Life Processes

These flashcards summarize key concepts related to life processes, including nutrition, respiration, transport, and excretion as discussed in the lecture.

What are the defining characteristics of living organisms according to the lecture?

Living organisms exhibit criteria such as visible movement, growth, and molecular movement, with molecular movement being crucial for life.

What is the process through which organisms obtain energy from food?

Nutrition is the process that transfers energy from food to the organism.

What is photosynthesis?

Photosynthesis is the process by which autotrophs convert carbon dioxide and water into carbohydrates using sunlight and chlorophyll.

What is the role of respiration in living organisms?

Respiration is the process used to break down food sources with oxygen to generate energy and create by-products like carbon dioxide.

What is the difference between autotrophic and heterotrophic nutrition?

Autotrophic nutrition involves taking simple inorganic materials and synthesizing complex organic materials, while heterotrophic nutrition involves consuming complex materials prepared by other organisms.

What are the components of the excretory system in humans?

The excretory system includes kidneys, ureters, urinary bladder, and urethra.

What is the function of the heart in transportation?

The heart pumps oxygenated and deoxygenated blood, preventing them from mixing and ensuring efficient transport of materials.

How do plants transport nutrients?

Plants use vascular tissues called xylem for water and mineral transport and phloem for transporting products of photosynthesis.

What is the significance of villi in the small intestine?

Villi increase the surface area for absorption, allowing efficient transfer of digested food into the bloodstream.

How does the structure of alveoli facilitate gas exchange?

Alveoli have thin walls and a large surface area, maximizing gas exchange efficiency between air and blood.

What is the role of enzymes in digestion?

Enzymes act as biological catalysts that break down complex food materials into simpler forms for absorption.

Why is diffusion insufficient for the oxygen needs of multicellular organisms?

In multicellular organisms, not all cells can directly contact the environment, requiring specialized transportation systems for oxygen delivery.

What process removes nitrogenous waste from the body in humans?

Excretion removes nitrogenous wastes through the kidneys, primarily in the form of urine.

What is translocation in plants?

Translocation is the transport of soluble products of photosynthesis through the phloem to various parts of the plant.

Describe the process and importance of transpiration in plants.

Transpiration helps in the absorption of water and minerals, cooling the plant and facilitating nutrient transport from roots to leaves.

What constitutes the process of anaerobic respiration?

Anaerobic respiration is a form of respiration that occurs without oxygen, leading to the production of by-products like ethanol and carbon dioxide.

How is the transport of oxygen and carbon dioxide managed in aquatic organisms?

Aquatic organisms manage gas exchange through specialized structures like gills, extracting dissolved oxygen from water.

How does the body respond to injuries to minimize blood loss?

The body employs platelets which help to clot blood and seal leaks in blood vessels.

What are the main differences between xylem and phloem?

Xylem primarily transports water and minerals upward from roots, while phloem transports nutrients from leaves to other parts of the plant.