Biology EOC Vocabulary

concentration

amount of substance in a defined space

gradient

gradual change in the amount of a substance

synthesis

to make from smaller parts

facilitated

helped or made easier

conversion

changing from one thing to another

transport

to move something from one place to another

organelle

specialized structure inside a cell that has a specific function

ATP

usable form of energy for cells/organisms

production

to make or build

osmosis

movement of water through a membrane

host cell

the cell that a virus attaches to, infects, and uses to make more of itself

viral replication

process in which a virus uses a host cell to make more of itself

antibodies

molecule that the immune system produces to help destroy pathogens like viruses that infect the body

viral attachment

Occurs when the shape-specific proteins projecting from a virus attach to host cell proteins; this attachment allows the virus to enter a cell.

immune system

This system protects the body from pathogens, such as viruses and bacteria. Its immune cells destroy invading viruses and bacteria.

lytic

A type of viral infection that has a very rapid onset of symptoms; this is because this type of virus enters a host cell and immediately begins to replicate.

lysogenic

type of viral infection that has a very slow onset of symptoms because the viral DNA hides

genetic material

Molecules that carry genetic information including DNA and RNA; genetic material is found in all types of cells AND viruses.

prokaryote

Type of cell with DNA NOT contained in a nucleus; this type of cell has no organelles.

eukaryote

Type of cell with DNA contained in a nucleus; this type of cell has organelles.

replicate

to make copies of

chromosome

structure of tightly wound or supercoiled DNA found in the nucleus

daughter cells

genetically identical cells that result from the division of a parent cell

division

separation into parts

spindle fibers

rod-like protein structures that move chromosomes during mitosis

prophase

the first stage of mitosis during which the nuclear envelope dissolves and chromosomes and spindle fibers form

metaphase

the second stage of mitosis during which chromosomes line up in the middle of the cell as they become attached to the spindle fibers

anaphase

the third stage of mitosis during which chromosomes are pulled to the poles of the cell by the spindle fibers

telophase

the final stage of mitosis during which nuclei re-form in each of the daughter cells

cytokinesis

division of cytoplasm at the end of mitosis

DNA

the nucleic acid found in the nucleus of cells that transmits genetic information

double helix

the shape of DNA that looks like a twisted ladder

nucleotide

the repeating component of nucleic acids made of a phosphate group, a sugar, and a nitrogenous base

nitrogenous bases

molecules that include nitrogen and pair with each other to form the rungs of the DNA ladder

phosphate group

a molecule that is a component of the backbone of DNA

deoxyribose sugar

a molecule that is a component of the backbone of DNA

hydrogen bond

a type of bond formed between nitrogenous bases to form the rungs of the DNA ladder

complementary

describes how nitrogenous bases pair, that is with a specific molecule that completes the ladder’s rungs

sequence

the order of nitrogenous bases in a DNA strand

traits

characteristics of an organism

taxonomy

the way organisms are identified, classified, and scientifically named

classification

putting into categories according to similarities

hierarchy

a way to organize groups where there is an order or there are levels

specific

related to a very particular, precise thing

inclusive

including many or all

population

a group of organisms of the same species

related

being in the same group because of similarities or shared characteristics

characteristic

a trait that helps to identify, describe, or distinguish

common/shared

more than one organism having a particular characteristic

dichotomous

dividing into two parts

function

the job or role of a specific thing

structure

the way something is arranged or organizedto give strength and support

enzyme

molecules that speed up reaction rates in organisms

component

part of a whole

storage

to keep or hold for later use

transport

to move something from one place to another

phospholipids

type of lipid that makes the double-layered cell membrane of all cells

nutrition

obtaining the nutrients necessary for growth and development

molecule

group of atoms bonded together that serves a particular function

glucose

energy molecule that can easily be converted into a type of energy called ATP that cells can use

interactions

communication or direct involvement with another part of an organism or ecosystem

enzyme

molecules that speed up reaction rates in organisms, especially in digestion

signal

a sign (usually a nerve impulse or chemical) that communicates a message to another location in the body

hormone

chemical messenger produced for communication in an organism

receptor

part of a cell or organ that receives a message from the endocrine or nervous systems

stimulate

to cause a response

nutrients

substances, mostly from foods, that are necessary for growth and development

exchange

to trade one substance for another

directly

in a direct line or manner

absorption

the transfer of substances into cells, tissues, or organs

circulatory system

key structures (organs): arteries, veins, heart

main function: transport oxygen and nutrients to cells; transport carbon dioxide and waste from cells; helps regulate body temperature

integumentary system

key structure: skin

main functions: protection from injury and invaders; helps regulate temperature

respiratory system

key structure: lungs

main function: gas exchange (take in oxygen and release carbon dioxide)

digestive system

key structures: stomach, intestines, accessory organs such as the gall bladder and pancreas

main functions: take in, break down, and absorption of nutrients

skeletal system

key structures: bones

main functions: provides for movement at joints; protection of organs; storage of minerals; production of blood cells

muscular system

key structures: muscles

main functions: movement and support

excretory system

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key structures: kidneys, bladder

main functions: filter and remove waste

reproductive system

key structures: female-ovaries, uterus, vagina; male-testes, penis, accessory glands

main functions: both male and female produce sex cells and hormones; female-nourish a developing fetus

nervous system

key structures: brain, spinal cord, nerves

main functions: receive and process information and then direct and communicate appropriate response(s)

endocrine system

key structures: glands, hormones

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main function: communication between organs and cells using chemical messengers called hormones

immune system/lymphatic system

key structures: spleen, white blood cells, lymph vessels and nodes

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main function:defend against infection and collect and drain excess tissue fluids

stigma

female part of a plant that receives pollen

style

female part of a plant through which pollen travels to the ovary

anther

male part of a plant that produces and contains pollen

pollen

male sex cell of a plant

root

part of a plant that is generally underground and absorbs water and nutrients

shoot

part of a plant that is generally above ground and includes the stem and its parts (leaves, branches, flowers, fruit)

vascular

system that has vessels or is made of tubes

xylem

vessels in plants that transport water, generally from the roots to the shoots

phloem

vessels in plants that transport glucose and nutrients, generally from the leaves to all other parts

leaves

part of the plant where photosynthesis occurs

predation

biological interaction where one organism, the predator, kills and eats another organism, its prey

predator

an animal that kills and eats another animal

prey

an animal that is eaten by another animal

parasitism

relationship between organisms, where one, the parasite, lives on or inside another organism, the host, causing it harm

commensalism

relationship between two organisms where one benefits and the other is not affected

mutualism

relationship between two organisms where both benefit

competition

relationship where two organisms both use the same resource

resources

substances or objects that are necessary for an organism to live, grow, or reproduce

relationships

a connection or interaction between two or more organisms