Introduction to Biology & Molecules of Life

Vocabulary flashcards covering the characteristics of living organisms, inorganic components of the cell (water and minerals), and organic biomolecules based on S3 Biology lecture notes.

Reproduction

The characteristic of organisms to produce offspring.

Nutrition

The process by which organisms obtain food for energy, growth, and maintaining health.

Respiration

The process by which organisms break down food to release stored energy for body activities.

Growth

The irreversible increase in size and in complexity of organisms.

Excretion

The process by which organisms remove waste products produced from chemical reactions in their bodies, such as urine and $CO_2$.

Irritability (Sensitivity)

The ability of organisms to detect stimuli (changes in their environment) and make responses.

Movement

The characteristic of life wherein most animals can move freely, while plants show a limited degree of movement.

Water (Reactant)

Water serving as a substance that takes part in chemical reactions within organisms, such as photosynthesis and the digestion of food.

Water (Medium for Chemical Reactions)

Water serving as a good solvent that provides a fluid environment (such as cytoplasm) for biochemical reactions.

Water (Medium of Transport)

Water acting as a carrier (such as in blood) to transport dissolved substances around the body.

Water (Cooling Agent)

Water removing heat from an organism through evaporation, such as in sweating.

Water (Support Function)

Water giving shape and support to organisms, such as keeping cells of young seedlings turgid and providing buoyancy for aquatic organisms.

Nitrate

An inorganic mineral ion that acts as a source of nitrogen in plants for the synthesis of proteins.

Magnesium

An inorganic mineral ion responsible for forming chlorophyll in plants and activating some enzymes.

Calcium

An inorganic mineral ion involved in forming bones and teeth, muscle contraction, and blood clotting.

Iron

An inorganic mineral ion that forms haemoglobin for carrying oxygen in red blood cells and activates some enzymes.

Biomolecules

The major organic chemical constituents of organisms, all of which contain carbon atoms.

Glucose

A carbohydrate that provides energy to organisms through respiration.

Starch

A carbohydrate that acts as an energy reserve in plants.

Cellulose

A carbohydrate that forms plant cell walls.

Triglyceride

A lipid (fat or oil) that acts as an energy reserve, reduces heat loss, and protects internal organs.

Phospholipids

A type of lipid that makes up the cell membrane.

Structural Proteins

Proteins that make up body tissues, such as hair.

Enzymes

Proteins that speed up chemical reactions in the body, such as the digestion of food.

Antibodies

Proteins that defend the body against diseases.

Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)

A nucleic acid that carries genetic information.

Ribonucleic acid (RNA)

A nucleic acid that takes part in the synthesis of proteins.