Cycling of Matter in Living Systems

A set of vocabulary flashcards based on the key concepts related to microscopy, cell theory, and cellular processes.

Microscopy

The use of a microscope to view small objects or organisms that cannot be seen with the naked eye.

Cell Theory

The theory that states all living things are made up of one or more cells, the cell is the basic unit of life, and all cells arise from pre-existing cells.

Active Transport

The process that requires energy to move substances across a cell membrane against their concentration gradient.

Passive Transport

The movement of substances across a cell membrane without the use of energy.

Diffusion

The process by which molecules spread from areas of high concentration to areas of low concentration.

Osmosis

The diffusion of water across a semipermeable membrane.

Resolution

The ability of a microscope to distinguish two close points as separate.

Contrast

The difference in light intensity between the image and the background.

Electron Microscope

A type of microscope that uses a beam of electrons to create an image of the specimen, allowing for higher magnification and resolution than light microscopes.

Cell Membrane

The semipermeable membrane surrounding the cytoplasm of a cell, controlling the movement of substances in and out.

Permeable

Allows substances to pass through.

Semi-permeable

Allows certain substances to pass while blocking others.

Cell Specialization

The process by which cells develop specialized functions to perform specific tasks.

Homeostasis

The ability of a cell or organism to maintain a stable internal environment despite changes in external conditions.

Turgor Pressure

The pressure of the cell contents against the cell wall in plant cells, contributing to the structural integrity of the plant.

Photosynthesis

The process by which green plants and some other organisms use sunlight to synthesize foods with the help of chlorophyll.

Cellular Respiration

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

Vascular Tissue

Tissue in vascular plants responsible for the transport of water and nutrients; includes xylem and phloem.

Phloem

The vascular tissue in plants responsible for the transport of nutrients and food.

Xylem

The vascular tissue in plants that conducts water and dissolved nutrients upward from the roots.

Multicellular Organisms

Organisms that exist as a collection of multiple cells, which perform specific functions.

Unicellular Organisms

Organisms that consist of a single cell.

Prokaryotic Cells

Single-celled organisms that lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, e.g., bacteria.

Eukaryotic Cells

Organisms whose cells contain a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles.