Ol Flashcards
Nn (24 cards)
What are the basic units of life?
Cells
Cells are the smallest structural and functional units of living organisms.
What does the term ‘organisation’ refer to in biology?
The arrangement of cells into tissues, organs, and systems
Organisation is crucial for the function of multicellular organisms.
What is a microscope used for?
To magnify small objects and organisms
Microscopes are essential tools in biological research.
What is the role of DNA in cells?
To store and transmit genetic information
DNA is crucial for inheritance and coding for proteins.
What is protein synthesis?
The process by which cells build proteins based on genetic instructions
This involves transcription and translation.
What are biological molecules?
Molecules that are essential for life, including proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids
Each type of molecule plays a unique role in biological processes.
What is digestion?
The process of breaking down food into smaller components for absorption
Digestion involves both mechanical and chemical processes.
What are enzymes?
Biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions in the body
Enzymes are crucial for metabolic processes.
What is cell transport?
The movement of substances into and out of cells
This can occur via passive or active transport mechanisms.
What is the difference between passive and active transport?
Passive transport does not require energy, while active transport does
Examples include diffusion (passive) and endocytosis (active).
What is cell division?
The process by which a parent cell divides into two or more daughter cells
This includes mitosis and meiosis.
What are stem cells?
Undifferentiated cells that can develop into specialized cell types
Stem cells have significant potential for regenerative medicine.
What is respiration?
The process of converting glucose and oxygen into energy, carbon dioxide, and water
Respiration is vital for cellular metabolism.
What is gas exchange?
The process of exchanging oxygen and carbon dioxide between the body and the environment
This occurs in the lungs and at the cellular level.
What is metabolism?
The sum of all chemical reactions in an organism
Metabolism includes catabolism (breaking down molecules) and anabolism (building molecules).
What is photosynthesis?
The process by which plants convert sunlight into chemical energy
Photosynthesis produces glucose and oxygen from carbon dioxide and water.
What is the circulatory system?
The system responsible for transporting blood, nutrients, gases, and waste products throughout the body
It includes the heart, blood vessels, and blood.
What is plant transport?
The movement of water, nutrients, and photosynthates within a plant
This occurs through xylem and phloem.
What is the nervous system responsible for?
Regulating body functions and responding to internal and external stimuli
It includes the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves.
What is the function of the endocrine system?
To regulate bodily functions through hormones
The endocrine system includes glands such as the pituitary, thyroid, and adrenal glands.
What is homeostasis?
The maintenance of stable internal conditions in an organism
Homeostasis is crucial for optimal functioning of biological systems.
What are plant hormones?
Chemical messengers that regulate plant growth and development
Examples include auxins, gibberellins, and cytokinins.
Fill in the blank: The _______ regulates the menstrual cycle.
endocrine system
Hormones like estrogen and progesterone play key roles in the menstrual cycle.
What is infertility?
The inability to conceive after one year of unprotected intercourse
Infertility can be caused by various factors affecting either partner.
