Biology Terms

Absorption- The process by which the products of digestion are transferred into the body's internal environment, enabling them to reach the cells. adenosine triphosphate (ATP) A common form in which energy is stored in living systems; consists of a nucleotide (with ribose sugar) with three phosphate groups. The energy coin of the cell.aerobic -relating to or denoting exercise that improves or is intended to improve the efficiency of the body's cardiovascular system in absorbing and transporting oxygen.
Anaerobic- Refers to organisms that are not dependent on oxygen for respiration.
Autotrophs- Organisms that synthesize their own nutrients; include some bacteria that are able to synthesize organic molecules from simpler inorganic compounds. cells - The smallest structural units of living matter capable of functioning independently.
Chemiosmosis- The process by which ATP is produced in the inner membrane of a mitochondrion. The electron transport system transfers protons from the inner compartment to the outer; as the protons flow back to the inner compartment, the energy of their movement is used to add phosphate to ADP, forming ATP. chloroplasts - Disk-like organelles with a double membrane found in eukaryotic plant cells; contain thylakoids and are the site of photosynthesis. ATP is generated during photosynthesis by chemiosmosis.
Chromosomes- Structures in the nucleus of a eukaryotic cell that consist of DNA molecules that contain the genes. cytoplasm - The viscous semiliquid inside the plasma membrane of a cell; contains various macromolecules and organelles in solution and suspension. deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) - A nucleic acid composed of two polynucleotide strands wound around a central axis to form a double helix; the repository of genetic information. Nucleic acid that functions as the physical carrier of inheritance for 99% of all species. The molecule is double-stranded and composed of two strands in an antiparallel and complementary arrangement. The basic unit, the nucleotide, consists of a molecule of deoxyribose sugar, a phosphate group, and one of four nitrogenous bases.
Electromagnetic spectrum :the entire range of wavelengths or frequencies of electromagnetic radiation extending from gamma rays to the longest radio waves and including visible light.
Eukaryote- A type of cell found in many organisms including single-celled protists and multicellular fungi, plants, and animals; characterized by a membrane-bounded nucleus and other membraneous organelles; an organism composed of such cells. The first eukaryotes are encountered in rocks approximately 1.2-1.5 billion years old. homeostasis - The ability to maintain a relatively constant internal environment.
Hormones- Chemical substances that are produced in the endocrine glands and travel in the blood to target organs where they elicit a response.light reactions- The photosynthetic process in which solar energy is harvested and transferred into the chemical bonds of ATP; can occur only in light.
Membrane-a pliable sheet like structure acting as a boundary, lining, or partition in an organism.microscope -an optical instrument used for viewing very small objects, such as mineral samples or animal or plant cells, typically magnified several hundred times. mitochondrion -an organelle found in large numbers in most cells, in which the biochemical processes of respiration and energy production occur. It has a double membrane, the inner layer being folded inward to form layers (cristae).
Molecule-a group of atoms bonded together, representing the smallest fundamental unit of a chemical compound that can take part in a chemical reaction. nucleus -the central and most important part of an object, movement, or group, forming the basis for its activity and growth. nutrient -a substance that provides nourishment essential for growth and the maintenance of life. organelle -any of a number of organized or specialized structures within a living cell. organism -an individual animal, plant, or single-celled life form. organ -a part of an organism that is typically self-contained and has a specific vital function, such as the heart or liver in humans. phospholipid -a lipid containing a phosphate group in its molecule, e.g., lecithin. photosynthesis -the process by which green plants and some other organisms use sunlight to synthesize foods from carbon dioxide and water. product -something "manufactured" by an enzyme from its substrate.
Properties- any unique property that "emerges" when component objects are joined together in constraining relations to "construct" a higher-level aggregate object.prokaryote -a microscopic single-celled organism that has neither a distinct nucleus with a membrane nor other specialized organelles.
Reactant- a substance that takes part in and undergoes change during a reaction.ultraviolet -(of electromagnetic radiation) having a wavelength shorter than that of the violet end of the visible spectrum but longer than that of X-rays. vacuole -a space or vesicle within the cytoplasm of a cell, enclosed by a membrane and typically containing fluid.
Water vapor- or water vapour or aqueous vapor, is the gaseous phase of water. wavelength -the distance between successive crests of a wave, especially points in a sound wave or electromagnetic wave.