Eukaryotes

This set of flashcards includes key vocabulary terms and definitions associated with the topic of eukaryotes, emphasizing their characteristics, reproductive methods, and related biological concepts.

Eukaryotes

Organisms with complex cells that have a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.

Monophyletic group

A group of organisms that consists of a common ancestor and all its descendants.

Endosymbiosis

A theory that explains how eukaryotic cells may have evolved from prokaryotic cells through a symbiotic relationship.

Cytoplasm

The total content within a cell, excluding the nucleus, consisting of cytosol, organelles, and inclusions.

Plasma membrane

A selectively permeable barrier that surrounds the cytoplasm of a cell.

Mitochondrion

An organelle that produces ATP through cellular respiration and has its own DNA.

Chloroplasts

Organelles in plant cells that conduct photosynthesis and have their own DNA.

Diploid (2n)

A cell or organism that has two sets of chromosomes, one from each parent.

Haploid (n)

A cell or organism that has a single set of unpaired chromosomes.

Heterozygote advantage

A situation in which individuals with two different alleles for a trait have a fitness advantage over those with two identical alleles.

Parthenogenesis

A form of asexual reproduction where an egg develops into an organism without fertilization.

Multicellularity

The state of being composed of multiple cells that may be specialized for different functions.

Gametogenesis

The process of forming gametes through meiosis.

Lysosome

An organelle that contains enzymes for digesting macromolecules.

Peroxisome

An organelle that contains enzymes for oxidation reactions, producing and degrading hydrogen peroxide.

Flagellum

A long, whip-like structure used for locomotion in some cells.

Life cycle

The sequence of stages through which an organism passes from one generation to the next.

Meiosis

A type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, producing haploid gametes.

Asexual reproduction

A mode of reproduction where offspring arise from a single organism without the involvement of gametes.

Sexual reproduction

A mode of reproduction that involves the fusion of gametes, resulting in offspring with genetic contributions from both parents.

Protists

A diverse group of eukaryotic microorganisms, not classified as plants, animals, or fungi.

Mutualism

A symbiotic relationship in which both organisms benefit.

Endangered species

A species at risk of extinction due to a decline in population.