Biology: Cell Biology, Human Body Systems, and Plant Anatomy

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering cell organelles, mitosis phases, specialized cells, cancer mechanisms, the respiratory, digestive, and circulatory systems, and plant anatomy.

Golgi Bodies

Organelles that receive, modify, and package fats and proteins for delivery outside the cell.

Lysosomes

Membrane-bound sacs containing digestive enzymes that break down nutrient molecules, worn-out cell parts, and invaders like bacteria and infections.

Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)

An organelle involved in lipid and protein synthesis and transport.

Chloroplasts

Organelles in plant cells that contain chlorophyll (a green pigment) and carry out photosynthesis.

Centrioles

Organelles found in right-angled pairs exclusively in animal cells that are involved in making the spindle during cell division.

Mitochondria

The "powerhouse of the cell" that carries out cellular respiration and breaks down food for energy.

Interphase

The pre-division stage where a cell spends most of its life growing and carrying out regular cellular activity; DNA is duplicated during its late stage.

Prophase

The mitotic stage where DNA condenses into chromosomes (two sister chromatids held by a centromere), spindle fibres form, centrioles move to opposite poles, and the nuclear membrane begins to disappear.

Metaphase

The mitotic stage where chromosomes line up at the middle (equator) of the cell and spindle fibres grow from centrioles to attach to centromeres.

Anaphase

The mitotic stage where chromatids split and single strands of genetic information are pulled to opposite ends by spindle fibres.

Telophase

The mitotic stage where spindle fibres disappear and the nuclear membrane begins to reform around the no longer visible chromosomes.

Cilia

Hair-like extensions found on epithelial cells lining the trachea that move mucus along to trap and remove dust from the lungs.

Hemoglobin

A protein contained in red blood cells that binds to and carries oxygen throughout the bloodstream.

Photophores

Light-emitting organs or cells found in animals active at night or deep in the ocean, used to attract prey or camouflage from predators.

Cell Cycle Checkpoints

Specific points that regulate the cell and keep it in interphase if signals from surrounding cells tell it not to divide, nutrients are insufficient, or DNA is damaged or un-replicated.

Apoptosis

A regulated process in which a damaged or unwanted cell destroys itself.

Tumor

A mass of cancer cells formed by uncontrolled cell growth.

Chemotherapy

A cancer treatment that targets fast-growing cells, which also inadvertently includes hair follicle cells.

Inspiration

The phase of breathing where the diaphragm moves down and tightens, intercostal muscles tighten and move the rib cage up, lung and chest volume increases, and air moves in.

Expiration

The phase of breathing where the diaphragm relaxes and moves up, intercostal muscles relax and move the rib cage down, lung and chest volume decreases, and air moves out.

Accessory Organs of Digestion

Organs outside the primary digestive tract tube that assist in digestion: the liver, gall bladder, and pancreas.

Gall Bladder

An accessory organ that moves bile from the liver to the small intestine.

Liver

An accessory organ that produces bile, aids in carrying away waste, and breaks fats down to travel to the small intestine for digestion.

Pancreas

An accessory organ that aids digestion by producing enzymes and regulates blood sugar levels.

Leukocytes (White Blood Cells)

The largest blood cells that contain a nucleus and move like amoebas throughout the body to detect and destroy pathogens and fight infection.

Erythrocytes (Red Blood Cells)

Smooth, nucleus-free blood cells containing hemoglobin that remain within blood vessels to deliver oxygen.

Platelets

Components of blood whose primary job is to clot any ruptured blood vessels.

Plasma

The fluid portion of blood that contains cells, proteins, and compounds to keep the body working properly.

Arteries

Thick-walled blood vessels with no valves that carry oxygen-rich blood under high pressure away from the heart (except the pulmonary artery).

Veins

Thinner blood vessels containing valves that carry oxygen-poor blood under lower pressure toward the heart.

Capillaries

The thinnest blood vessels with the smallest diameter that lack valves and minimize barriers for gas exchange.

Dermal Tissue

Plant tissue that covers the outer surface of the plant like skin.

Vascular Tissue

Specialized plant tissue responsible for transporting substances and materials throughout the plant.

Shoot System

The above-ground plant system consisting of flowers, leaves, fruit, and the main stem, responsible for photosynthesis and sexual reproduction.

Root System

The below-ground plant system that acts as an anchor, absorbs water and nutrients through root hairs, and stores nutrients.

Thylakoids

Flat, disc-like structures inside chloroplasts that collect and store sunlight.

Grana

Stacks of thylakoid discs found within chloroplasts.

Pollination

The plant reproduction process where pollen grains (carrying sperm) fertilize an egg produced in the female gonad.