Intro to Biology

cell

The basic structural and functional unit of all living organisms, comprising various components such as the nucleus, cytoplasm, and membrane.

tissue

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

organelle

Specialized structure within a cell that performs a specific function.

molecule

Two or more atoms bonded together.

atom

The smallest unit of matter that retains the properties of an element and consists of a nucleus surrounded by electrons.

organ system

Group of organs working together to perform a specific function in an organism.

chloroplast

A cellular organelle found in plants and algae that is responsible for photosynthesis, converting light energy into chemical energy.

cell membrane

The outer protective layer of a cell that regulates the movement of substances in and out.

cell wall

A rigid outer layer that surrounds the cell membrane in plant cells, providing structure and support.

cytoplasm

The gel-like substance within a cell that contains organelles and is where many cellular processes occur.

homeostasis

The process by which living organisms maintain a stable internal environment despite external changes, crucial for survival.

metabolism

The set of life-sustaining chemical reactions in organisms that convert food into energy and building blocks for growth.

stimulus

Any change in the environment that elicits a response from an organism.

protein

Large biomolecules (macromolecules) made up of amino acids, essential for various biological functions.

amino acid

Organic compounds that serve as the building blocks of proteins.

lipid

A group of organic compounds that are insoluble in water, including fats, oils, and steroids, and are important for energy storage and cell membrane structure.

carbohydrate

Organic compounds composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, essential for energy storage and providing structural support in cells.

sugar

A type of carbohydrate, sugars are simple organic compounds that provide quick energy and can be classified as monosaccharides or disaccharides.

starch

A complex carbohydrate that is a polysaccharide made up of glucose units, starch serves as an important energy storage form in plants and can be broken down into sugars.

nucleic acid

Macromolecules made of nucleotide monomers, the nucleic acids DNA and RNA store and transmit genetic information.

Biology

The scientific study of life,

bond

A force that holds atoms together in a molecule or compound, essential for the formation of various biological molecules such as proteins and nucleic acids.

photosynthesis

The biochemical process by which green plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy into chemical energy, using sunlight to make food molecules from carbon dioxide and water.

respiration

The metabolic process by which living organisms break down glucose to release energy in a form cells can use.

species

A group of living organisms capable of interbreeding and producing fertile offspring, sharing common characteristics and genetics.

monomer

A small molecule that can join together with other similar molecules to form a polymer. Monomers serve as the building blocks for larger, complex structures.

glucose

A simple sugar that serves as a primary energy source for cells and is broken down during respiration.

independent variable

A factor in an experiment that is deliberately manipulated to observe its effect on a dependent variable.

dependent variable

A factor in an experiment that is measured or observed in response to changes made to the independent variable.

control

A standard or reference in an experiment that remains unchanged, allowing comparison with experimental groups