cells

Wollemi Pine

A living fossil species that is over 70 million years old.

Biosphere

All environments on Earth that contain life, and include water and atmosphere.

Ecosystem

All living things in a particular area, along with non-living things like soil, water, gases, and light.

Community

Entire array of organisms in an ecosystem, including plants, animals, and microorganisms.

Population

A group of organisms of the same species living within a community.

Organism

An individual living thing.

Reductionalism

The approach of studying complex systems by breaking them down into simpler components.

Organ Systems

Groups of organs that work together to perform complex functions in the body.

Cells

The fundamental unit of structure and function in living organisms.

Eukaryotic Cell

A cell that contains DNA within a nucleus.

Prokaryotic Cell

A smaller cell that does not have a nucleus or membrane-bound organelles.

DNA

Deoxyribonucleic acid, a molecule that contains genetic material.

Proteomics

The study of sets of proteins and their properties.

Bioinformatics

The use of computational tools to store, organize and analyze biological data.

Ecosystem Interactions

How organisms interact with each other, which can be mutually beneficial, beneficial for one, or neutral.

Root

The organ that anchors a vascular plant in soil and absorbs water and minerals.

Stem

The plant organ that bears leaves and buds, aiding in photosynthesis.

Leaves

The main photosynthetic organs of plants.

Simple Leaf

A leaf with a single undivided blade.

Compound Leaf

A leaf that consists of multiple leaflets.

Tendril

A modified leaf or stem that aids in climbing.

Fungus

A kingdom of eukaryotic organisms that absorb nutrients from their environment.

Hyphae

The basic unit of fungi, consisting of long, tubular structures.

Mycelium

The body of a fungus consisting of a network of hyphae.

Spores

Reproductive cells produced by fungi that can develop into new organisms.

Mycorrhizae

Mutualistic associations between fungi and plant roots that enhance nutrient uptake.

Gram Positive

Bacteria that retain a purple stain during Gram staining.

Gram Negative

Bacteria that do not retain the purple stain and appear pink.

Nitrogen Fixation

The process by which certain bacteria convert atmospheric nitrogen (N2) into ammonia (NH3).

Cyanobacteria

Photosynthetic bacteria that produce oxygen during photosynthesis.

Endosymbiont Theory

The theory that eukaryotic cells originated from prokaryotic cells engulfing other cells.

Horizontal Gene Transfer

The transfer of genetic material between organisms other than through vertical inheritance from parent to offspring.

Binary Fission

The asexual reproduction process in which a prokaryotic cell divides into two identical cells.

Autotroph

Organisms that produce their own food, typically through photosynthesis or chemosynthesis.

Heterotrophs

Organisms that obtain their food by consuming other organisms.

Obligate Aerobes

Organisms that require oxygen to grow.

Obligate Anaerobes

Organisms that are poisoned by oxygen.

Facultative Anaerobes

Organisms that can use oxygen for growth but can also grow without it.