Science 8: Human Systems, Botany, and Genetics Review

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering the human digestive and excretory systems, plant transport systems, and fundamental genetics based on the Science 8 lecture notes.

Gastrointestinal Tract

Also known as the Alimentary Canal, this is the pathway of the human digestive system that extends from the mouth to the anus.

Accessory Organs

The group of organs including the liver, gall bladder, and pancreas that assist in the digestive process.

Amino acids

The building blocks that proteins are broken down into during digestion.

Fatty acids and glycerol

The components into which fats are broken down during the digestive process.

Simple sugars

The substances that carbohydrates are broken down into during digestion.

Ingestion

The first step in the process of digestion involving the intake of food.

Digestion

The process of breaking down food so that it can be absorbed by the body.

Absorption

The process of absorbing food in the form of nutrients into the bloodstream.

Assimilation

The process where nutrients are absorbed by each cell of the body in the form of energy.

Egestion/Excretion

The secretion or removal of waste, unwanted, and excess substances from the body.

Mouth

Also known as the Oral or Buccal Cavity, it is the first chamber where mechanical digestion occurs using 32 teeth.

Amylase

The enzyme secreted by salivary glands to convert starch into glucose.

Bolus

The mass of food formed by the muscular tongue during chewing.

Peristalsis

Wave-like contractions that transport the bolus through the esophagus and move food through the intestines.

Pepsin

An enzyme found in the stomach used to break down protein.

Chyme

A liquid mixture composed of acids, polypeptides, simple sugars, and undigested fats formed in the stomach after $3 - 4\,hours$.

Small Intestine

The organ of complete digestion and absorption, measuring $2.5\,cm$ wide and $6 - 7\,meters$ long.

Villi

Tiny hair-like structures in the small intestine where $90-95\%$ of nutrient absorption takes place.

Colon

Another name for the Large Intestine, which is $6\,cm$ wide and $1.5\,m$ long.

Appendix

A small pouch located in the right abdomen where the small and large intestines meet; it serves as storage for good bacteria.

Rectum

A $15\,cm$ long structure that connects the colon to the anus and serves as a warehouse for feces.

Defecation

The process of expulsion of feces or stool from the body.

Sphincter

A circular muscle that maintains constriction of a natural body passage or opening.

Kidneys

Two bean-shaped organs that filter toxins from the blood.

Ureters

Two narrow tubes that connect the kidneys to the urinary bladder.

Urethra

The exit point for urine from the bladder.

Bile

A greenish-yellow liquid produced by the liver that helps break up large fat particles into smaller ones.

Emulsification

The process by which bile breaks down large fat particles into smaller ones.

Gallbladder

The storage tank for bile located under the liver.

Pancreas

A yellowish organ approximately $18\,cm$ long and $4\,cm$ wide that produces insulin and pancreatic juice.

Transpiration

The process of releasing water vapor into the air by plants.

Xylem

Vascular plant tissue that conducts water and dissolved nutrients upward from the roots.

Phloem

Vascular plant tissue that conducts sugars and metabolic products downward from the leaves.

Translocation

The transport of organic nutrients within a plant.

Capillary Action

The ability of a liquid to flow in narrow spaces.

Taproot System

A root system with one primary and large vertical root deep in the soil, such as found in carrots.

Fibrous Root System

A root system consisting of smaller secondary roots near the surface, such as found in palay or kawayan.

Stoma

Tiny openings or pores in plant tissue that allow for gas exchange.

Guard cells

Specialized cells in the plant epidermis that regulate the opening and closing of stomata.

Pedigree

A diagrammatic representation using lines and symbols to indicate family relationships and specific traits across generations.

Genetics

The study of heredity and variation.

Heredity

The passing on of traits from parents to their offspring.

Gregor Mendel

The individual recognized as the Father of Genetics.

Alleles

Pairs of genes that control specific traits.

Monohybrid cross

A genetic cross involving only one trait.

Genotype

The genetic makeup of an organism, relating to internal traits like personality or disease predisposition.

Phenotype

The observable physical properties of an organism.

Homozygous

Having two identical alleles of a particular gene or genes.

Heterozygous

Having two different alleles of a particular gene or genes.

Punnett Square

A tool used to help predict the outcome of a genetic cross.