Biology Flashcards
cancer
a growth defect in cells , a breakdown of the mechanism that controls cell division. Ex. his ___ was caused by smoking.
development
the change in shape or organisms over time. Ex. a child's ________ is very fast.
ecology
the branch of biology that studies the interactions of organisms with one another and with nonliving parts of their environment
gene
sections of chromosomes made of DNA that code for traits. The basic unit of heredity.
genome
the complete genetic material contained in an individual.
heredity
the passing of traits from parent to offspring. Ex. scientists know that _____ can increase chances for certain diseases.
HIV
a virus that attacks and destroys the human immune system.
interdependence
organisms in a biological community live and interact with other organisms.
mutation
a change in the DNA of a gene.
natural selection
process in which organisms with favorable genes are more likely to survive to reproduce. Ex. the idea of ____ ______ was first presented by Charles Darwin.
organism
any living thing; something that meets all criteria of life. Ex. so far, we have not found proof of any living ________ on another planet.
pH
a relative measure of the hydrogen ion concentration within a solution; Latin for "probably hydrogens".
absorption
process by which substances are taken into the cell or an organism.
assimilation
incorporation of materials into the body of an organism.
circulation
process by which materials are distributed (moved) throughout the organism.
differentiation
process by which cells become specialized for specific functions.
digestion
the breakdown of complex food materials into forms the organism can use. Ex. Going to sleep after eating can be bad for ____.
egestion
elimination of indigestible waste.
excretion
removal of metabolic waste.
ingestion
taking in food from the environment.
regulation
process by which organisms maintain homeostasis, a stable internal environment.
reproduction
process by which organisms produce new organisms of their own kind
respiration
release of chemical energy from certain nutrients.
synthesis
chemical combination of simple substances to form complex substances.
DNA
nucleic acid polymer that stores genetic information.
equilibrium
the state of both sides are balanced
evolution
the process of change that has transformed life on Earth
theory
a system of ideas that explains many related observations and is supported by a large body of evidence acquired through scientific investigation
species
group of similar organisms that can breed and produce fertile offspring. Ex. there are thousands of different ______ of butterflies.
matter
the material that everything in the universe is made of, including solids, liquids, and gases
element
a substance that cannot be broken down to other substances by chemical reactions. Ex. carbon is an essential ________ of life.
compound
a substance consisting of 2 or more elements in a fixed ratio. Ex. water is the most common _______ on Earth.
bacteria
a very small living things. Ex. Although some cause illness or disease, many ______ are harmless.
virus
a very small living thing that causes infectious illnesses. Ex. HIV is the _____ that causes AIDS.
algae
a very simple plant without stems or leaves that grows in or near water.
fungi
simple type of plant that has no leaves or flowers and that grows on plants or other surfaces. Ex. mushrooms are a _____.
oxygen
a gas that has no color or smell, is present in air, and is necessary for most animals and plants to live. Ex. the chemical symbol for _____ is O.