Science Term 1 Week 2: Cells, Viruses, and Human Health

Vocabulary flashcards covering cellular biology, levels of organization, the differences between bacteria and viruses, basic human health parameters, and characteristics of living organisms based on the Week 2 lecture transcript.

Cell

A biological unit with three main parts: the cell membrane, the nucleus, and the cytoplasm.

Cell Membrane

The outer boundary of a cell that has receptors on the surface and enables the exchange of materials with its surroundings.

Levels of Organization

The structural hierarchy in complex multicellular organisms where cells make up tissues, tissues make up organs, and organs make up organ systems.

Tissue

A collection of specialized cells organized together in multicellular organisms such as higher plants and animals.

Organ

A structure made of tissues, such as the stomach, that performs a specific function within an organism.

Prokaryotic cells

One of the two distinct types of cells; single-celled organisms that show order in the way their cells are arranged.

Eukaryotic cells

One of the two distinct types of cells found in multicellular organisms; they share similar molecular compositions with prokaryotes despite structural differences.

Cell Wall

A rigid structure that encloses the membrane in plant cells.

Virus

A submicroscopic infectious agent that is not living, has no cells, and replicates only inside the living cells of an organism.

Bacteria

A living, unicellular organism, typically $1000\,nm$ in size, that reproduces through fission and lacks a nuclei.

ICTV

The International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses, which is the body responsible for naming viruses based on genetic structure.

Characteristics of Living Organisms

Functions defining life, including cellular organization, reproduction, metabolism, homeostasis, heredity, response to stimuli, growth and development, and adaptation.

Basic Human Needs

The minimum level of consumption required for survival, including food, water, clothing, shelter, sanitation, education, and healthcare.

Photosynthesis

The process by which plants use sunlight to make food and survive.

Smallest Bone

A bone located in the middle ear measuring $0.11$ inches.

Blood Pressure (BP)

A health parameter with a standard normal measurement of $120-80\,mm\,Hg$.

Pulse

A health parameter with a normal measurement range of $60-100\,bpm$.

Glucose level

A health parameter with a normal measurement of less than $100\,mg/dL$ ($5.6\,mmol/L$).

Oxygen supply

A health parameter with a standard normal measurement of $20\%$ or more.

HIV

A virus that breaks down the immune system, making a person sick more often and potentially leading to death if not treated.

Fission

A form of asexual reproduction used by bacteria.

Types of Virus Structures

The four categories of viruses: Helical, Polyhedral, Spherical, and Complex.

Eight Necessary Life Functions

Maintaining Boundaries, Movement, Responsiveness, Digestion, Metabolism, Excretion, Reproduction, and Growth.