Life Science “Structure and Function in Organisms
Dec 27, 2015
Life Science“Structure and Function in
Organisms
Active Transport
The movement of molecules or ions
against a concentration
gradient, that is, from an area of
lower concentration to higher
concentration, and therefore requiring
energy.
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Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP)
The molecule that carries the energy
produced by respiration in its
third, high-energy phosphate bond; used by cells to provide energy necessary for
chemical reactions.
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Autotroph
An organism that produces its own food, including photosynthetic
organism such as green plants and
phytoplankton and chemosynthetic
organisms such as sulfur bacteria.
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Capsule
The outermost protective layer found on some prokaryotic cells. Click here to reveal the definition!
Cell Wall
A structure in plant cells that surrounds the cell membrane,
important for external cell
structure and the protection of the
cell’s contents; also present in algae
and certain bacteria.
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Cellular Respiration
The process in which carbon-rich sugar molecules react with oxygen to make energy for a cell’s use;
occurs in heterotrophs and autotrophs.Click here to reveal the definition!
Centriole
A cell structure that helps separate the contents of the nucleus during cell divisions. Click here to reveal the definition!
Chloroplast
The structure in plants that contains chlorophyll and is
the site of photosynthesis.
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Concentration Gradient
The varying levels of concentration of a substance on either side of a membrane or in an area. Click here to reveal the definition!
Cytoplasm
A jellylike material that surrounds the nucleus of a cell
and contains most of the cell’s organelles.
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Cytoskeleton
The support framework inside
the cell made up of microfilaments and
microtubules.
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Diffusion
The general process by which all materials transfer passively in and out of cells. Click here to reveal the definition!
Eukaryote
A cell that has membrane-bound organelles and generic material contained inside a nucleus. Click here to reveal the definition!
Flagella
The whiplike structures on some prokaryotic cells that help the organism move.Click here to reveal the definition!
Glucose
A six-carbon sugar that is the usual
form in which organisms process
carbohydrates.
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Golgi Apparatus
An organelle that stores, modifies, packages, and ships enzymes and other molecules. Click here to reveal the definition!
Heterotroph
An organism requiring complex organic compounds of nitrogen and carbon for metabolic synthesis; it must get its energy from plants or
animals.
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Homeostasis
Detection and maintenance of a
body’s internal environment.
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Instinct
A complex animal behavior triggered
by external stimuli.
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Lysosome
A membrane-bound organelle that digests sugars and wastes. Click here to reveal the definition!
Mitochondrion
A membrane-bound organelle that is the
site of aerobic respiration.
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Nucleoid
The bundle of fibers of DNA found within a prokaryotic cell.Click here to reveal the definition!
Nucleus
The control center of a eukaryotic cell that contains the cell’s DNA. Click here to reveal the definition!
Organ
A group of tissues that works together to complete a specific task.Click here to reveal the definition!
Organ System
A group of organs that works together
to complete a specific task.
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Organelle
A compartmentalized
structure in eukaryotic cells that performs a specific function for the cell.
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Osmosis
The passive transport of water molecules through a membrane.Click here to reveal the definition!
Passive Transport
The movement of molecules from higher concentration to lower concentration; does not
require energy.Click here to reveal the definition!
Peroxisome
A membrane-bound organelle containing enzymes that break down peroxides, which can damage
cells.Click here to reveal the definition!
Photosynthesis
The process by which plants make high energy carbohydrates in their chloroplasts from sunlight,
water, and carbon dioxide.Click here to reveal the definition!
Pili
Hollow, hairlike structures used by bacteria to attach to other cells.Click here to reveal the definition!
Plasma Membrane
A combination of lipids and proteins that separates the cell from its environment and helps regulate the
traffic of molecules between the inside and the outside of the cell.
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Prokaryote
A cell that does not have a nucleus in which its hereditary material in stored; a single-celled
organism such as bacteria.Click here to reveal the definition!
Protein Channel
A membrane passageway that
opens and closes to allow necessary
molecules to move in and out of the
cell.
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Ribosome
An organelle, made of RNA and
proteins, that is involved in protein
synthesis.
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Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (RER)
A series of membranous sacs that are covered
with ribosomes and are an important
producer of proteins.
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Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum (SER)
A series of membranous
tubules that assist in the synthesis of
lipids and other molecules needed
by the cell.
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Stimulus
A change in the internal or external environment, detectable by an organism or a cell within an
organism.Click here to reveal the definition!
Tissue
A group of cells that works together to
perform a task that requires many cells.
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Vacuole
A membrane-bound organelle in a cell that serves as a storage area for
materials such as water, food, and waste products;
helps to maintain cell rigidity in
plants.
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Virus
A particle consisting of DNA encased in a
protein coat that must inject its DNA into a living cell in
order to reproduce.
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