The BETTER biology flashcards

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What is a stem cell?

An unspecialised cell that can divide and develop into specialised cell types.

What is one possible medical use of stem cells?

To replace or repair damaged cells or tissues.

Why is stem cell research ethically debated?

Embryonic stem-cell research may involve destroying an embryo, raising questions about the embryo's moral status.

What are two potential benefits of stem-cell research?

It may help treat disease and improve understanding of how cells develop.

What is a specialised cell?

A cell adapted to carry out a particular function.

Put these levels of organisation in order, from smallest to largest: organ, cell, organ system, tissue.

Cell → tissue → organ → organ system.

What is a tissue?

A group of similar cells working together to perform a function.

What is an organ?

A structure made of different tissues working together.

What is an organ system?

A group of organs working together to carry out major body functions.

What are the four main types of animal tissue?

Epithelial, connective, muscle and nervous tissue.

What is connective tissue?

Tissue that supports, connects or holds other tissues and organs together.

What does epithelial tissue do?

Covers body surfaces, lines organs and cavities, and can protect or absorb substances.

Give an example of connective tissue.

Blood, bone, cartilage, tendons or fat.

What does muscle tissue do?

Contracts to produce movement.

What does nervous tissue do?

Carries electrical signals around the body.

What is the main function of the excretory/urinary system?

To remove wastes from the blood and help regulate water and salt balance.

What is the main function of the nervous system?

To detect information and coordinate fast responses.

What is the main function of the skeletal system?

To support and protect the body and help movement with muscles.

What is the main function of the muscular system?

To move the body and help maintain posture.

What is the main function of the immune system?

To defend the body against pathogens and disease.

What are stomata?

Tiny pores, mostly in leaf surfaces, that allow gases and water vapour to move in and out.

What do guard cells do?

They change shape to open or close a stoma.

What is medical imaging?

Techniques that create pictures of structures inside the body.

How has medical imaging improved understanding of the body?

It lets scientists and doctors observe internal structures without surgery, improving diagnosis and research.

What is xylem?

Plant tissue that transports water and dissolved minerals mainly from roots toward leaves.

What is phloem?

Plant tissue that transports sugars and other organic nutrients around the plant.

How does water enter a plant's roots?

Water enters root-hair cells from the soil by osmosis.

What is transpiration?

The loss of water vapour from a plant, mainly through leaf stomata.

How does transpiration help move water up a plant?

Water evaporating from leaves creates a pull that draws water up through the xylem.

How do water and minerals travel from soil to leaves?

Soil → root hairs → root tissues → xylem → stem → leaf tissues.

How are sugars made and transported in plants?

Photosynthesis makes sugars, mainly in leaves; phloem transports sugars to parts that need or store them.

Why do herbivores often have broad molars?

To grind tough plant material.