Bio

Microfilament

A structural component of cells that provides support and shape.

Centriole

A cellular structure involved in the organization of spindle fibers during cell division.

Nucleus

The membrane-bound organelle in eukaryotic cells that contains the genetic material.

Ribosomes

Cellular structures that synthesize proteins by translating messenger RNA.

Smooth endoplasmic reticulum

A type of endoplasmic reticulum without ribosomes, involved in lipid synthesis and detoxification.

Mitochondrion

The powerhouse of the cell that generates ATP through cellular respiration.

Rough endoplasmic reticulum

A type of endoplasmic reticulum with ribosomes attached, involved in protein synthesis.

Golgi apparatus

An organelle that modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids for secretion or delivery.

Lysosome

A cell organelle containing digestive enzymes that break down waste materials.

Epithelial tissue

A type of tissue that covers body surfaces, lines hollow organs, and forms glands.

Connective tissue

Tissue that supports, binds together, and protects other tissues and organs.

Muscle tissue

Tissue that is responsible for the movement of the body and its parts.

Nervous tissue

Tissue that transmits electrical impulses for communication and information processing.

Chemical level of organization

The level of structure that includes atoms and molecules.

Cellular level of organization

The level of structure composed of cells, the basic units of life.

Tissue level of organization

Groups of similar cells that work together to perform a specific function.

Organ level of organization

Structures composed of two or more types of tissues working together for a specific function.

System level of organization

A group of organs that work together to perform complex functions.

Organismal level of organization

The sum of all structural levels working together to maintain life.

Integumentary system

The body system that includes skin, hair, nails, and associated glands.

Skeletal system

The body system comprised of bones, cartilage, and ligaments that supports and protects the body.

Nervous system

The body system that controls and coordinates activities by transmitting signals throughout the body.

Endocrine system

The body system that regulates processes through hormones, controlled by glands.

Lymphatic system

The body system that supports immune functions and fluid balance.

Cardiovascular system

The body system responsible for transporting blood, nutrients, gases, and wastes.

Respiratory system

The body system that facilitates breathing and gas exchange.

Digestive system

The body system responsible for breaking down food and absorbing nutrients.

Urinary system

The body system that produces and excretes urine to maintain fluid balance.

Reproductive system

The body system involved in producing offspring.

Histology

The study of tissues at a microscopic level.

Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs)

Long unbranched polysaccharides that play a key role in the extracellular matrix.

Erythropoietin (EPO)

A hormone produced by the kidneys that stimulates red blood cell production.

Hemidesmosome

A cell structure that anchors epithelial cells to the basement membrane.

Desmosome

A structure that provides adhesion between adjacent cells, resisting shearing forces.

Tight junction

A barrier that limits the passage of molecules between cells, maintaining cell polarity.

Gap junction

A connection between adjacent cells that allows for communication and the passage of ions or small molecules.

Adherens junction

A type of anchoring junction that provides adhesive strength between cells.

Microvilli

Tiny projections that increase the surface area of epithelial cells for absorption.

Cilia

Hair-like structures that assist in moving substances across cell surfaces.

Stratified squamous epithelium

Multiple layers of flat cells that provide protection against abrasion.

Simple columnar epithelium

A single layer of tall cells that provides absorption and secretion.

Pseudostratified columnar epithelium

A single layer of cells that appears to have multiple layers due to varying cell heights.

Keratinized epithelium

Epithelial tissue that contains keratin, providing a tough protective layer.

Cardiac muscle

Striated muscle tissue found in the heart, involuntary in function.

Skeletal muscle

Striated muscle tissue that is under voluntary control.

Smooth muscle

Non-striated muscle tissue found in internal organs, involuntary in function.

Neuroglia

Supportive cells in the nervous system that assist neurons.

Neurons

The primary cell type of the nervous system that transmits information.

Photosynthesis

The process by which green plants and some other organisms use sunlight to synthesize foods with the help of chlorophyll.

Cellular respiration

The biochemical process in which cells convert glucose and oxygen into energy, carbon dioxide, and water.

DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid)

The molecule that carries the genetic instructions for life.

RNA (Ribonucleic Acid)

A nucleic acid that plays a crucial role in the synthesis of proteins and gene expression.

Gene

A segment of DNA that contains instructions for building a protein or RNA molecule.

Mutation

A change in the DNA sequence that can lead to changes in protein structure and function.

Natural selection

The process whereby organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring.

Ecosystem

A biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment.

Homeostasis

The ability of an organism to maintain a stable internal environment despite external changes.

Biotechnology

The use of living systems and organisms to develop or make products, often through genetic manipulation.