Grade 11 Life Sciences: Comprehensive Vocabulary Review

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering fundamental terminology from Grade 11 Life Sciences, including microbiology, plant and animal biodiversity, physiological processes, and environmental studies.

Capsid

A protein coat surrounding the nucleic material (DNA or RNA) of a virus.

Bacteriophage

A type of virus that infects bacteria.

Plasmid

A small, circular, double-stranded DNA molecule found in bacteria that is distinct from chromosomal DNA.

Endospore

A tough, protective, non-reproductive bacterial structure that encloses DNA and cytoplasm, lying dormant to survive unfavourable conditions.

Mycelium

A vegetative mass or network of threadlike fungal hyphae found in and on soil or organic substrates.

Mycorrhiza

The symbiotic association formed between fungi and the roots of higher plants or trees.

Thallus

A plant body that is not differentiated into stems and leaves and lacks true roots and a vascular system.

Sori

Clusters of spore-producing sporangia located on the underside of a fern frond.

Cephalisation

The concentration of sense organs, feeding appendages, and nervous tissue at the anterior end of an animal body, forming a definite head.

Diploblastic

Characterized by an animal body wall composed of only two embryonic germ layers: the ectoderm and the endoderm.

Triploblastic

Developing from an embryo composed of three distinct germ layers: ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm.

Coelom

A fluid-filled internal body cavity that develops within the mesoderm tissue layer in triploblastic animals.

Photolysis

The splitting of water molecules into hydrogen ions and oxygen using absorbed radiant light energy during photosynthesis.

Peristalsis

An automatic, rhythmic wave of circular muscle contraction and relaxation that moves food in one direction through the alimentary canal.

Chyme

A semi-liquid mass of partially digested food mixed with gastric juice and enzymes in the stomach.

Osmoregulation

The homeostatic control and maintenance of water and solute balances in body fluids by an organism.

Carrying Capacity

The maximum number of individuals of a biological species that an ecosystem can support indefinitely without degrading the environment.

Competitive Exclusion Principle

An ecological principle stating that two species competing for the exact same limited resources cannot coexist, resulting in one species out-competing and eliminating the other.

Eutrophication

The enrichment of an aquatic ecosystem with excessive nutrients like nitrates and phosphates, leading to algal blooms and oxygen depletion.

Bioremediation

The use of biological agents such as bacteria, fungi, or green plants to break down, remove, or neutralize pollutants in soil, water, or air.