physical barrier that protects the internal parts of the body from foreign matter; regulates body temperature and water loss; gets rid of some waste, such as salt, through perspiration

example part: skin

Skeletal System

protects the organs, gives the body structure and support, works with the muscular system for movement, produces new blood cells, and stores essential minerals like calcium

example part: femur

Muscular System

moves body parts by working with the skeletal system (e.g. leg), helps generate heat, and moves materials around the body (e.g. food via intestines, blood via heart)

example part: bicep

Nervous System

detects and processes information and activates body responses to that information

example part: brain

Reproductive System

creates gametes (male: sperm, female: eggs) and facilitates the creation of offspring

example part: ovaries

Cardiovascular / Circulatory System

transports materials (e.g., oxygen) throughout the body

example part: heart

Digestive System

breaks down food that is eaten using physical and chemical reactions, then either absorbs it (via the small intestine) or passes it from the body (via the rectum)

example part: stomach

Endocrine System

produces and secretes hormones that are used by other parts of the body to regulate internal processes, react to stimuli, or grow new cells

example part: pituitary gland

Lymphatic / Immune System

protects the body from disease and infection and removes excess water from around the organs

example part: white blood cells

Respiratory System

facilitates the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the body and its environment

example part: lungs

Excretory System

controls water balance and removes wastes from the bloodstream

example part: kidneys

Carbon dioxide plus water yields

glucose and oxygen.

Vascular plant organ systems

shoot system and root system

shoot system

leaves, stems, and reproductive organs (if present).

root system

roots

Leaves

the principal site where photosynthesis and gas exchange occurs.

stomata

Specialized pores in the leaves that help regulate the amount of air entering and exiting and water transpiring (evaporating).

Stems

provide support for the leaves and transport water and nutrients.

Roots

stretch in many directions underground. They anchor the plant to the earth and provide water and nutrient absorption.

flowers and fruit

used for sexual reproduction.

types of asexual reproduction in plants

budding and spore dispersal.

budding (vegetative propagation)

a plant reproduces by branching off of the larger structure. This smaller branch then detaches and forms a new plant. Since the offspring are identical to the parent plant, gardeners and botanists frequently use this technique to grow new plants from hardy specimens.

ex: cactus.

spore dispersal

the spores are diffused through the air.

ex: ferns and mosses.

cross-pollination

sexual reproduction in plants. Two different plants can reproduce, offspring are a genetic mix of each parent

Sexual reproduction requires

he fertilization and joining of two haploid cells, cells with half the normal number of chromosomes.

self-fertilization

one plant reproduces its own haploid cells. The offspring are genetically similar, but not genetically identical to the parents.

Flowering plants undergo sexual reproduction by

using the reproductive organs in the flower.

pistil

female reproductive structure

the pollen-catching stigma which is supported by the style. The ovary found at the bottom produces the ovules (also known as eggs).

stamen

male reproductive structure

contains the pollen-producing anther which is supported by the filament.

Gravitropism / Geotropism

growth in response to gravity. Plants will always extend their roots towards the center of Earth and the stem will always grow upwards. If a potted plant is placed on its side, the stem will eventually bend to grow upwards.

Phototropism

growth in response to light (photo means light). Plants will grow towards the light if they are in an otherwise dark area.

Thigmotropism

growth in response to touch. Ivy and other climbing plants grow as they touch a wall or fence.

Infectious agents

members of an ecosystem which cause disease, sickness, and even death to organisms.

Viruses

such as the influenza virus, can only reproduce by using the cells of another organism. Since they cannot reproduce on their own, they are not considered living.

Bacteria

such as E. coli, are single-celled organisms. The exact type of damage they do to their hosts varies, but in general, they use the host's cells to reproduce and damage the cells beyond repair. Salmonella, for example, targets the digestive system of the host.

Fungi

such as Tinea versicolor, can also cause infections in the host. Fungi can have superficial effects, such as skin rashes and infections, or they can affect the internal body systems, such as when Candida causes thrush.

Protozoa

such as Plasmodium, are transmitted through close contact between organisms, and they can have a variety of effects on the host

Worms

infect body systems and cause severe illness. Different worms can target specific organs or organ systems.