ch1 and ch.2 BIOLOGY

Flashcards reviewing key definitions and concepts from a biology lecture, focusing on movement, respiration, sensitivity, growth, reproduction, excretion, classification, DNA structure, and various biological kingdoms and structures.

What is Movement?

An action made by an organism or part of an organism that causes a change in position or place.

What is Respiration?

The chemical reaction in cells that breaks down nutrient molecules to release energy for metabolism.

What is Sensitivity?

The ability to detect and respond to stimuli (changes in the internal and external environment).

What is Growth?

The permanent increase in size and dry mass.

What is Reproduction?

The process of making more of the same kind of organism.

What is Excretion?

The removal of waste substances of metabolism and substances in excess of requirement.

What is Classification?

Organizing organisms into groups according to the features they share.

What do we use to classify organisms?

Morphology (external features), Anatomy (internal features), and DNA base sequence.

What are the levels of classification (Taxonomic hierarchy)?

Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species.

What is the Binomial naming system?

A system where the scientific name of an organism is made up of two parts showing the Genus and species.

What is the structure of DNA?

Two strands coiled together forming a double helix, linked by complementary base pairs (A-T, C-G).

How do we use DNA base pairs in classification?

Compare the DNA base sequence of two organisms; the more similar they are, the closer related they are.

Why do we use DNA base sequence to classify organisms?

Cheaper, more accurate, faster, and only trace amounts of tissues are needed.

What is a Species?

A group of living organisms that can reproduce to produce fertile offspring.

What are the 5 Kingdoms?

Animals, Plants, Fungi, Prokaryotes, Protoctists.

What are the features of all Invertebrates?

Exoskeleton, Segmented body, Jointed legs.

What are the main features of a Virus?

Have a protein coat (capsid) and genetic material (RNA or DNA); needs a host to survive.

How can we get dry mass of a plant?

Cut a small piece of the plant, leave it out in the sun or oven to evaporate all the water, measure the mass everyday until the mass is constant.

What are the features of Fungi?

Eukaryotic, mostly multicellular (except yeast), cell wall made of chitin. Spread by sporangium and spores and obtain food by secreting extracellular digestive enzymes.

What is a Cell?

Basic unit of life.

What is the Nucleus?

Contains the cell's genetic material and controls the cell's cellular reactions.

What is the Cell membrane?

Controls what enters and exits the cell and encloses the cytoplasm and nucleus.

What is the Mitochondria?

Site of aerobic respiration to release energy for metabolism.

What is the job of the Chloroplast?

Contains a green pigment known as chlorophyll, which absorbs light energy for photosynthesis.

What is the function of the Vacuole?

Filled with cell sap (water + salts); supports the plant by turgor pressure and stores salts.

What is the Cell wall?

Made out of cellulose; prevents the plant from bursting due to turgor pressure.

What is the function of the Xylem?

Transports water and mineral ions from roots to the leaves and supports the stem.

What are the adaptations of the Xylem?

Xylem vessels have thickened walls to withstand pressure, are hollow to allow easy water flow, and have no end walls to enable continuous water transport.

What are the adaptations of a Sperm Cell?

Sperm cells have a streamlined shape for easy movement, a flagellum (tail) to propel themselves, and a large number of mitochondria for energy production.

What are the adaptations of an Egg Cell?

Egg cells are large to store nutrients for the developing embryo, have a protective coating, and undergo a process of fertilization that allows only one sperm to enter.

What are the adaptations of Palisade Mesophyll Cells?

Palisade mesophyll cells are packed with chloroplasts for maximum light absorption, are column-shaped to increase surface area, and are located just beneath the upper epidermis of leaves for optimal sunlight exposure.

What are the adaptations of Root Hair Cells?

Root hair cells have a long, thin projection to increase surface area for absorption of water and minerals, and are permeable to allow efficient uptake.

What are the adaptations of Red Blood Cells?

Red blood cells are biconcave in shape to maximize surface area for gas exchange, lack a nucleus to accommodate more hemoglobin, and are flexible to pass through narrow capillaries.

What are the adaptations of Goblet Cells?

Goblet cells have a distinctive shape that allows them to store and secrete mucus, which helps trap pathogens and keep surfaces moist.

What are the adaptations of Ciliated Epithelial Cells?

Ciliated epithelial cells have hair-like structures (cilia) that beat in unison to move substances (like mucus) along the surface, helping to clear debris from respiratory passages.