Unit C: Biology - Cycle of Matter in Living Systems

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts in Biology related to the Cycle of Matter in Living Systems.

CRISPR

A gene-editing technology that allows for precise modifications to DNA.

Spontaneous Generation

The belief that living organisms can arise from non-living matter.

Francesco Redi

An Italian biologist known for his experiment that disproved spontaneous generation using maggots.

Louis Pasteur

A scientist who demonstrated that microorganisms are responsible for fermentation and spoilage, disproving spontaneous generation.

Controlled Variables

Factors that are kept constant in an experiment to ensure valid results.

Manipulated Variables

The variable that is changed in an experiment to test its effects.

Microscope

An instrument used to see objects that are too small for the naked eye.

Cell Theory

A fundamental theory stating that all living things are composed of cells, which are the basic units of life.

Prokaryotic Cells

Single-celled organisms that lack a nucleus and organized organelles.

Eukaryotic Cells

Cells that contain a nucleus and organelles, and can be unicellular or multicellular.

Cell Membrane

A protective barrier that regulates what enters and leaves the cell.

Nucleus

The organelle that contains the DNA and controls cellular activities.

Cytoplasm

The gel-like substance within the cell that contains organelles and nutrients.

Chloroplasts

Organelles in plant cells that conduct photosynthesis, converting sunlight into chemical energy.

Mitochondria

Organelles known as the powerhouse of the cell, where cellular respiration occurs.

Photosynthesis

The process by which plants use sunlight to synthesize foods with the help of chlorophyll.

Cellular Respiration

The process in which cells convert glucose and oxygen into energy, carbon dioxide, and water.

Diffusion

The movement of molecules from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration.

Osmosis

The diffusion of water across a selectively permeable membrane.

Hypertrophy

The increased growth or enlargement of cells, often in response to a stimulus.

Turgor Pressure

The pressure of the cell contents against the cell wall in plant cells, which helps maintain structure.

Transpiration

The process of water movement through a plant and its evaporation from aerial parts, mainly leaves.

Tropism

A plant's growth response towards or away from a stimulus, such as light or gravity.

Phototropism

The orientation of a plant or other organism in response to light.

Gravitropism

The growth response of a plant to gravity.

Auxin

A plant hormone that regulates various aspects of growth and development, including phototropism.

Vascular Tissue

The tissue in higher plants that is responsible for the transport of water and nutrients.

Xylem

The vascular tissue responsible for the transport of water and dissolved minerals from the roots to the rest of the plant.

Phloem

The vascular tissue responsible for the transport of sugars and nutrients produced during photosynthesis.

Facilitated Diffusion

A process by which substances move across cell membranes with the assistance of carrier proteins.

Active Transport

The movement of molecules across a cell membrane against their concentration gradient, requiring energy.

Endocytosis

The process by which cells take in substances by engulfing them in a vesicle.

Exocytosis

The process of vesicles fusing with the plasma membrane to release contents outside the cell.

Cellular Signal Transduction

The process by which cells respond to external cues or signals.

Genome

The complete set of genes or genetic material present in a cell or organism.

Bacteriophage

A type of virus that infects and replicates within bacteria.

Prion

A type of infectious agent composed of protein that can cause neurodegenerative diseases.

Genome Mapping

The process of determining the location of genes on the chromosomes of an organism.

Cell Communication

The mechanisms by which cells send and receive signals from each other.