biology - complete keywords

abiotic

the influence of a non-living part of the environment on an organism

active immunity

when a person has the ability to produce their own antibodies against a disease

active site

the place on an enzyme where the substrate attaches and the reaction takes place

acquired variations

differences within a species that develop over the life of the organism

active transport

the absorption of molecules into cells against the concentration gradient, using energy

aerobic respiration

the breakdown of food (carbohydrate) with oxygen to release energy

allele

an alternative form of a gene

amnion

a membrane which surrounds the embryo and secretes amniotic fluid

anabolic reactions

reactions in which smaller molecules are combined to form larger molecules, using energy

anaerobic respiration

the breakdown of food (carbohydrate) in the absence of oxygen to release energy

antagonistic muscles

pairs of muscles that pull against each other

antibiotics

chemicals produced by micro-organisms that are toxic to bacteria

antibodies

proteins produced by a lymphocyte in response to an antigen

antigen

a substance that causes lymphocytes to produce antibodies

appendicular skeleton

comprises the girdles (pectoral and pelvic) and the limbs

aquatic factors

those that affect organisms that live in water

asepsis

excluding microbes from as much of the environment as possible

ATP (adenosine triphosphate)

traps and transfers energy for cell reactions

autotrophic bacteria

bacteria capable of making their own food using energy

axial skeleton

comprises the skull, vertebral column, ribs and sternum

batch flow method (of production)

a fixed amount of nutrients is added to a bioreactor which is emptied of its contents at the end of production

biodiversity

a term used to describe the variety of living things on earth

biology

the study of living things

biomolecules

the chemicals found in living things

bioprocessing

the use of organisms, cells or enzymes to make specific products

bioreactor

a vessel in which cells, organisms or enzymes are placed to manufacture specific products

biosphere

the parts of the earth and its atmosphere in which life can exist

biotechnology

the use of organisms, cells or enzymes to make specific products

biotic

an organism’s influence on another organism

blastocyst

a fluid-filled ball of cells

blood pressure

the force of blood as it passes through an artery