Biology: Characteristics of Living Things and Cell Functions

This set of flashcards covers key concepts from the lecture on the characteristics of living things, cell functions, and body systems.

What are the characteristics of living things?

Made of cells, need energy, respond to the environment, reproduce, grow and develop, produce waste, have adaptations.

What is the basic unit of life?

Cell.

Who discovered microorganisms and is known for the term 'animalcules'?

Antonie Van Leeuwenhoek.

What is the role of mitochondria in a cell?

It is where cellular respiration occurs and energy is produced.

What are the two types of cells based on the number of cells they have?

Unicellular and multicellular.

What does the cell membrane do?

It lets things in and out of the cell.

What is diffusion?

The process of moving molecules from high concentration to low concentration.

What are the types of animal tissues?

Connective, epithelial, nervous, and muscle tissues.

What is the function of the circulatory system?

To deliver nutrients and oxygen throughout the body.

What is the process of urine formation?

Blood enters the kidney by the renal artery, is filtered by nephrons, and urine is produced.

What causes asthma?

Excess formation of antibodies, leading to inflammation in the trachea.

What is the function of the nervous system?

To coordinate and control all body activities.

What is pasteurization?

The process of heating food to kill germs.

Who introduced sterilization in medical procedures?

Joseph Lister.

What happens to red blood cells as they age?

They lose their nucleus and cannot reproduce, which leads to their death.

What are pathogens?

Microorganisms that cause disease.

What is the function of the excretory system?

To dispose of wastes from the body.

What is the largest part of the brain responsible for higher functions?

Cerebrum.