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Cards (914)

Section 1

(50 cards)

polymer

Front

large compound formed from combinations of many monomers

Back

hydrolysis

Front

a chemical process in which a compound is broken down and changed into other compounds by taking up the elements of water

Back

repetitive DNA

Front

nucleotide sequences, usually noncoding, that are present in many copies in a eukaryotic genome.

Back

metabolic rate

Front

the amount of energy an animal uses in a unit of time

Back

crossing over

Front

the interchange of sections between pairing homologous chromosomes during the prophase of meiosis

Back

epiphyte

Front

plant that is not rooted in soil but instead grows directly on the body of another plant

Back

chemiosmosis

Front

a process for synthesizing ATP using the energy of an electrochemical gradient and the ATP synthase enzyme.

Back

transposons

Front

small mobile DNA segments

Back

positive feedback

Front

a physiological control mechanism in which a change in a variable triggers mechanisms that amplify the change

Back

gametes

Front

reproductive cells, have only half the number of chromosomes as body cells

Back

thermoregulation

Front

the maintenance of body temperature within a range that enables cells to function efficiently

Back

meiosis

Front

a process in cell division during which the number of chromosomes decreases to half the original number by two divisions of the nucleus, which results in the production of sex cells

Back

diatoms

Front

unicellular algae that have a unique glass-like wall made of hydrated silica embedded in an organic matrix

Back

parthenogenesis

Front

asexual reproduction in which females produce offspring from unfertilized eggs

Back

phosphorylation

Front

the transfer of a phosphate group, usually from ATP, to a molecule. Nearly all cellular work depends on ATP energizing other molecules by phosphorylation

Back

inflammatory response

Front

nonspecific defense against infection, characterized by redness, heat, swelling, and pain

Back

nitrogen fixation

Front

process of converting nitrogen gas into nitrogen compounds that plants can absorb and use (ammonia)

Back

fermentation

Front

the process by which cells break down molecules to release energy without using oxygen

Back

natural selection

Front

process by which individuals that are better suited to their environment survive and reproduce most successfully

Back

adaptations

Front

the behaviors and physical characteristics that allow organisms to live successfully in their environments

Back

symmetry

Front

the way an animal's body parts match up around a point or central line

Back

cephalization

Front

the concentration of nerve tissue and sensory organs at the anterior end of an organism

Back

phospholipids

Front

a molecule that is a constituent of the inner bilayer of biological membranes, having a polar, hydrophilic head and a nonpolar, hydrophobic tail

Back

homeobox

Front

one of various similar homeotic genes that are involved in bodily segmentation during embryonic development

Back

negative feedback

Front

a mechanism of response in which a stimulus initiates reactions that reduce the stimulus

Back

cellular respiration

Front

process that releases energy by breaking down glucose and other food molecules in the presence of oxygen

Back

genome project

Front

Research and technology development effort aimed at mapping and sequencing some or all of the genome of human beings and other organisms

Back

amoeba

Front

A type of protist characterized by great flexibility and the presence of pseudopodia

Back

mutations

Front

random errors in gene replication that lead to a change in the sequence of nucleotides; the source of all genetic diversity

Back

RNA splicing

Front

process by which the introns are removed from RNA transcripts and the remaining exons are joined together

Back

acquired immunity

Front

immunity that the body develops after it overcomes a disease, or through inoculation (such as vaccination)

Back

gastrula

Front

an embryonic stage in animal development encompassing the formation of three layers: ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm

Back

coelom

Front

fluid-filled body cavity lined with mesoderm

Back

codons

Front

a three-nucleotide sequence of DNA or mRNA that specifies a particular amino acid or termination signal; the basic unit of the genetic code.

Back

transcription

Front

process in which part of the nucleotide sequence of DNA is copied into a complementary sequence in mRNA

Back

sexual reproduction

Front

process in which genetic material from two parents combines and produces offspring that differ genetically from either parent

Back

crop rotation

Front

the system of growing a different crop in a field each year to preserve the fertility of the land

Back

sustainable agriculture

Front

farming method that preserves long-term productivity of land and minimizes pollution

Back

epithelium

Front

membranous tissue covering internal organs and other internal surfaces of the body

Back

vestigial structures

Front

remnant of a structure that may have had an important function in a species' ancestors, but has no clear function in the modern species

Back

inductive reasoning

Front

reasoning based on observed patterns

Back

emergent properties

Front

new properties that emerge with each step upward in the hierarchy of life, owing to the arrangement and interactions of parts as complexity increases

Back

ciliates

Front

a group of protozoans that move by waving tiny, hair-like organelles called cilia

Back

macrophages

Front

engulf bacteria and cellular debris by phagocytosis

Back

protists

Front

single-celled or simple multicellular eukaryotic organisms that generally do not fit in any other kingdom

Back

enzyme

Front

protein that acts as a biological catalyst

Back

convergent evolution

Front

process by which unrelated organisms independently evolve similarities when adapting to similar environments

Back

somatic cell

Front

cell that makes up all of the body tissues and organs, except gametes

Back

antigen

Front

substance that triggers an immune response

Back

physiology

Front

processes and functions of an organism

Back

Section 2

(50 cards)

mitochondria

Front

powerhouse of the cell, produces energy (ATP) from oxygen and sugar

Back

ribosomes

Front

non membrane bounded organelles responsible for protein synthesis

Back

vascular tissue

Front

tissue that conducts water and nutrients through the plant body in higher plants

Back

pleiotrophy

Front

the ability of a single gene to have multiple effects

Back

community

Front

a group of interdependent organisms inhabiting the same region and interacting with each other

Back

cell differentiation

Front

the process of cell specialization

Back

thylakoids

Front

A flattened membrane sac inside the chloroplast, used to convert light energy to chemical energy

Back

vasoconstriction

Front

narrowing of blood vessels

Back

eukaryotic cells

Front

contain a nucleus and other organelles that are bound by membranes

Back

operon

Front

a group of genes that operate together

Back

mimicry

Front

the resemblance of an animal species to another species or to natural objects

Back

invertebrates

Front

animals without a backbone

Back

CAM plants

Front

store the organic acids made at night in vacuoles and use them for photosynthesis during the day when stomata are closed

Back

compound

Front

a substance formed by chemical union of two or more elements or ingredients in definite proportion by weight

Back

sinoatrial node

Front

the heart's pacemaker, located in the wall of the right atrium

Back

echinoderms

Front

invertebrates with an internal skeleton and a system of fluid-filled tubes called a water vascular system

Back

hermaphrodite

Front

individual that has both male and female reproductive organs

Back

keystone species

Front

a species that influences the survival of many other species in an ecosystem

Back

covalent bond

Front

a chemical bond that involves sharing a pair of electrons between atoms in a molecule

Back

niche

Front

the status of an organism within its environment and community (affecting its survival as a species)

Back

bryophyte

Front

nonvascular plant; examples are mosses and their relatives

Back

prokaryotic

Front

describes a cell that does not have a nucleus or anyother membrane-covered organelles; also called bacteria

Back

sliding filament model

Front

The theory explaining how muscle contracts, based on change within a sarcomere, the basic unit of muscle organization, stating that thin (actin) filaments slide across thick (myosin) filaments, shortening the sarcomere; the shortening of all sarcomeres in a myofibril shortens the entire myofibril

Back

ion

Front

atom that has a positive or negative charge

Back

roots

Front

underground organs that absorb water and minerals

Back

smooth muscle

Front

a muscle that contracts without conscious control and found in walls of internal organs such as stomach and intestine and bladder and blood vessels (excluding the heart)

Back

gene flow

Front

movement of alleles into or out of a population due to the migration of individuals to or from the population

Back

homeotic genes

Front

any of the genes that control the overall body plan of animals and plants by controlling the developmental fate of groups of cells

Back

exoskeleton

Front

the exterior protective or supporting structure or shell of many animals (especially invertebrates) including bony or horny parts such as nails or scales or hoofs

Back

platelets

Front

tiny, disk-shaped bodies in the blood, important in blood clot formation

Back

heterozygous

Front

having two different alleles for a trait

Back

endometrium

Front

inner lining of the uterus

Back

perception

Front

the process of organizing and interpreting sensory information, enabling us to recognize meaningful objects and events

Back

gametogenesis

Front

the development and maturation of sex cells through meiosis

Back

fruit

Front

a mature ovary of a flower that protects dormant seeds and aids in their dispersal

Back

complete metamorphosis

Front

the transformation of a larva into an adult that looks very different, and often functions very differently in its environment, than the larva

Back

dormancy

Front

period of time during which a plant embryo is alive but not growing

Back

hybridization

Front

the act of mixing different species or varieties of animals or plants and thus to produce hybrids

Back

pollen grain

Front

male gametophyte in seed plants

Back

geographic variation

Front

differences in the genetic composition of separate populations

Back

Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium

Front

theory of a stable, nonevolving population in which frequency of alleles do not change; only occurs in large, isolated populations with random mating, and no natural selection or mutations

Back

disruptive selection

Front

form of natural selection in which a single curve splits into two; occurs when individuals at the upper and lower ends of a distribution curve have higher fitness than individuals near the middle

Back

hydrogen bond

Front

weak chemical bond formed by the attraction of positively charged hydrogen atoms to other negatively charged atoms

Back

hemoglobin

Front

iron-containing protein in red blood cells that transports oxygen from the lungs to the tissues of the body

Back

oncogenes

Front

cancer-causing genes

Back

autotrophs

Front

organisms that make their own food

Back

photosynthesis

Front

process by which plants and some other organisms use light energy to convert water and carbon dioxide into oxygen and high-energy carbohydrates such as sugars and starches

Back

complete flowers

Front

a flower that has all four basic floral organs: sepals, petals, stamens, and carpals

Back

alleles

Front

different forms of a gene

Back

seed

Front

embryo of a living plant that is encased in a protective covering and surrounded by a food supply

Back

Section 3

(50 cards)

hormones

Front

chemical messengers that are manufactured by the endocrine glands, travel through the bloodstream, and affect other tissues

Back

protein kinase

Front

an enzyme that transfers phosphate groups from ATP to a protein

Back

signal transduction pathway

Front

a series of steps linking a mechanical or chemical stimulus to a specific cellular response

Back

peripheral proteins

Front

protein appendages loosely bound to the surface of the membrane and not embedded in the lipid bilayer

Back

amniotes

Front

their embryos are protected by external membranes

Back

endospore

Front

type of spore formed when a bacterium produces a thick internal wall that encloses its DNA and a portion of its cytoplasm

Back

placentals

Front

mammals who have offspring who develop inside placenta (humans)

Back

adhesion

Front

an attraction between molecules of different substances

Back

endothermic

Front

dependent on or capable of the internal generation of heat

Back

angiosperm

Front

a flowering plant, which forms seeds inside a protective chamber called an ovary

Back

vaccine

Front

a substance that stimulates the body to produce chemicals that destroy viruses or bacteria

Back

pandemic

Front

disease that occurs over a wide geographic area and affects a very high proportion of the population

Back

flower

Front

the reproductive structure of an angiosperm

Back

pheromones

Front

chemicals secreted by animal species that influence the behavior of other animals of the same species

Back

pathogens

Front

disease producing microorganisms

Back

caspid

Front

protein covering that surrounds a virus

Back

exponential growth

Front

growth of a population that multiplies by a constant factor at constant time intervals

Back

pollination

Front

the transfer of pollen from male reproductive structures to female reproductive structures in plants

Back

insulin

Front

protein hormone that helps to decrease blood sugar

Back

polar molecule

Front

molecule with an unequal distribution of charge, resulting in the molecule having a positive end and a negative end

Back

hydrophobic

Front

avoids water molecules

Back

barr body

Front

Inactivated X chromosome in females

Back

linkage map

Front

a genetic map based on the frequencies of recombination between markers during crossing over of homologous chromosomes

Back

cohesion

Front

attraction between molecules of the same substance

Back

prions

Front

infectious protein particles that do not have a genome

Back

hypertonic

Front

when comparing two solutions, the solution with the greater concentration of solutes

Back

nondisjunction

Front

error in meiosis in which homologous chromosomes fail to separate

Back

cleavage

Front

the process of cytokinesis in animal cells, characterized by pinching of the plasma membrane; specifically, the succession of rapid cell divisions without growth during early embryonic development that converts the zygote into a ball of cells

Back

phototropism

Front

tendency of plants to grow toward a source of light

Back

osmosis

Front

diffusion of water through a selectively permeable membrane

Back

habituation

Front

decreasing responsiveness with repeated stimulation

Back

chordates

Front

an animal phylum that has a notochord, a dorsal hollow nerve cord, and gill slits at some time in its life cycle

Back

altruism

Front

unselfish regard for the welfare of others

Back

endocytosis

Front

process by which a cell takes in a substance by surrounding it with the cell membrane

Back

germ layer

Front

any of the 3 layers of cells differentiated in embryos following gastrulation

Back

endocrine glands

Front

glands of the endocrine system that release hormones into the bloodstream

Back

emigration

Front

movement of individuals out of an area

Back

conjugation

Front

form of sexual reproduction in which paramecia and some prokaryotes exchange genetic information

Back

migration

Front

movement from one place to another

Back

symbiosis

Front

living together in mutually helpful association of two dissimilar organisms

Back

acrosomal reaction

Front

the discharge of hydrolytic enzymes from the acrosome, when the sperm contacts an egg

Back

ligand

Front

a molecule that binds specifically to a receptor site of another molecule

Back

gibberellins

Front

Plant hormones that promote stem and leaf elongation

Back

hypothalamus

Front

a neural structure lying below the thalamus; directs eating, drinking, body temperature; helps govern the endocrine system via the pituitary gland, and is linked to emotion

Back

survivorship curve

Front

graph showing the number of survivors in different age groups for a particular species

Back

demography

Front

study of populations

Back

kinesis

Front

a change in activity or turning rate in response to a stimulus

Back

endosperm

Front

the food supply for a plant embryo found inside a seed

Back

viviparous

Front

producing living young (not eggs)

Back

sex-linked gene

Front

gene located on the X or Y chromosome

Back

Section 4

(50 cards)

short term memory

Front

activated memory that holds a few items briefly, before information is stored or forgotten

Back

cancer

Front

a disease in which abnormal cells multiply out of control, spread into surrounding tissues and other body parts, and disrupt normal functioning of one or more organs

Back

circadian rhythms

Front

the 24-hour biological cycles found in humans and many other species

Back

antidiuretic hormone

Front

hormone secreted by the posterior pituitary gland to prevent the kidneys from expelling too much water

Back

endergonic reaction

Front

a non-spontaneous chemical reaction in which free energy is absorbed from the surroundings

Back

half-life

Front

the period of time in which half of a radioactive substance decays

Back

cerebral cortex

Front

the intricate fabric of interconnected neural cells that covers the cerebral hemispheres; the body's ultimate control and information-processing center

Back

cladistics

Front

a system of phylogenetic analysis that uses shared and derived characters as the only criteria for grouping taxa

Back

telomerase

Front

an enzyme that catalyzes the lengthening of telomeres; the enzyme includes a molecule of RNA that serves as a template for new telomere segments

Back

greenhouse effect

Front

process by which atmospheric gases trap heat close to Earth's surface and prevent it from escaping into space

Back

chromatin

Front

long strands of DNA found in the eukaryotic cell nucleus; condense to form chromosomes

Back

adenosine triphosphate

Front

the molecule that stores energy that can be used by the cell

Back

substrate

Front

specific reactant acted on by an enzyme

Back

okazaki fragments

Front

short fragments of DNA that are a result of the synthesis of the lagging strand during DNA replication

Back

protobionts

Front

collections of abiotically produced molecules surrounded by a membrane-like structure

Back

organic chemistry

Front

the chemistry of compounds containing carbon (originally defined as the chemistry of substances produced by living organisms but now extended to substances synthesized artificially)

Back

entropy

Front

a thermodynamic quantity representing the unavailability of a system's thermal energy for conversion into mechanical work, often interpreted as the degree of disorder or randomness in the system

Back

species

Front

taxonomic group whose members can interbreed

Back

plasmids

Front

the small, circular segments of DNA that are found in bacteria and that stay sparate from the bacterial chromosomes; used in genetic engineering

Back

producers

Front

organisms that make their own food

Back

allopatric speciation

Front

the formation of new species in populations that are geographically isolated from one another

Back

pangea

Front

the name of the single landmass that broke apart 200 million years ago and gave rise to today's continents

Back

urea

Front

the chief solid component of mammalian urine

Back

nephron

Front

any of the small tubules that are the excretory units of the vertebrate kidney

Back

biological magnification

Front

increasing concentration of a harmful substance in organisms at higher trophic levels in a food chain or food web

Back

binary fission

Front

type of asexual reproduction in which an organism replicates its DNA and divides in half, producing two identical daughter cells

Back

transformation

Front

modification of a cell or bacterium by the uptake and incorporation of exogenous DNA

Back

gel electrophoresis

Front

the separation of nucleic acids or proteins, on the basis of their size and electrical charge, by measuring their rate of movement through an electrical field in a gel

Back

microevolution

Front

evolution resulting from small specific genetic changes that can lead to a new subspecies

Back

ecology

Front

the branch of biology concerned with the relations between organisms and their environment

Back

club fungi

Front

a type of fungus that bears reproductive sperm externally, on club-shaped structures (basidia) at the tips of hyphae

Back

endosymbiosis

Front

process through which early prokaryotic cells are thought to have engulfed other, smaller cells and eventually incorporated them as organelles; these cells evolved into modern-day eukaryotes

Back

mitosis

Front

in eukaryotic cells, a process of cell division that forms two new nuclei, each of which has the same number of chromosomes

Back

polyploidy

Front

the condition in which an organism has extra sets of chromosomes

Back

lichen

Front

symbiotic association between a fungus and a photosynthetic organism

Back

reflexes

Front

an automatic and often inborn response to a stimulus that involves a nerve impulse

Back

amygdale

Front

brain region that regulates emotions

Back

recombinant DNA

Front

DNA produced by combining DNA from different sources

Back

molds

Front

a type of fungus that consists of chains of cells and appears as a fuzzy mass of thin filaments in culture

Back

hydrocarbons

Front

organic molecules that are composed of only carbon and hydrogen

Back

catabolic

Front

A process in which large molecules are broken down

Back

taxonomy

Front

study of the general principles of scientific classification

Back

pre-zygotic barriers

Front

a reproductive barrier that impedes mating between species or hinders fertilization if interspecific mating is attempted

Back

hyphae

Front

the branching, threadlike tubes that make up the bodies of multicellular fungi

Back

isomers

Front

compounds with the same formula but different structure

Back

polymerase chain reaction

Front

technique that allows molecular biologists to make many copies of a particular gene

Back

apoptosis

Front

a type of cell death in which the cell uses specialized cellular machinery to kill itself

Back

helicases

Front

enzymes that untwist the double helix at the replication forks

Back

excretion

Front

the process by which wastes are removed from the body

Back

phylogeny

Front

the sequence of events involved in the evolutionary development of a species or taxonomic group of organisms

Back

Section 5

(50 cards)

stem

Front

supporting structure that connects roots and leaves and carries water and nutrients between them

Back

carnivore

Front

organism that obtains energy by eating animals

Back

bioremediation

Front

the use of living organisms to detoxify and restore polluted and degraded ecosystems

Back

solute

Front

Something dissolved in a solution.

Back

biotic factor

Front

all the living things in an ecosystem

Back

disulphide bridges

Front

Reinforce tertiary structure.

Back

starch

Front

Storage polysaccharide of plants.

Back

polar

Front

Molecule with partial charges. Mixes with water.

Back

dispersal

Front

the movement of organisms from one place to another

Back

Fredrick Sanger

Front

Determined amino acid sequence of proteins.

Back

-ose

Front

Suffix of a sugar.

Back

aquaporins

Front

a transport protein in the plasma membrane of a plant or animal cell that specifically facilitates the diffusion of water across the membrane

Back

neurotransmitters

Front

chemical messengers that traverse the synaptic gaps between neurons

Back

cellulose

Front

Carbohydrate component of plant cell walls.

Back

cholesterol

Front

Steroid common in cell membranes, also in many hormones.

Back

introduced species

Front

nonnative species that are either intentionally or unintentionally transported to a new habitat

Back

electronegativity

Front

Attraction of an atom for electrons in a covalent bond.

Back

tryiacylglycerol

Front

Glycerol and three fatty acids.

Back

steroids

Front

Made of four rings of carbon.

Back

ganglia

Front

groups of nerve cell bodies that coordinate incoming and outgoing nerve signals

Back

glycogen

Front

Extremely branched polymer of glucose.

Back

turgid

Front

swollen and distended or congested

Back

minimum viable population

Front

the smallest population size at which a species is able to sustain its numbers and survive

Back

solvent

Front

Dissolving agent of a solution.

Back

primary structure

Front

Chain of amino acids.

Back

action potential

Front

a neural impulse; a brief electrical charge that travels down an axon; the action potential is generated by the movement of positively charged atoms in and out of channels in the axon's membrane

Back

adhesion

Front

Water molecules sticking to other surfaces.

Back

alpha glucose

Front

Monomer for starch and glycogen.

Back

isomers

Front

Same atoms but different arrangement.

Back

secondary structure

Front

Either an alpha helix or beta pleated sheet.

Back

cline

Front

a graded change in a trait along a geographic axis

Back

biomes

Front

a broad, regional type of ecosystem characterized by distinctive climate and soil conditions and a distinctive kind of biological community adapted to those conditions

Back

chitin

Front

Polysaccharide found in arthropod exoskeletons and fungal cell walls.

Back

plasmodesmata

Front

channels through cell walls that connect the cytoplasms of adjacent cells

Back

synaptic cleft

Front

space between two connecting neurons where neurotransmitters are released

Back

cohesion

Front

Water molecules sticking to each other.

Back

structural isomers

Front

Differ in arrangement of atoms.

Back

beta glucose

Front

Monomer for cellulose and chitin.

Back

peptide bond

Front

Bonds that connect amino acids.

Back

nonpolar

Front

No partial charges. Do not mix with water.

Back

transpiration

Front

the emission of water vapor from the leaves of plants

Back

geometric isomer

Front

Differ in arrangement around a double bond.

Back

peristalsis

Front

the process of wave-like muscle contractions of the alimentary tract that moves food along

Back

enantiomers

Front

Structures that are like a mirror-image.

Back

stomata

Front

the small openings on the undersides of most leaves through which oxygen and carbon dioxide can move

Back

conservation

Front

the preservation and careful management of the environment and of natural resources

Back

tissue

Front

a part of an organism consisting of an aggregate of cells having a similar structure and function

Back

malnourishment

Front

a nutritional imbalance caused by lack of specific dietary components or inability to absorb or utilize essential nutrients

Back

apical meristems

Front

embryonic plant tissue in the tips of roots and in the buds of shoots that supplies cells for the plant to grow in length

Back

vitamins

Front

compounds that help regulate many vital body processes, including the digestion, absorption, and metabolism of other nutrients

Back

Section 6

(50 cards)

phosphodiester bonds

Front

Bonds between phosphate group and pentose sugar in nucleic acids.

Back

macroevolution

Front

Evolutionary change above the species level.

Back

tertiary structure

Front

Results from interactions between side chains.

Back

digestion

Front

To break apart.

Back

speciation

Front

Origin of new species and the source of biological diversity.

Back

artificial selection

Front

Humans modifying species for desired traits through selective breeding.

Back

fitness

Front

Individuals whose inherited traits confer an advantage have a better chance of surviving in a given environment and will leave more offspring.

Back

homology

Front

Similarity resulting from common ancestry.

Back

evolutionary adaptation

Front

An accumulation of inherited characteristics that enhance organisms' ability to survive and reproduce in specific environments.

Back

purines

Front

Bases with a double-ring structure.

Back

geographic variation

Front

Difference in variation between population subgroups in different areas.

Back

bottleneck effect

Front

When a population has been dramatically reduced, and the gene pool is no longer reflective of the original population's.

Back

sexual dimorphism

Front

Differences between the sexes in secondary sexual characteristics.

Back

stabilizing selection

Front

Shift that favors the mean.

Back

allele frequency

Front

Proportion of an allele in a gene pool.

Back

quaternary structure

Front

Results from two or more polypeptide subunits.

Back

genetic variation

Front

Heritable variations in a population.

Back

population

Front

Group of individuals of the same species living in the same area.

Back

sexual recombination

Front

Crossing over and shuffling of genes during meiosis.

Back

founder effect

Front

When a small number of individuals colonize a new area; the new gene pool is not reflective of original population.

Back

comparative embryology

Front

Embryos of vertebrates share many anatomical homologies.

Back

genetic drift

Front

Change in allele frequencies due to chance.

Back

natural selection

Front

A population can change over time if individuals with more fit traits leave more offspring than less fit individuals.

Back

anabolism

Front

Metabolic pathways that construct molecules, requiring energy.

Back

homologous structures

Front

Same structure, different function. Comes from common ancestor.

Back

microevolution

Front

Change in genetic makeup of a population from generation to generation.

Back

relative fitness

Front

Fitness of a particular genotype.

Back

decent with modification

Front

Darwin's way of referring to evolution.

Back

vestigial structures

Front

Are little or no importance to organism, but remain from an ancestor.

Back

population genetics

Front

Study of allele frequency distribution and change under the influence of evolutionary processes.

Back

mutation

Front

Changes in the nucleotide sequence in DNA.

Back

gene pool

Front

All the genes in a given population at a given time.

Back

quantitative characteristics

Front

Characteristics that vary along a continuum, usually due to influence of two or more genes.

Back

sexual selection

Front

Natural selection for mating success.

Back

directional selection

Front

Shift toward a favorable variation.

Back

biogeography

Front

Geographic distribution of species.

Back

heterozygous advantage

Front

Maintains recessive alleles in a population,

Back

gene flow

Front

When a population gains or loses alleles., movement of alleles into or out of a population due to the migration of individuals to or from the population.

Back

catabolism

Front

Metabolic pathways that break down molecules, releasing energy.

Back

biological species concept

Front

Species is a group of populations whose members have the potential to produce fertile offspring.

Back

hydrolysis

Front

Reaction where water split into two hydrogens and one oxygen; this breaks a polymer.

Back

MRSA

Front

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

Back

synthesis

Front

To put together.

Back

dehydration synthesis

Front

Condensation reaction where molecules are connected by loss of a water molecule.

Back

-in

Front

Suffix of a protein.

Back

discrete characteristics

Front

Characteristics that are classified on an either-or basis, determined by a single gene locus.

Back

pyrimidines

Front

Bases with a single-ring structure.

Back

disruptive selection

Front

Shift toward the extremes.

Back

Hardy-Weinberg Theorem

Front

Helps measure changes in allele frequencies over time . Provides an "ideal" population to use as a basis of comparison.

Back

cline

Front

A graded change in a trait along a geographic axis.

Back

Section 7

(50 cards)

autopolyploid

Front

Having more than two sets of chromosomes from a single species.

Back

shared derived character

Front

Evolutionary novelty unique to that clade.

Back

reduced hybrid viability

Front

When the genes of different species interact and impair hybrid development.

Back

specific epithet

Front

Second part of scientific name.

Back

shared primitive character

Front

Trait shared beyond the taxon.

Back

Miller and Urey Experiment

Front

Experiment that found that organic molecules can form in a strongly reducing atmosphere.

Back

temporal isolation

Front

When two species breed at different times of day, season, or years.

Back

homoplasies

Front

Analogous structures that have evolved independently.

Back

clade

Front

A taxonomic grouping that includes only a single ancestor and all of its descendants.

Back

heterochrony

Front

Change in the rate or timing of a developmental event ; an organism's shape depends on relative growth rate of body parts.

Back

postzygotic barriers

Front

Barriers that prevent the hybrid zygote from becoming a fertile adult.

Back

outgroups

Front

Species or group of species closely related to the ingroup.

Back

homeotic genes

Front

Genes that determine basic features of where a body part is.

Back

mechanical isolation

Front

Morphological differences prevent fertilization.

Back

reproductive isolation

Front

Barriers that impede members of two different species fro producing fertile offspring.

Back

behavioral isolation

Front

Incompatible courtship rituals, pheromones, or bird songs.

Back

orthologous genes

Front

Homologous genes passed in a straight line from one generation to the next.

Back

prezygotic barriers

Front

Barriers that impede mating or hinder fertilization.

Back

allometric growth

Front

Proportioning that gives a body a specific form.

Back

gametic isolation

Front

When sperm can't fertilize the eggs.

Back

analogy

Front

Anatomical similarity due to convergent evolution.

Back

adaptive radiation

Front

Evolution of many new species from a common ancestor as a result of introduction to new environments.

Back

paraphyletic group

Front

A monophyletic group in which some descendants of the common ancestor have been removed.

Back

allopolyploid

Front

Sterile hybrid is changed to a fertile polyploid due to mutation ; fertile with each other, but not parent species.

Back

hybrid breakdown

Front

Hybrid is fertile, but when they breed the next generation is sterile.

Back

allopatric speciation

Front

When a population is divided; leads to speciation.

Back

monophyletic group

Front

A taxonomic grouping that includes an ancestral species and all of its descendants.

Back

phylogenetic trees

Front

Branching diagrams that depict hypotheses about evolutionary relationships.

Back

paralogous genes

Front

Homologous genes that are found in the same genome as a result of gene duplication.

Back

maximum likelihood

Front

A principle that states that when considering multiple phylogenetic hypotheses, one should take into account the one that reflects the most likely sequence of evolutionary events, given certain rules about how DNA changes over time.

Back

gradualism

Front

A model of evolution in which gradual change over a long period of time leads to biological diversity.

Back

cladogram

Front

Diagram that shows patterns of shared characteristics.

Back

gene families

Front

Groups of related genes in an organism's genome.

Back

genus

Front

First part of scientific name.

Back

habitat isolation

Front

When two species encounter each other only rarely.

Back

phylograms

Front

Diagram in which the length of a branch reflects number of changes in a DNA sequence.

Back

reduced hybrid fertility

Front

Sterile hybrids due to uneven chromosome number.

Back

cladistics

Front

A phylogenetic classification system that uses shared derived characters and ancestry as the sole criterion for grouping taxa.

Back

maximum parsimony

Front

"Occam's Razor." A principle that states that when considering multiple explanations for an observation, one should first investigate the simplest explanation that is consistent with the facts.

Back

sympatric speciation

Front

Speciation without a divided population.

Back

punctuated equilibrium

Front

A model of evolution in which a new species will change the most as it buds from a parent species, and then will change little for the rest of its existence.

Back

ultrametric trees

Front

Diagram in which length of a branch reflects amounts of actual time.

Back

bionomial nomenclature

Front

Scientific name.

Back

polyploidy

Front

In plants, the result of an extra set of chromosomes during cell division.

Back

protobionts

Front

Aggregates of abiotically produced molecules surrounded by a membrane.

Back

Hox genes

Front

Class of homeotic genes. Changes in these genes can have a profound impact on morphology.

Back

systematics

Front

Analytical approach to understanding the diversity and relationships of present and past organisms.

Back

phylogeny

Front

Evolutionary history of a species or group of species.

Back

polyphyletic group

Front

A taxonomic grouping consisting of several species that lack a common ancestor (more work is needed to uncover species that tie them together into a monophyletic clade).

Back

taxonomy

Front

A classification of organisms into groups based on similarities.

Back

Section 8

(50 cards)

serial endosymbiosis

Front

Sequence of endosymbiotic events that led to an ancestral eukaryote.

Back

microclimate

Front

Very fine patterns of climate influenced by features of the environment such as shade ares and wind patterns.

Back

actual range

Front

Area an organism actually occupies.

Back

methanogens

Front

Archaea that release methane, a greenhouse gas.

Back

taxis

Front

Movement toward or away from a stimulus.

Back

cocci

Front

Spherical bacteria.

Back

Gram stain

Front

Used to classify prokaryotes based on cell wall composition. Important for antibiotics; some antibiotics work on one but not the other.

Back

dispersal

Front

Movement of individuals away from centers of high population density or their area of origin.

Back

Gram-negative bacteria

Front

Bacteria that have complex cell walls with less peptidoglycan but with lipopolysaccharides. Very toxic and hard to treat.

Back

biota

Front

Biotic factors.

Back

biogeographic realms

Front

Broad patterns of distribution due to continental drift and barriers such as deserts and mountain ranges.

Back

antibiotic resistance

Front

Resistance evolving rapidly in many species of prokaryotes due to overuse of antibiotics, especially in agriculture.

Back

lyse

Front

Cell bursting.

Back

bacilli

Front

Rod-shaped bacteria.

Back

conjugation

Front

In bacteria, the direct transfer of DNA between two cells that are temporarily joined.

Back

biome

Front

Major types of ecological association that occupy broad geographic regions.

Back

potential range

Front

An area where an organism could potentially survive and reproduce.

Back

plasmids

Front

Small rings of DNA found naturally in some bacterial cells in addition to the main bacterial chromosome. Can contain genes for antibiotic resistance, or other "contingency" functions.

Back

chemoautotrophs

Front

Organisms that use hydrogen sulfide or other chemicals as energy source instead of light.

Back

Gram-positive bacteria

Front

Bacteria that have simple cell walls with much peptidoglycan.

Back

antibiotics

Front

Interfere with production of peptidoglycan; harm bacteria but not eukaryotes.

Back

archaea

Front

Domain of unicellular prokaryotes that have cell walls lacking peptidoglycan. Like eukaryotes, DNA contains histone proteins.

Back

photoautotrophs

Front

Photosynthetic bacteria.

Back

stromatolites

Front

Oldest known fossils formed from many layers of bacteria and sediment.

Back

population density

Front

The size of the population within a particular unit of space.

Back

macroclimate

Front

Patterns on the global, regional and local level.

Back

extremophiles

Front

Archaea that live in extreme environments.

Back

abiotic factors

Front

Nonliving components of environment.

Back

pilli

Front

Hollow tubes used to move cells or exchange DNA between bacteria by conjunction.

Back

species transplant

Front

Movement of a species to areas where it was previously absent.

Back

ecology

Front

Study of interactions between organisms and the environment.

Back

liposomes

Front

Membrane-bound droplets that form when lipids are added to water.

Back

thermophiles

Front

Archaea that thrive in very hot environments, such as volcanic springs.

Back

capsule

Front

Covers the cell wall in prokaryotes.

Back

endosymbiotic theory

Front

Ancestors of mitochondria and plastids was prokaryotes that came to live in a host cell.

Back

community

Front

All species that inhabit an area.

Back

endospore

Front

A thick-walled protective spore that forms inside a bacterial cell and resists harsh conditions.

Back

genetic annealing

Front

Horizontal gene transfer between different bacteria and archae.

Back

peptidoglycan

Front

Cell wall of prokaryotes, but NOT ARCHAEA. Made of a sugar polymer and polypeptide.

Back

radioisotopes

Front

Isotopes that have unstable nuclei and undergo radioactive decay.

Back

biosphere

Front

The sum of all ecosystems.

Back

plasmolyze

Front

When the membrane shrinks away from the cell wall as a result of water loss.

Back

spirilla

Front

Spiral bacteria.

Back

dispersion

Front

Pattern of spacing among individuals.

Back

climate

Front

Prevailing weather conditions of an area.

Back

radiometric dating

Front

Dating using decay of radioactive isotopes.

Back

biotic factors

Front

All the plant and animal life of a particular region.

Back

turnover

Front

Seasonal changes in warm and cool water layers in lakes.

Back

the three-domain system

Front

Domains Bacteria, Archae, and Eukarya.

Back

colonies

Front

Collections of autonomously replicating cells.

Back

Section 9

(50 cards)

uniform dispersion

Front

The pattern in which individuals are equally spaced throughout a habitat.

Back

territoriality

Front

Defense of a space against encroachment by other individuals.

Back

Type II

Front

Curve that represents constant death rate over lifespan small animals and invertebrates.

Back

per capita death rate

Front

Expected number of deaths in a population in a specified period of time.

Back

Batesian mimicry

Front

Species mimics the appearance of an unpalatable or harmful.

Back

niche

Front

Sum total of a species' use of the biotic and abiotic resources; an organism's "role".

Back

cohort

Front

A group of individuals of the same age.

Back

resource partitioning

Front

Differentiation of niches that enables similar species to coexist.

Back

zero population growth (ZPG)

Front

When per capita birth and death rates are equal. (r = 0)

Back

density-dependent regulation

Front

When birth or death rates do change with population density.

Back

iteroparity

Front

Repeated reproduction.

Back

reproductive rates

Front

Study of females to determine reproductive output and how it varies with age of female.

Back

life tables

Front

Age-specific summaries of survival patterns of a population.

Back

Type III

Front

Curve that drops sharply at the start then levels off once individuals reach a critical age, as seen in organisms that produce large numbers of offspring.

Back

life expectancy at birth

Front

Predicted average length of life at birth.

Back

density-independent regulation

Front

When birth or death rates do not change with population density.

Back

reproductive table (fertility schedule)

Front

Age-specific summary of reproductive rates in a population.

Back

clumped dispersion

Front

The most common pattern of dispersion; individuals aggregated in patches.

Back

competitive exclusion

Front

Strong competition can lead to local elimination of one of the species.

Back

exponential growth

Front

Population increase under ideal conditions, when r > 0. Forms a J-shaped curve.

Back

big-bang reproduction

Front

Species that have only a single reproductive opportunity, such as agave and salmon.

Back

aposematic coloration

Front

Bright warning colors in animals with a chemical defense.

Back

cryptic coloration

Front

Camouflage; makes an organism difficult to spot.

Back

Competitive Exclusion Principle

Front

Two species competing for same limiting resource cannot coexist in one place; one species will have an advantage that will eventually lead to competitive exclusion

Back

survivorship curves

Front

Graph of the proportion of a cohort still alive at each age.

Back

Type I

Front

Curve that shows low death rate at early and mid-life and drops at old age, as seen in humans and large animals.

Back

interspecific competition

Front

Species compete for a limiting resource. (-/-)

Back

age structure

Front

Relative number of individuals at each age.

Back

per capita offspring

Front

Average number of offspring produced per individual during a specified period of time.

Back

repeated reproduction

Front

Species that reproduce over and over.

Back

reproductive rate

Front

Difference between per capita birth and per capita death rates.

Back

realized niche

Front

The niche species actually occupies.

Back

carrying capacity (K)

Front

Maximum population size that a particular environment can support.

Back

K - selected species

Front

Life history traits sensitive to population density. Small number of large offspring, extensive parental care, repeated reproduction.

Back

demography

Front

Study of vital statistics of a population and how they change over time.

Back

metapopulation

Front

When many populations are linked.

Back

ecological footprint

Front

Land and water area appropriated by each nation as a resource to consume or to absorb the waste it generates.

Back

r-selected species

Front

Life history traits maximize reproductive success in uncrowded environments. Many small offspring that mature quickly, little if any parental care.

Back

mark-recapture method

Front

A sampling technique used to estimate wildlife populations.

Back

logistic growth

Front

When limiting factors restrict size of population to the carrying capacity of the environment. Forms an S-shaped curve.

Back

immigration

Front

New individuals moving into population. Increases population size.

Back

demographic transition

Front

Movement from a high birth rate, high death rate to a low birth rate, low death rate.

Back

random dispersion

Front

Random spacing of individuals of the same species within an area.

Back

ecological niche

Front

Sum total of a species' use of the biotic and abiotic resources.

Back

life history

Front

Traits that affect an organism's schedule of reproduction and survival.

Back

semelparity

Front

Big-bang reproduction.

Back

character displacement

Front

Tendency of characteristics to be more divergent in sympatric populations than allopatric populations.

Back

infant mortality

Front

Number of infant deaths per thousand live births.

Back

fundamental niche

Front

The niche species could potentially occupy.

Back

emigration

Front

Movement out of population. Decreases population size.

Back

Section 10

(50 cards)

invasive species

Front

Species generally introduced by humans, that take hold outside of their native range.

Back

secondary succession

Front

Succession when an existing community has been cleared, but soil left intact.

Back

detritivores

Front

Obtain energy from detritus.

Back

dominant species

Front

Species that are the most abundant or have the most biomass.

Back

eutrophication

Front

Sewage and fertilizer runoff adds nutrients to lakes; phytoplankton decreases and cyanobacteria increases.

Back

equatorial-polar gradients

Front

Species diversity highest at equator, decreases toward poles.

Back

ecosystem

Front

Consists of all the organisms living in a community as well as all the abiotic factors with which they interact.

Back

gross primary production (GPP)

Front

Amount of light energy that is converted to chemical energy by photosynthesis.

Back

island equilibrium model

Front

Islands great for study due to isolation and limited size; can study species diversity and extinction rates.

Back

coevolution

Front

Reciprocal evolutionary adaptations of two interacting species.

Back

disturbance

Front

An event, such as storm, fire, flood, drought, overgrazing or human activity, that changes a community and alters resource availability.

Back

food web

Front

Linked food chains.

Back

energy hypothesis

Front

Length of a food chain is limited by the inefficiency of energy transfer.

Back

dynamic stability hypothesis

Front

Long food chains are less stable than short chains.

Back

light limitation

Front

Depth to which light penetrates limits primary production.

Back

species diversity

Front

Variety of different kinds of organisms that make up a community.

Back

quaternary consumer

Front

Carnivore that eats tertiary consumers.

Back

primary consumer

Front

Herbivore.

Back

biomanipulation

Front

Technique for restoring eutrophic lakes that reduces populations of algae by manipulating higher-level consumers.

Back

foundation species

Front

Cause physical changes in environment that affect community structure.

Back

producer

Front

Autotroph.

Back

mutualism

Front

Interspecific interaction that benefits both species. (+/+)

Back

relative abundance

Front

The proportion of each species.

Back

species-area curve

Front

The larger the geographic area, the greater the number of species.

Back

net primary production (NPP)

Front

Energy used by primary producers for respiration.

Back

ecological succession

Front

Gradual recolonization of a disturbed area; species replaced by other species which are replaced by other species.

Back

pioneer species

Front

The first species that colonize new area, such as lichen and mosses.

Back

evapotranspiration

Front

Evaporation of water from soil plus transpiration from plants. Correlates with species richness.

Back

actual evapotranspiration

Front

Annual amount of water transpired by plants and evaporated from landscape.

Back

detritus

Front

Nonliving organic maters such as remains of dead organisms, feces, fallen leaves, dead wood.

Back

limiting nutrient

Front

Greater limiting factor than light in oceans and lakes.

Back

keystone species

Front

Not necessarily abundant, but exert a strong control on community structure due to a pivotal ecological role.

Back

top-down model

Front

Influence moves from top trophic levels to bottom. (V <-- H)

Back

intermediate disturbance

Front

Moderate levels of disturbance can create conditions that foster greater species diversity.

Back

Müllerian mimicry

Front

Two or more unpalatable species resemble each other.

Back

bottom-up model

Front

Unidirectional influence from lower to higher trophic levels. (V --> H)

Back

primary production

Front

Amount of light energy converted to chemical energy by autotrophs.

Back

ectoparasites

Front

Parasites that feed on external surface of host.

Back

human disturbance

Front

Reduces species diversity in all communities.

Back

parasitoidism

Front

Insects that lay eggs on or in living host; larvae feed on body of host, eventually killing it. (+/-)

Back

endoparasites

Front

Parasites that live within the body of their host.

Back

commensalism

Front

Interaction between species that benefits one but neither helps or harms the other. (+/0)

Back

species richness

Front

Total number of different species.

Back

secondary consumer

Front

Carnivore that eats herbivores.

Back

nonequilibrium model

Front

Communities are constantly changing after being buffeted by disturbances.

Back

biomass

Front

Total dry mass of all individuals in a population.

Back

primary succession

Front

Succession that begins in a virtually lifeless area.

Back

tertiary consumer

Front

Carnivore that eats carnivores.

Back

facilitators

Front

Foundation species have positive effects on other species.

Back

trophic structure

Front

Feeding relationships between organisms in a community.

Back

Section 11

(50 cards)

peroxisome

Front

A microbody containing enzymes that transfer hydrogen from various substrates to oxygen, producing and then degrading hydrogen peroxide.

Back

production efficiency

Front

The fraction of energy stored in food that was not used for cell respiration.

Back

mitochondria

Front

The organelles in which nutrients are converted to energy.

Back

thylakoids

Front

Membranous structures within a chloroplast that serve as the site for light harvesting in photosynthesis.

Back

pyramids of numbers

Front

Number of organisms at each trophic level.

Back

vesicle

Front

Small membrane-bound sac that functions in moving products into, out of, and within a cell.

Back

Greenhouse Effect

Front

Carbon dioxide and water vapor in atmosphere trap infrared radiation, re-reflecting it back toward earth.

Back

biological augmentation

Front

Uses organisms to add essential materials to degraded ecosystems.

Back

Golgi apparatus

Front

Stack of membranes in the cell that modifies, sorts, and packages proteins from the endoplasmic reticulum.

Back

chromosomes

Front

A threadlike, gene-carrying structure found in the nucleus. Consists of one very long DNA molecule and associated proteins.

Back

smooth ER

Front

Synthesis of lipids, phospholipids and steroid sex hormones-help detoxify drugs and poisons (liver cells).

Back

Green World Hypothesis

Front

Terrestrial herbivores consume relatively little plant biomass because they are held in check by predators, parasites and disease.

Back

contractile vacuoles

Front

A membranous sac that helps move excess water out of the cell.

Back

turnover time

Front

Standing crop biomass compared to production.

Back

stroma

Front

The fluid of the chloroplast surrounding the thylakoid membrane; involved in the synthesis of organic molecules from carbon dioxide and water.

Back

diffusion

Front

When a substance moves from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration. Due to entropy.

Back

cell wall

Front

Strong layer around the cell membrane in plants, algae, and some bacteria.

Back

bioremediation

Front

Use of living organisms such as prokaryotes, fungi, or plants to detoxify polluted ecosystems.

Back

eukaryotic cells

Front

Contain a nucleus and other organelles that are bound by membranes.

Back

biological magnification

Front

Toxins become more concentrated in successive trophic levels.

Back

critical load

Front

The amount of added nutrient that can be absorbed by plants without damaging ecosystem.

Back

cytoplasmic streaming

Front

The motion of cytoplasm in a cell that results in a coordinated movement of the cell's contents.

Back

cristae

Front

Infoldings of the inner membrane of a mitochondrion that houses the electon transport chain and the enzyme catalyzing the synthesis of ATP.

Back

pyramid of energy

Front

90% of all energy is lost between trophic levels.

Back

osmosis

Front

The diffusion of water through a selectively permeable membrane.

Back

cytoplasm

Front

The region of the cell between the cell membrane and the nucleus.

Back

chloroplasts

Front

Organelles that capture the energy from sunlight and convert it into chemical energy in a process called photosynthesis.

Back

10% rule

Front

Only 10% of the total energy produced at each trophic level is available to the next level. The amount of energy passed up to the levels of the food pyramid reduces as you go up.

Back

pyramids of biomass

Front

Each on this pyramid tier represents standing crop.

Back

chromatin

Front

The readily stainable substance of a cell nucleus consisting of DNA and RNA and various proteins.

Back

nuclear lamina

Front

A netlike array of protein filaments lining the inner surface of the nuclear envelope; it helps maintain the shape of the nucleus.

Back

threatened species

Front

Species that is likely to become endangered.

Back

nucleolus

Front

Small, dense region within most nuclei in which the assembly of proteins begins.

Back

lysosome

Front

A cell organelle that contains digestive enzymes.

Back

glycoprotein

Front

A protein with one or more carbohydrates covalently attached to it.

Back

endangered species

Front

Species that is in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range.

Back

endomembrane system

Front

A network of membranes inside and around a eukaryotic cell, related either through direct physical contact or by the transfer of membranous vesicles.

Back

transport vesicles

Front

Vesicles in transit from one part of the cell to another.

Back

plasma membrane

Front

The membrane at the boundary of every cell that acts as a selective barrier, thereby regulating the cell's chemical composition.

Back

restoration ecology

Front

Applies ecological principles in an effort to return degraded ecosystems to conditions as similar as possible to their natural state.

Back

ozone layer

Front

Protective layer in atmosphere that shields earth from UV radiation.

Back

nuclear envelope

Front

Double membrane perforated with pores that control the flow of materials in and out of the nucleus.

Back

cytosol

Front

The soluble portion of the cytoplasm, which includes molecules and small particles, such as ribosomes, but not the organelles covered with membranes.

Back

trophic efficiency

Front

Percentage of production transferred from one trophic level to the next.

Back

conservation biology

Front

Integrates ecology, physiology, molecular biology, genetics and evolutionary biology to conserve biological diversity.

Back

secondary production

Front

Amount of chemical energy in consumers' food that is converted to new biomass.

Back

phagocytosis

Front

Process in which extensions of cytoplasm surround and engulf large particles and take them into the cell.

Back

rough ER

Front

A network of interconnected membranous sacs in a eukaryotic cell's cytoplasm; covered with ribosomes that make membrane proteins and secretory proteins.

Back

cytoskeleton

Front

Network of protein filaments within some cells that helps the cell maintain its shape and is involved in many forms of cell movement.

Back

organelles

Front

Structures specialized to perform distinct processes within a cell.

Back

Section 12

(50 cards)

cytolysis

Front

This happens when a cell swells until pressure bursts it, resulting in cell death.

Back

integral proteins

Front

Integral proteins that span the membrane.

Back

turgid

Front

A cell with a cell wall that has a reasonable amount of pressure but is healthy.

Back

selective permeability

Front

A property of a plasma membrane that allows some substances to cross more easily than others.

Back

ligand

Front

Any molecule that bonds specifically to a receptor site of another molecule.

Back

signal transduction

Front

A series of molecular changes that converts a signal on a target cell's surface to a specific response inside the cell.

Back

pressure potential

Front

This measurement has a minimum value of 0 (when the solution is open to the environment); it increases as pressure increases.

Back

electrochemical gradient

Front

The combination of forces that acts on membrane potential.

Back

pinocytosis

Front

A type of endocytosis in which the cell "gulps" droplets of fluid into tiny vesicles.

Back

isotonic

Front

Describes solutions that have an equal concentration of total solutes.

Back

crenation

Front

This happens when a cell shrinks and shrivels; can result in cell death if severe.

Back

flaccid

Front

This happens when water moves, but the amount within the cell is constant; no pressure builds.

Back

passive transport

Front

Transport of a substance across a cell membrane by diffusion. No cell energy required.

Back

turgor pressure

Front

The pressure inside of a cell as a cell pushes itself against the cell wall.

Back

peripheral proteins

Front

The proteins of a membrane that are not embedded in the lipid bilayer; they are appendages loosely bound to the surface of the membrane.

Back

enzymatic activity

Front

A protein built into the membrane with active site exposed.

Back

active transport

Front

When a cell gets materials or excretes them by using its own energy, usually through ATP; going against a concentration gradient.

Back

proton pump

Front

An electrogenic pump that works largely with H+ ions.

Back

plasmolysis

Front

This happens when a cell shrinks inside its cell wall while the cell wall remains intact.

Back

intercellular joining

Front

The function of membrane proteins in which membrane proteins of adjacent cells hook together, as in gap junctions or tight junctions.

Back

hypertonic

Front

Describes a solution that has a greater concentration of total solute.

Back

concentration gradient

Front

A difference in the concentration of a substance across a distance.

Back

membrane potential

Front

The voltage of a plasma membrane.

Back

dialysis

Front

The diffusion of small solutes through a selectively permeable membrane.

Back

receptor-mediated

Front

A type of endocytosis in which the cell acquires bulk quantities of specific substances, even though they may not be very concentrated in the extracellular fluid.

Back

endocytosis

Front

Occurs when a cell takes in biological molecules and particulate matter by forming new vesicles from the plasma membrane.

Back

transport protein

Front

A membrane protein, specifically a transport protein, that has a hydrophilic channel that certain molecules or atomic ions use as a tunnel.

Back

glycoproteins

Front

Membrane carbohydrates that are covalently bonded to proteins.

Back

hypotonic

Front

Describes a solution that has a lesser concentration of total solute.

Back

cotransport

Front

The coupling of the "downhill" diffusion of one substance to the "uphill" transport of another against its own concentration gradient.

Back

solute potential

Front

This measurement has a maximum value of 0; it decreases as the concentration of a solute increases.

Back

exocytosis

Front

Occurs when a cell secretes certain biological molecules by the fusion of vesicles with the plasma membrane.

Back

electrogenic pump

Front

A transport protein that generates voltage across a membrane, causing a net separation in charge.

Back

osmoregulation

Front

The control of water balance.

Back

water potential

Front

The physical property predicting the direction in which water will flow, governed by solute concentration and applied pressure.

Back

transport

Front

An exchange of molecules (and their kinetic energy and momentum) across the boundary between adjacent layers of a fluid or across cell membranes.

Back

phagocytosis

Front

Process in which extensions of cytoplasm surround and engulf large particles and take them into the cell.

Back

cell-cell recognition

Front

The function of membrane proteins in which some glycoproteins serve as ID tags that are recognized by membrane proteins of other cells.

Back

glycolipids

Front

Membrane carbohydrates that are covalently bonded to lipids.

Back

local regulators

Front

These regulators influence cells in the vicinity of them.

Back

gated channel

Front

A protein channel in a cell membrane that opens or closes in response to a particular stimulus.

Back

amphipathic

Front

Molecules are said to be this when it has regions that are both hydrophilic and hydrophobic.

Back

facilitated diffusion

Front

Passive diffusion that is aided by transport proteins, but that does not require cellular energy.

Back

tonicity

Front

The ability of a solution to cause a cell to gain or lose water; depends partly on concentration of nonpenetrating solutes relative to inside of cell.

Back

channel protein

Front

A membrane protein, specifically a transport protein, that has a hydrophilic channel that certain molecules or atomic ions use as a tunnel.

Back

transmembrane proteins

Front

Integral proteins that span the membrane.

Back

signal transduction pathway

Front

The process by which a signal on a cell's surface is converted into a specific cellular response.

Back

aquaporin

Front

A membrane protein, specifically a transport protein, that facilitates the passage of water through channel proteins.

Back

carrier protein

Front

A membrane protein, specifically a transport protein, that holds onto molecules and changes their shapes in a way that shuttles them across the membrane.

Back

fluid mosaic model

Front

Structural model of the plasma membrane where molecules are free to move sideways within a lipid bilayer.

Back

Section 13

(50 cards)

basal metabolic rate (BMR)

Front

The metabolic rate of a nongrowing, resting, fasting, nonstressed endotherm.

Back

abdominal cavity

Front

Cavity housing intestines.

Back

second messengers

Front

Small, non-protein water soluble molecules or ions that send messages throughout the cells by diffusion.

Back

chondrocytes

Front

Cells that secrete cartilage.

Back

blood

Front

Connective tissue made of plasma, erythrocytes, leukocytes, and platelets.

Back

tissues

Front

Groups of cells with a common structure and function.

Back

endothermic

Front

Animals that are warmed mostly by heat generated by metabolism.

Back

basement membrane

Front

Cells at the base of an epithelial layer are attached to this.

Back

fibroblasts

Front

In connective tissue, cells that secrete the proteins of the fibers.

Back

simple epithelium

Front

Single layer of cells.

Back

protein phosphatases

Front

Enzymes that can rapidly remove phosphate groups from proteins.

Back

squamous epithelium

Front

Cells that are like floor tiles.

Back

macrophages

Front

Amoeboid cells that roam connective tissue and engulf foreign particles and debris of dead cells.

Back

inositol triphosphate

Front

Produced by cleavage of a certain kind of phospholipid in the plasma membrane.

Back

collagenous fibers

Front

Fibers made of collagen.

Back

adipose tissue

Front

Tissue that stores fat.

Back

organs

Front

Tissues are organized into:, group of tissues that work together to perform closely related functions.

Back

metabolic rate

Front

Amount of energy an animal uses in a unit of time; the sum of all the energy-requiring biochemical reactions.

Back

hormones

Front

Circulating chemical signals that are formed in specialized cells, travels in body fluids, and act on specific target cells.

Back

fibrous connective tissue

Front

Dense tissue, large number of collagen fibers organized into parallel bundles. Includes ligaments and tendons.

Back

skeletal muscle

Front

Muscle that is striated, multinucleated.

Back

osteoblasts

Front

Bone-forming cells.

Back

ligaments

Front

Join bones to bones at joints.

Back

bioenergetics

Front

Flow of energy through an animal. Limits its behavior, growth, reproduction.

Back

physiology

Front

Study of the functions an organism performs.

Back

connective tissue

Front

Tissue that functions mainly to bind and support other tissues.

Back

columnar epithelium

Front

Cells shaped like bricks standing on end.

Back

mesenteries

Front

Sheets of connective tissue in moist or fluid-filled body cavities.

Back

cartilage

Front

Made of collagenous fibers in matrix of chondroitin sulfate.

Back

loose connective tissue

Front

Tissue that binds epithelia to underlying tissues and holds organs in place. Contains collagenous, elastic, and recticular fibers.

Back

bone

Front

Mineralized connective tissue.

Back

cubiodal epithelium

Front

Dice-shaped cells.

Back

mucous membrane

Front

Membrane that secretes mucus that lubricates the surface of organs and keeps them moist.

Back

epithelial tissue

Front

Tissue that covers outside of the body and lines organs and cavities.

Back

muscle tissue

Front

Tissue made of cells capable of contracting.

Back

glandualar epithelia

Front

Tissue that absorbs or secretes chemical solutions.

Back

exothermic

Front

Animals that gain heat mostly from external sources.

Back

reticular fibers

Front

Fibers made of collagen fibers that are very thin and branched. Forma tightly woven fabric that joins connective tissue to adjacent tissues.

Back

elastic fibers

Front

Fibers made of elastin.

Back

scaffolding proteins

Front

A type of large relay protein to which several other relay proteins are simultaneously attached to increase the efficiency of signal transduction.

Back

cardiac muscle

Front

Muscle that is branched, striated, singe nucleated.

Back

ligand

Front

Any molecule that bonds specifically to a receptor site of another molecule.

Back

tendons

Front

Attach muscles to bones.

Back

stratified epithelium

Front

Multiples tiers of cells.

Back

adenylyl cyclase

Front

Converts ATP to cyclic AMP in response to an extracellular signal.

Back

anatomy

Front

Study of the structure of an organism.

Back

thoracic cavity

Front

cavity housing lungs and heart

Back

nervous tissue

Front

Tissue that senses stimuli and transmits signals.

Back

protein kinase

Front

The enzyme that transfers phosphate groups from ATP to protein.

Back

smooth muscle

Front

Muscle that is not striated, is single nucleated.

Back

Section 14

(50 cards)

cellular respiration

Front

When oxygen is consumed as a reactant along with the organic fuel.

Back

conformer

Front

An animal that allows its internal condition to vary with certain external changes.

Back

thermoregulation

Front

Process of maintaining an internal temperature within a tolerable range.

Back

heat-shock proteins

Front

Proteins that help maintain integrity of other proteins that would normally be denatured in extreme heat.

Back

enzyme

Front

A catalytic protein.

Back

active site

Front

A pocket or groove on the surface of the enzyme.

Back

kinetic energy

Front

Energy associated with relative motion of objects.

Back

induced fit

Front

Brings chemical groups of the active site into positions that enhance their ability to catalyze the chemical reaction.

Back

competitive inhibitors

Front

Reduce the productivity of enzymes by blocking substrates from entering active sites.

Back

torpor

Front

Physiological state in which activity is low and metabolism decreases.

Back

metabolic pathway

Front

Begins with a specific molecule, which is then altered in a series of defined steps, resulting in a certain product.

Back

vasoconstriction

Front

Reduces blood flow and heat transfer by decreasing the diameter of superficial blood vessels.

Back

entropy

Front

A measure of disorder or randomness.

Back

catabolic pathways

Front

Metabolic pathways that release energy by breaking down complex molecules into simpler compounds.

Back

potential energy

Front

Occurs when an object is not moving, but may still posses energy.

Back

allosteric regulation

Front

When a protein's function at one site is affected by the binding of a regulatory molecule to a separate site.

Back

phosphorylation

Front

The metabolic process of introducing a phosphate group into an organic molecule.

Back

standard metabolic rate (SMR)

Front

The metabolic rate of a resting, fasting, nonstressed ectotherm.

Back

thermal energy

Front

Kinetic energy associated with the random movement of molecules or atoms.

Back

vasodialation

Front

Increases in the diameter of superficial blood vessels; cools the body.

Back

homeostasis

Front

"Steady state" or "constant internal milieu".

Back

estivation

Front

Summer torpor. Enables animals to survive long periods of high temperatures and scarce water supplies.

Back

brown fat

Front

Tissue in neck and between shoulders of some mammals that is specialized for rapid heat production.

Back

interstitial fluid

Front

Watery, internal environment of vertebrates.

Back

acclimatization

Front

Adjusting to a new range of environmental temperatures.

Back

countercurrent heat exchanger

Front

In ectotherms, a circulatory adaptation that is an arrangement of blood vessels that warm or cool the blood.

Back

fermentation

Front

A partial degradation of sugars that occur without the use of oxygen.

Back

catalyst

Front

A chemical agent that speeds up a reaction without being consumed by the reaction.

Back

endergonic reaction

Front

Reaction that absorbs free energy from its surroundings.

Back

coenzyme

Front

If the cofactor is an organic molecule.

Back

energy coupling

Front

The use of an exergonic process to drive an endergonic one.

Back

positive feedback

Front

A type of regulation that responds to a change in conditions by initiating responses that will amplify the change. Takes organism away from a steady state.

Back

nonshivering thermogenesis (NST)

Front

When hormones cause mitochondria to produce heat instead of ATP in some mammals.

Back

hibernation

Front

Long-term torpor that is an adaptation to winter cold and food scarcity.

Back

first law of thermodynamics

Front

Energy can be transferred and transformed, but it cannot be created or destroyed.

Back

noncompetitive inhibitors

Front

Impede enzymatic reactions by binding to another part of the enzyme (other than the active site).

Back

anabolic pathways

Front

Metabolic pathways that consume energy to build complicated molecules from simpler ones.

Back

activation energy

Front

The amount of energy needed to push the reactants over an energy barrier.

Back

enzyme-substrate complex

Front

When an enzyme binds to its substrate, it forms:

Back

exergonic reaction

Front

Reaction that proceeds with a net release of free energy.

Back

negative feedback

Front

A type of regulation that responds to a change in conditions by initiating responses that will counteract the change. Maintains a steady state.

Back

cofactor

Front

Non-protein helpers that may be bound tightly to the enzyme as a permanent resident, or may bind loosely and reversibly along with the substrate.

Back

feedback inhibition

Front

A metabolic pathway is switched off by the inhibitory binding of its end product to an enzyme that acts early in the pathway.

Back

ATP (adenosine triphosphate)

Front

Composed of a sugar ribose, nitrogenous base adenine, and a chain of three phosphate groups bonded to it.

Back

cooperativity

Front

It amplifies the response of enzymes to substrates.

Back

regulator

Front

An animal that uses internal control mechanisms to moderate internal change in the face of external fluctuation.

Back

daily torpor

Front

in small mammals and birds, daily lowering of metabolism that allows them to survive on stored energy

Back

bioenergenetics

Front

The study of how organisms manage their energy resources.

Back

second law of thermodynamics

Front

Every energy transfer or transformation increases the entropy of the universe.

Back

free energy

Front

Measures the portion of a system's energy that can perform work when temperature and pressure are uniform throughout the system, as in a living cell.

Back

Section 15

(50 cards)

acetyl-CoA

Front

Is formed when pyruvate first enters into the mitochondria via active transport.

Back

epitope

Front

Small, accessible portion of an antigen that can be recognized.

Back

humoral immune response

Front

The branch of acquired immunity that involves the activation of B cells and that leads to the production of antibodies, which defend against bacteria and viruses in body fluids.

Back

immunoglobulins

Front

Secreted antibodies.

Back

ATP synthase

Front

The enzyme that make ATP from ADPand inorganic phosphate.

Back

proton-motive force

Front

Emphasizes the capactiy of the gradient to preform work.

Back

thymus

Front

Gland in the thoracic cavity above the heart where T lymphocytes mature.

Back

oxidizing agent

Front

B oxidizes A by removing A's electrons.

Back

cell-mediated immune response

Front

The branch of acquired immunity that involves the activation of cytotoxic T cells, which defend against infected cells.

Back

neutrophils

Front

Most abundant white blood cell., The most abundant type of white blood cell. Phagocytic and tend to self-destruct as they destroy foreign invaders, limiting their life span to a few days.

Back

histamine

Front

Chemical stored in mast cells that triggers dilation and increased permeability of capillaries.

Back

citric acid cycle

Front

Completes the breakdown of glucose by oxidizing a derivative of pyruvate to carbon dioxide.

Back

anaerobic

Front

Occurs by fermentation, which generate ATP solely by substrate-level phosphorylation.

Back

memory cells

Front

General term for lymphocytes that are responsible for immunological memory and protective immunity.

Back

antigen

Front

Any foreign molecule that is specifically recognized by lymphocytes and elicits an immune response.

Back

electron transport chain

Front

Breaks the fall of electrons to oxygen in several energy-releasing steps.

Back

antigen presentation

Front

The process by which an MHC molecule binds to a fragment of an intracellular protein antigen and carries it to the cell surface, where it is displayed and can be recognized by a T cell.

Back

substrate-level phosphorylation

Front

When an enzyme transfers a phosphate group from a substrate molecule.

Back

secondary immune response

Front

Immune response after the body has already been exposed to a specific antigen. Response is faster, of greater magnitude, and more prolonged.

Back

B lymphocytes (B cells)

Front

Lymphocyte that matures in the bone marrow and secretes antibodies.

Back

active immunity

Front

A form of acquired immunity in which the body produces its own antibodies against disease-causing antigens.

Back

passive immunity

Front

Immunity conferred by transferring antibodies from an individual who is immune to a pathogen to another individual.

Back

oxidation

Front

Loss of electrons.

Back

primary immune response

Front

Immune response the first time the body is exposed to a particular antigen. Does not peak until 10-17 days after exposure.

Back

acquired immunity

Front

Immunity that is present only after exposure and is highly specific.

Back

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)

Front

The most advanced, and fatal, stage of an HIV infection.

Back

graft versus host reaction

Front

When lymphocytes in donated bone marrow react against the recipient.

Back

lymphocytes

Front

White blood cells.

Back

complement system

Front

A group of about 30 blood proteins that may amplify the inflammatory response, enhance phagocytosis, or directly lyse extracellular pathogens.

Back

redox reactions

Front

When there is a transfer of one or more electrons from one reactant to another.

Back

helper T cells

Front

Activate macrophages, B cells and T cells.

Back

interferon

Front

Protein produced by cells in response to being infected by a virus; helps other cells resist the virus.

Back

glycolosis

Front

Breaking glucose into two molecules of a compound called pyruvate.

Back

anaphylactic shock

Front

A severe reaction that occurs when an allergen is introduced to the bloodstream of an allergic individual. Characterized by bronchoconstriction, labored breathing, widespread vasodilation, circulatory shock, and sometimes sudden death.

Back

autoimmune diseases

Front

Diseases caused when the immune system loses tolerance for self and turns against certain molecules in the body.

Back

antibodies

Front

Protein that is produced by lymphocytes and that attaches to a specific antigen.

Back

lactic acid fermetation

Front

When pyruvate is reduced directly by NADH to form lactic as am end product, with no release of carbon dioxide.

Back

innate immunity

Front

Immunity that is present before exposure and effective from birth. Responds to a broad range of pathogens.

Back

reduction

Front

Gain of electrons.

Back

natural killer (NK) cells

Front

These cells kill cancer cells and cells infected with viruses. They bind to their targets and deliver a lethal burst of chemicals to produce holes in the target cell's membrane leading to its destruction.

Back

inflammtory response

Front

Innate response with the purpose of containing a site of damage, localizing the response, eliminating the invader and restore tissue function.

Back

T lymphocytes (T cells)

Front

Lymphocyte that matures in the thymus and acts directly against antigens in cell-mediated immune responses.

Back

chemiosmosis

Front

When energy is stored in the form of a hydrogen ion gradient across a membrane which is used to drive cellular work.

Back

immunization

Front

The deliberate exposure of a pathogen to produce memory cells.

Back

Rh factor

Front

Refers to the presence or absence of the Rh antigen on red blood cells.

Back

facultative anaerobes

Front

Can make enough ATP to survive using using fermentation or respiration.

Back

oxidative phosphorylation

Front

When energy is released at each step of the chain is stored in a form the mitochondrion can use to make ATP.

Back

reducing agent

Front

A reduces B, which accepts the donated electrons.

Back

alcohol fermentation

Front

When pyruvate is converted to ethanol in 2 steps.

Back

B cell receptor

Front

The antigen receptor on B cells: a Y-Shaped, membrane-bound molecule consisting of two identical heavy chains and two identical light chains linked by disulfide bridges and containing two antigen-binding sites.

Back

Section 16

(50 cards)

Central Nervous System (CNS)

Front

Includes the brain and spinal cord.

Back

pattern formation

Front

The development of a spatial organization of tissues and organs.

Back

presynaptic cell

Front

The transmitting neuron in a synapse.

Back

fate maps

Front

A labor-intensive study to produce useful territorial diargams of embryonic development.

Back

action potential

Front

A neural impulse; a brief electrical charge that travels down an axon.

Back

serotonin

Front

A neurotransmitter that affects hunger,sleep, arousal, and mood.

Back

glucagon

Front

The antagonist of insulin that helps increase blood sugar. It stimulates the liver to break down glycogen into glucose.

Back

dopamine

Front

Important neurotransmitter in the CNS that acts on the sympathetic nervous system.

Back

motor neurons

Front

Neurons that carry outgoing information from the central nervous system to the muscles and glands.

Back

oligodendrocytes

Front

Type of glial cell in the CNS that wrap axons in a myelin sheath.

Back

major histocompatibility compex (MHC)

Front

Binds to a fragment of an antigen within a cell and presents it on the surface of the membrane.

Back

nodes of Ranvier

Front

Gaps in the myelin sheath to which voltage-gated sodium channels are confined.

Back

endocrine signaling

Front

Specialized cells release hormone molecules into vessels of the circulatory system, by which they travel to target cells in other parts of the body.

Back

synaptic vesicles

Front

Membrane-bounded compartments in which synthesized neurotransmitters are kept.

Back

cell body

Front

Contains most of a neuron's organelles and its nucleus.

Back

dendrites

Front

Highly branched extensions that receive signals from other neurons.

Back

cytotoxic T cells or "killer T cells"

Front

T cells that directly attack infecting organisms; these cells attack antigen labeled foreign or host tissue.

Back

postsynaptic cell

Front

The neuron, muscle, or gland cell that receives the signal from a neuron.

Back

insulin

Front

Hormone produced by the pancreas that helps to decrease blood sugar.

Back

Schwann cells

Front

Type of glia in the PNS, Supporting cells of the peripheral nervous system responsible for the formation of myelin.

Back

depolarization

Front

The process during the action potential when sodium is rushing into the cell causing the interior to become more positive.

Back

prostaglandins

Front

Modified fatty acids that are produced by a wide range of cells.

Back

nitric oxide (NO)

Front

Local regulator that regulates blood oxygen levels, A gas produced by many types of cells that functions as a local regulator and as a neurotransmitter.

Back

threshold potential

Front

The minimum membrane potential that must be reached in order for an action potential to be generated.

Back

edocrine glands

Front

Glands that secrete chemicals called hormones directly into the bloodstream.

Back

paracrine signaling

Front

Signal released from a cell has an effect on neighboring cells.

Back

growth factors

Front

Factors that stimulate the cell to divide.

Back

epinephrine

Front

Neurotransmitter secreted by the adrenal medulla in response to stress. Also known as adrenaline.

Back

T cell receptor

Front

Antigen receptors on a T cell. Unlike antibodies, T cell receptors are never produced in a secreted form.

Back

endocrine system

Front

The system of glands that produce endocrine secretions that help to control bodily metabolic activity.

Back

membrane potential

Front

The voltage across a cell's plasma membrane.

Back

morphogenesis

Front

The process by which an organism takes shape and the differentiated cells occupy their appropriate locations.

Back

positional information

Front

The molecular cues that control pattern formation.

Back

acetylcholine

Front

Common vertebrate neurotransmitter, especially in neuromuscular junctions.

Back

neurotransmitters

Front

Chemical messengers that cross the synaptic gaps between neurons.

Back

hormone

Front

The secretion of an endocrine gland that is transmitted by the blood to the tissue on which it has a specific effect.

Back

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

Front

The sensory and motor neurons that connect the CNS to the rest of the body.

Back

synaptic cleft

Front

The narrow gap that separates the presynaptic neuron from the postsynaptic cell.

Back

myelin sheath

Front

A layer of electrical insulation that surrounds the axon.

Back

resting potential

Front

The membrane potential of a neuron that is at rest.

Back

axon hillock

Front

Cone shaped region of an axon where it joins the cell body.

Back

synaptic terminal

Front

A bulb at the end of an axon in which neurotransmitter molecules are stored and released.

Back

norepinephrine

Front

A precursor of epinephrine that is secreted by the adrenal medulla and also released at synapses.

Back

axon

Front

Long nerve fiber that conducts away from the cell body of the neuron.

Back

voltage-gated ion channels

Front

Channels that open or close in response to a change in the membrane potential.

Back

cell differentiation

Front

Cell specialization in structure and function.

Back

sensory neurons

Front

Neurons that carry incoming information from the sense receptors to the central nervous system.

Back

cytokines

Front

Chemicals released by the immune system communicate with the brain.

Back

neurosecretory cells

Front

Neurons that secrete neurohormone rather than neurotransmitter.

Back

synapse

Front

The junction between two neurons or between a neuron and a muscle.

Back

Section 17

(50 cards)

imprinting

Front

Includes both learning and innate components, generally irreversible.

Back

enteric division

Front

One of three divisions of the autonomic nervous system; consists of networks of neurons in the digestive tract, pancreas, and gallbladder.

Back

midbrain

Front

Region between the hindbrain and the forebrain; it is important for hearing and sight.

Back

neuron

Front

Structural and functional unit of nervous system.

Back

proximate questions

Front

Address environmental stimuli, genetic, physiological, and anatomical causes of a behavior.

Back

cerebral cortex

Front

Interconnected neural cells that covers the cerebral hemispheres; the body's ultimate control and information-processing center.

Back

operant conditioning

Front

Learning based on the consequences of responding.

Back

cerebral hemispheres

Front

The right and left halves of the cerebrum.

Back

cerebrum

Front

Largest part of the brain; responsible for voluntary muscular activity, vision, speech, taste, hearing, thought, and memory.

Back

fixed action patterns (FAP)

Front

A sequence of unlearned behavioral acts that is unchangeable and usually carried to completion.

Back

recticular formation

Front

Registers and controls activity level, increases excitement, and helps generate sleep.

Back

migration

Front

Relatively long-distance movement of individuals, usually on a seasonal basis.

Back

glutamate

Front

The most common neurotransmitter in the brain. Excitatory.

Back

parasympathetic division

Front

A branch of the autonomic nervous system that maintains normal body functions; it calms the body ever conserves energy.

Back

classical conditioning

Front

An arbitrary stimulus is associated with an award or punishment.

Back

ethology

Front

The scientific study of how animals behave, particularly in natural environments.

Back

cognitive maps

Front

An internal representation of the spatial relationships between objects in an animal's surroundings.

Back

thalamus

Front

Major input center for sensory information going to the cerebrum and the main output center for motor information leaving the cerebrum.

Back

cerebellum

Front

The "little brain" attached to the rear of the brainstem; it helps coordinate voluntary movement and balance.

Back

behavior

Front

The way an organism reacts to changes in its internal condition or external environment.

Back

astrocytes

Front

Provide structural and metabolic support for neurons.

Back

medulla oblongata

Front

Contains centers that control several visceral functions, including breathing, heart and blood vessel activity, swallowing, vomiting, and digestion.

Back

hindbrain

Front

The posterior portion of the brain including cerebellum and brainstem.

Back

GABA

Front

An inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain.

Back

ultimate questions

Front

Address evolutionary significance of a behavior.

Back

sympathetic division

Front

The part of the autonomic nervous system that arouses the body to deal with perceived threats.

Back

taxis

Front

Automatic, oriented movement toward or away from some stimuli.

Back

brainstem

Front

The oldest part and central core of the brain, responsible for automatic survival functions.

Back

biological clock

Front

An innate mechanism in living organisms that controls the periodicity of many physiological functions.

Back

communication

Front

Signals among animals that include sounds, odors, visual displays, and touches that produce responses.

Back

cognition

Front

The ability of an animal's nervous system to perceive, store, process, and use information gathered by sensory receptors.

Back

sensitive period

Front

A limited phase in an animal's development that is the only time when certain behaviors can be learned.

Back

white matter

Front

Whitish nervous tissue of the CNS consisting of neurons and their myelin sheaths.

Back

innate behavior

Front

A behavior that is developmentally fixed.

Back

habituation

Front

A loss of responsiveness to stimuli that convey little or no information.

Back

forebrain

Front

The largest and most complicated region of the brain, including the thalamus, hypothalamus, limbic system, and cerebrum.

Back

associative learning

Front

The ability of animals to associate one feature with another.

Back

endorphins

Front

Natural analgesics that decrease pain perception.

Back

grey matter

Front

The portions of the central nervous system that are abundant in cell bodies of neurons rather than axons. Unmyelinated.

Back

sign stimulus

Front

External sensory stimulus that triggers a fixed action pattern.

Back

autonomic nervous system

Front

The part of the nervous system of vertebrates that controls involuntary actions of the smooth muscles and heart and glands.

Back

glial cells

Front

Cells in the nervous system that support, nourish, and protect neurons.

Back

signal

Front

A behavior that causes change in another's behavior.

Back

effector cells

Front

Muscle cells or gland cells that carry out the body's response to stimuli.

Back

ganglion

Front

A cluster of nerve cell bodies, often of similar function, located in the PNS.

Back

spatial learning

Front

The modification of behavior based on experience with the spatial structure of the environment.

Back

corpus callosum

Front

Nerves that enable communication between the right and left cerebral hemispheres.

Back

kinesis

Front

A simple change in activity or turning rate in response to a stimuli.

Back

learning

Front

The modification of behavior based on specific experiences.

Back

circadian rhythms

Front

The 24-hour biological cycles found in humans and many other species.

Back

Section 18

(50 cards)

binary fission

Front

A form of asexual reproduction in single-celled organisms by which one cell divides into two cells of the same size.

Back

centrosome

Front

A structure in animal cells containing centrioles from which the spindle fibers develop.

Back

culture

Front

A system of information transfer through influential social learning or teaching.

Back

inclusive fitness

Front

The total effect an individual has on proliferating its genes by producing its own offspring and by providing aid that enables other close relatives to increase the production of their offspring.

Back

monogamous

Front

One male mating with one female.

Back

growth factors

Front

Regulatory proteins that ensure that the events of cell division occur in the proper sequence and at the correct rate.

Back

chromatin

Front

The readily stainable substance of a cell nucleus consisting of DNA and RNA and various proteins.

Back

metaphase plate

Front

Plane midway between the two poles of the cell where chromosomes line up during metaphase.

Back

asters

Front

Microtubules and fibers that radiate out from the centrioles.

Back

polygyny

Front

One male, several females.

Back

allele

Front

One of the alternative forms of a gene that governs a characteristic, such as hair color.

Back

foraging

Front

Behavior associated with recognizing, searching for, capturing, and consuming food.

Back

restriction point

Front

A point of no return in the cell cycle; once this point passes, a cell is committed to a full round of the cell cycle.

Back

coefficient of relatedness

Front

Probability that if two individuals share common parent or ancestor, a particular gene present in one will be present in other.

Back

G2 phase

Front

The second growth phase of the cell cycle, consisting of the portion of interphase after DNA synthesis occurs.

Back

mitotic spindle

Front

An assemblage of microtubules and associated proteins that is involved in the movements of chromosomes during mitosis.

Back

G1 phase

Front

The first gap, or growth phase, of the cell cycle, consisting of the portion of interphase before DNA synthesis begins.

Back

Hamilton's rule

Front

when C < r x B C = cost to the altruistic party r = genetic relatedness B = fitness benefit to recipient of altuism

Back

polyandry

Front

One female, several males.

Back

chromosomes

Front

Threadlike structures made of DNA molecules that contain the genes.

Back

kinetochore microtubules

Front

Connects the centrosome with the kinetochore in the centromere region of the chromosome.

Back

cleavage furrow

Front

The first sign of cleavage in an animal cell; a shallow groove in the cell surface near the old metaphase plate.

Back

cell division

Front

The process in reproduction and growth by which a cell divides to form daughter cells.

Back

centromere

Front

The region of the chromosome that holds the two sister chromatids together during mitosis.

Back

Cdk

Front

Complex of cyclin and kinase.

Back

cleavage

Front

The process of cytokinesis in animal cells, characterized by pinching of the plasma membrane; specifically.

Back

agonistic behavior

Front

Competition that determines who wins a prize, such as food or mates.

Back

optimal foraging theory

Front

Views foraging behavior as a compromise between benefits of nutrition and costs of obtaining food.

Back

cell plate

Front

A double membrane across the midline of a dividing plant cell, between which the new cell wall forms during cytokinesis.

Back

density dependent inhibition

Front

The arrest of cell division that occurs when cells grown in a laboratory dish touch one another.

Back

social learning

Front

Learning through observing others.

Back

MPF

Front

A cyclin-Cdk complex that causes the cell to move from interphase into mitosis.

Back

interphase

Front

Cell grows, performs its normal functions, and prepares for division; consists of G1, S, and G2 phases.

Back

cancer

Front

Any malignant growth or tumor caused by abnormal and uncontrolled cell division.

Back

genome

Front

The ordering of genes in a haploid set of chromosomes of a particular organism.

Back

cell cycle

Front

Series of events that cells go through as they grow and divide.

Back

M phase

Front

Mitosis and cytokinesis.

Back

cytokinesis

Front

Division of the cytoplasm to form two separate daughter cells.

Back

polygamous

Front

An individual of one sex mating with several of the other.

Back

centriole

Front

In animal cells, a cytoplasmic organelle that organizes the mitotic spindle fibers during cell reproductions.

Back

game theory

Front

Evaluates alternate strategies when outcome depends not only on each individual's strategy but also that of others.

Back

mitosis

Front

Cell division in which the nucleus divides into nuclei containing the same number of chromosomes.

Back

kinetochore

Front

A specialized region on the centromere that links each sister chromatid to the mitotic spindle.

Back

altruism

Front

Behavior that benefits another without benefiting oneself.

Back

kin selection

Front

Natural selection that favors altruistic behaviors by enhancing reproductive success of relatives.

Back

S phase

Front

The synthesis phase of the cell cycle; the portion of interphase during which DNA is replicated.

Back

mate choice copying

Front

Individuals in a population copy mate choice of others.

Back

somatic cell

Front

Any of the cells of a plant or animal except the reproductive cells.

Back

sister chromatids

Front

Identical copies of a chromosome; full sets of these are created during the S subphase of interphase.

Back

promiscuous

Front

No strong pair bonds or lasting relationships.

Back

Section 19

(50 cards)

diploid cell

Front

Has two sets of chromosomes.

Back

multiplication rule

Front

To determine the probability, we multiply the probability of one event by the probability of another.

Back

independent assortment

Front

The random distribution of the pairs of genes on different chromosomes to the gametes.

Back

dominant allele

Front

An allele whose trait always shows up in the organism when the allele is present.

Back

recombinant chromosomes

Front

Chromosomes that carry genes from each parent.

Back

addition rule

Front

Considering mutually exclusive events, the probability of both occurring is the sum of the probabilities of each event.

Back

nonsister chromatids

Front

Different chromatids (maternal and paternal) of the same chromosome.

Back

F1 Generation

Front

The hybrid offspring of true-breeding parents.

Back

life cycle

Front

All of the events in the growth and development of an organism until the organism reaches sexual maturity.

Back

variation

Front

Is demonstrated by the differences in appearance that offspring show from parents and siblings.

Back

autosomes

Front

Chromosomes that are not directly involved in determining the sex of an individual.

Back

complete dominance

Front

When the phenotypes of the heterozygote and dominant homozygote are indistinguishable.

Back

zygote

Front

Fertilized egg. Carries one set of chromosomes from each parent.

Back

Punnett square

Front

A diagram for predicting the allele composition of offspring from a cross between individuals of known genetic makeup.

Back

fertilization

Front

Union of gametes.

Back

haploid

Front

One set of chromosomes.

Back

sporophyte

Front

Diploid, or spore-producing, phase of an organism. Makes haploid spores by meiosis.

Back

trait

Front

Each variant of a character.

Back

chiasmata

Front

X-shaped regions where crossing over occurred.

Back

alteration of generations

Front

The alteration of two or more different forms in the life cycle of a plant or animal.

Back

true-breeding

Front

Organisms that, when reproducing, create offspring of all the same variety.

Back

sex chromosomes

Front

X and Y chromosomes.

Back

genotype

Front

An organism's genetic makeup.

Back

homologous chromosomes

Front

Pair of chromosomes that are the same size, same appearance and same genes.

Back

locus

Front

The specific site of a particular gene on its chromosome.

Back

clone

Front

An identical genetically individual of the parent

Back

The Law of Segregation

Front

Two alleles separate during gamete formation and end up in different gametes because they are on on homologous chromosomes.

Back

character

Front

A heritable feature that varies among individuals.

Back

testcross

Front

The result of breeding a recessive homozygote with an organism of dominant phenotype but unknown genotype.

Back

homozygous

Front

An organism having a pair of identical alleles for a character, either dominant or recessive.

Back

monohybrids

Front

Parents that are heterozygous for one character.

Back

codominance

Front

When which the phenotypes of both alleles are exhibited in the heterozygote.

Back

asexual reproduction

Front

One parent produces a genetically identical offspring by mitosis.

Back

dihybrids

Front

Parents that are heterozygous for two characters.

Back

P generation

Front

The name for the true-breeding parents.

Back

crossing over

Front

Nonsister chromatids exchanging DNA segments.

Back

phenotype

Front

An organism's traits.

Back

F2 Generation

Front

After the self-pollenization of the F1 generation, this is produced.

Back

gametes

Front

A haploid cell such as an egg or sperm that unite during sexual reproduction to produce a diploid zygote.

Back

synapsis

Front

Homologous chromosomes pair up, aligned gene by gene.

Back

hybridization

Front

The crossing of two true-breeding parents.

Back

genes

Front

Units of heredity made up of DNA.

Back

heredity

Front

Transmission of traits from one generation to the next.

Back

genetics

Front

Scientific study of heredity and variation.

Back

tetrad

Front

A pair of chromosomes form tetrads made up of four chromatids.

Back

gametophyte

Front

The stage in the life cycle of a plant in which the plant produces gametes, or sex cells.

Back

recessive allele

Front

An allele that is masked when a dominant allele is present

Back

spores

Front

Produced by meiosis. Grow into haploid organisms by mitosis.

Back

karyotype

Front

Photograph of chromosomes grouped in order and in pairs.

Back

sexual reproduction

Front

When two parents give unique combination of genes to offspring.

Back

Section 20

(50 cards)

polygenic inheritance

Front

An additive effect of two or more genes on a single phenotypic character.

Back

origins of replication

Front

Site where the replication of a DNA molecule begins, consisting of a specific sequence of nucleotides.

Back

Downs Syndrome

Front

A congenital disorder caused by having an extra Chromosome 21.

Back

XO system

Front

A sex determination system in some insects in which O stands for the absence of a sex chromosome. Females are XX, Males are XO. Males produce two classes of sperm: X sperm and sperm with no chromosome. The sperm determines the sex of the offspring.

Back

replication fork

Front

A Y-shaped region on a replicating DNA molecule where new strands are growing.

Back

nondisjunction

Front

Error in meiosis in which homologous chromosomes fail to separate.

Back

DNA polymerase

Front

An enzyme that catalyzes the formation of the DNA molecule.

Back

hemophilia

Front

An X-linked recessive disorder in which blood fails to clot properly, leading to excessive bleeding if injured.

Back

deletion

Front

A change to a chromosome in which a fragment of the chromosome is removed.

Back

trisomic

Front

A chromosomal condition in which a particular cell has an extra copy of one chromosome, instead of the normal two.

Back

helicase

Front

An enzyme that untwists the double helix at the replication forks, separating the two parental strands and making them available as template strands.

Back

aminocentesis

Front

Prenatal diagnostic technique that involves inserting a needle to obtain a sample of amniotic fluid that surrounds the fetus.

Back

haplo diploid system

Front

A sex determination system in most species of bees and ants in which there are no sex chromosomes. Females develop from fertilized eggs (diploid) and males develop from unfertilized eggs (haploid).

Back

chorionic villus sampling (CVS)

Front

Prenatal diagnostic technique that involves taking a sample of tissue from the chorion.

Back

genomic imprinting

Front

Variation in phenotype depending on whether an allele is inherited from the male or female parent.

Back

lagging strand

Front

A discontinuously synthesized DNA strand that elongates by means of Okazaki fragments, each synthesized in a 5' to 3' direction away from the replication fork.

Back

Huntington's disease

Front

Genetic disorder that causes progressive deterioration of brain cells. caused by a dominant allele. symptoms do not appear until about the age of 30.

Back

X linked genes

Front

Genes found on the X chromosome.

Back

crossing over

Front

Process in which homologous chromosomes exchange portions of their chromatids during meiosis.

Back

recombinant types

Front

Offspring who have inherited new combinations of genes and have phenotypes that don't match either parental phenotypes.

Back

quantitative characters

Front

Characters that vary in the population along a continuum (in gradations).

Back

monosomic

Front

A chromosomal condition in which a particular cell has only one copy of a chromosome, instead of the normal two.

Back

XY system

Front

A sex determination system in which females have two of the same kind of sex chromosome and males have two different ones.

Back

genetic recombination

Front

The regrouping of genes in an offspring that results in a genetic makeup that is different from that of the parents.

Back

transformation

Front

A change in genotype and phenotype due to the assimilation of external DNA by a cell.

Back

genetic map

Front

An ordered list of the genetic loci along a particular chromosome.

Back

single-strand binding protein (SSB)

Front

Binds to and stabilizes single-stranded DNA until it can be used as a template.

Back

sex linked genes

Front

Genes located on the sex chromosomes.

Back

chromosome theory of inheritance

Front

According to this theory, genes are carried from parents to their offspring on chromosomes.

Back

leading strand

Front

The new continuous complementary DNA strand synthesized along the template strand in the mandatory 5' to 3' direction.

Back

cystic fibrosis

Front

A genetic disorder that is present at birth and affects both the respiratory and digestive systems.

Back

cytogenetic maps

Front

A chart of a chromosome that locates genes with respect to chromosomal features distinguishable in a microscope.

Back

barr body

Front

A dense body formed from a deactivated X chromosome.

Back

sickle-cell disease

Front

Genetic disorder in which red blood cells have abnormal hemoglobin molecules and take on an abnormal shape.

Back

translocation

Front

Change to a chromosome in which a fragment of one chromosome attaches to a nonhomologous chromosome.

Back

map units

Front

A measurement of the distance between genes; one map unit is equivalent to a 1 percent recombination frequency.

Back

semiconservative model

Front

Type of DNA replication in which the replicated double helix consists of one old strand, derived from the old molecule, and one newly made strand.

Back

pedigree

Front

A diagram that shows the occurrence of a genetic trait in several generations of a family.

Back

linkage map

Front

A genetic map based on recombination frequencies.

Back

Tay-Sachs disease

Front

A human genetic disease caused by a recessive allele that leads to the accumulation of certain lipids in the brain. Seizures, blindness, and degeneration of motor and mental performance usually become manifest a few months after birth.

Back

linked genes

Front

Genes located on the same chromosome that tend to be inherited together in genetic crosses.

Back

parental types

Front

Offspring with a phenotype that matches one of the parental phenotypes.

Back

ZW system

Front

A sex determination system in fish, butterflies, birds where males are ZZ and Females are ZW. The egg determines the sex of the offspring.

Back

bacteriophages

Front

A virus that infects bacteria; also called a phage.

Back

Duchenne muscular dystrophy

Front

A human genetic disease caused by a sex-linked recessive allele; characterized by progressive weakening and a loss of muscle tissue.

Back

inversion

Front

A type of mutation in which the order of the genes in a section of a chromosome is reversed.

Back

aneuploidy

Front

Abnormal number of chromosomes.

Back

incomplete dominance

Front

Creates a blended phenotype; one allele is not completely dominant over the other.

Back

primase

Front

An enzyme that joins RNA nucleotides to make the primer using the parental DNA strand as a template.

Back

Okazaki fragments

Front

Small fragments of DNA produced on the lagging strand during DNA replication, joined later by DNA ligase to form a complete strand.

Back

Section 21

(50 cards)

signal-recognition particle

Front

A protein-RNA complex that recognizes a signal peptide as it emerges from the ribosome.

Back

reading frame

Front

Reading mRNA nucleotides in the correct groupings.

Back

Watson and Crick

Front

Developed the double helix model of DNA.

Back

transfer RNA (tRNA)

Front

Interpreter of a series of codons along a mRNA molecule.

Back

McCarty, Avery, & MacLeod

Front

Confirmed that the transforming agent in Griffith's experiment was DNA.

Back

Erwin Chargaff

Front

Discovered that DNA composition varies, but the amount of adenine is always the same as thymine and the amount of cytosine is always the same as guanine.

Back

triplet code

Front

Three-nucleotide long set that specifies a specific amino acid for a polypeptide chain.

Back

exons

Front

Coding segments of eukaryotic DNA.

Back

one gene-one polypeptide hypothesis

Front

there is one gene that codes for one polypeptide

Back

RNA polymerase

Front

Enzyme that links together the growing chain of ribonucleotides during transcription.

Back

messenger RNA (mRNA)

Front

Carries genetic message from the DNA to he protein-synthesizing machinery of the cell.

Back

RNA processing

Front

The modification of mRNA before it leaves the nucleus that is unique to eukaryotes.

Back

splicosome

Front

Different particles that recognize splice sites are compiled in a large assembly. A complex of RNA and protein subunits. Removes introns from a transcribed pre-RNA segments.

Back

domains

Front

Discrete structural and functional regions of proteins.

Back

5' cap

Front

The 5' end of a pre-mRNA molecule modified by the addition of a cap of guanine nucleotide.

Back

codons

Front

mRNA base triplets.

Back

ribosomal A site

Front

Site that holds the tRNA carrying the next amino acid to be added to the chain.

Back

Meselson & Stahl

Front

Determined that DNA replication is semiconservative.

Back

promoter

Front

A specific nucleotide sequence in DNA that binds RNA polymerase and indicates where to start transcribing mRNA.

Back

introns

Front

Noncoding segments of nucleic acid that lie between coding sequences.

Back

template strand

Front

The DNA strand that provides the template for ordering the sequence of nucleotides in an mRNA transcript.

Back

polyribosomes

Front

Strings of ribosomes that work together to translate a RNA message.

Back

mutations

Front

Random errors in gene replication that lead to a change in the sequence of nucleotides. The source of all genetic diversity.

Back

transcription factors

Front

Collection of proteins that mediate the binding of RNA polymerase and the initiation of transcription.

Back

nuclease

Front

A DNA cutting enzyme that excises damaged DNA.

Back

telomeres

Front

Repeated DNA sequences at the ends of eukaryotic chromosomes.

Back

TATA box

Front

A promoter DNA sequence crucial in forming the transcription initiation complex.

Back

RNA splicing

Front

Process by which the introns are removed from RNA transcripts and the remaining exons are joined together.

Back

primary transcript

Front

The initial mRNA transcript that is transcribed from a protein coding gene. Also called pre-mRNA.

Back

telomerase

Front

An enzyme that catalyzes the lengthening of telomeres in eukaryotic germ cells.

Back

point mutations

Front

chemical changes in just one base pair of a gene

Back

transcription

Front

Synthesis of an RNA molecule from a DNA template.

Back

missense mutations

Front

Most common type of mutation, a base pair mutation in which the new codon makes sense in that it still codes for an amino acid.

Back

Frederick Griffith

Front

Discovered transformation during an experiment that involved injecting mice with smooth S cells, rough R cells, heat-killed S cells, and heat-killed S cells with living R cells.

Back

transcription initiation complex

Front

The assembly of transcription factors and RNA polymerase.

Back

translation

Front

The synthesis of a polypeptide, which occurs under the direction of mRNA.

Back

ribozymes

Front

RNA molecules that function as enzymes.

Back

nonsense mutations

Front

A mutation that changes an amino acid codon to one of three stop codons, resulting in a shorter and usually nonfunctional protein.

Back

ribosomes

Front

Complex particles that facilitate the orderly linking of amino acids into polypeptide chains.

Back

wobble

Front

Flexibility in the base-pairing rules in which the nucleotide at the 5' end of a tRNA anticodon can form hydrogen bonds with more than one kind of base in the third position of a codon.

Back

Hersey-Chase Experiment

Front

Devised an experiment that showed that only the DNA of T2 phages enters a bacterial cell during infection.

Back

ribosomal P site

Front

Site that holds tRNA carrying the growing polypeptide chain.

Back

Ribosomal E site

Front

Site where discharged tRNAs leave the ribosome.

Back

poly-A tail

Front

Modified end of the 3' end of an mRNA molecule consisting of the addition of some 50 to 250 adenine nucleotides.

Back

one gene-one polypeptide hypothesis

Front

The premise that a gene is a segment of DNA that codes for one polypeptide.

Back

anticodon

Front

Specialized base triplet at one end of a tRNA molecule that recognizes a particular complementary codon on an mRNA molecule.

Back

alternative RNA splicing

Front

Genes giving rise to two or more different polypeptides depending upon which segments are treated as exons.

Back

terminator

Front

In prokaryotes, a special sequence of nucleotides in DNA that marks the end of a gene.

Back

ribosomal RNA (rRNA)

Front

RNA molecules that construct ribosomal subunits.

Back

signal peptide

Front

A stretch of amino acids on a polypeptide that targets the protein to a specific destination in a eukaryotic cell.

Back

Section 22

(50 cards)

reverse transcriptase

Front

An enzyme encoded by some certain viruses (retroviruses) that uses RNA as a template for DNA synthesis.

Back

prophage

Front

A phage genome that has been inserted into a specific site on the bacterial chromosome.

Back

bacteriophage

Front

A virus that infects bacteria; also called a phage.

Back

insertion sequence

Front

The simplest kind of transposable element, consisting of inverted repeats of DNA flanking a gene for transposase, the enzyme that catalyzes transposition.

Back

vaccine

Front

A harmless variant or derivative of a pathogen that stimulates a host's immune system to mount defenses against the pathogen.

Back

repressor

Front

A protein that suppresses the transcription of a gene.

Back

lytic cycle

Front

A type of viral (phage) replication cycle resulting in the release of new phages by lysis (and death) of the host cell.

Back

R plasmid

Front

A bacterial plasmid carrying genes that confer resistance to certain antibiotics.

Back

F plasmid

Front

The plasmid form of the F factor.

Back

proteasomes

Front

A giant protein complex that recognizes and destroys proteins tagged for elimination by the small protein ubiquitin.

Back

nucleoid

Front

A dense region of DNA in a prokaryotic cell.

Back

gene cloning

Front

The production of multiple copies of a gene.

Back

provirus

Front

Viral DNA that inserts into a host genome.

Back

regulatory gene

Front

A gene that codes for a protein, such as a repressor, that controls the transcription of another gene or group of genes.

Back

F factor

Front

A piece of DNA that confers the ability form a sex pili.

Back

temperate phage

Front

A phage that is capable of reproducing by either the lytic or lysogenic cycle.

Back

transposable genetic element

Front

A segment of DNA that can move within the genome of a cell by means of a DNA or RNA intermediate; also called a transposable element.

Back

operon

Front

A unit of genetic function common in bacteria and phages, consisting of coordinately regulated clusters of genes with related functions.

Back

plasmid

Front

A small ring of DNA that carries accessory genes separate from those of a bacterial chromosome; also found in some eukaryotes, such as yeast.

Back

activator

Front

A protein that binds to DNA and stimulates transcription of a specific gene.

Back

restriction fragment

Front

The fragment of DNA that is produced by cleaving DNA with a restriction enzyme.

Back

gene expression

Front

Conversion of the information encoded in a gene first into messenger RNA and then to a protein.

Back

histone acetylation

Front

The attachment of acetyl groups to certain amino acids of histone proteins.

Back

operator

Front

Region of DNA that controls RNA polymerase's access to a set of genes with related functions.

Back

siRNAs (small interfering RNAs)

Front

RNAs of similar size and functions as miRNAs that inhibit gene expression.

Back

restriction site

Front

A specific sequence on a DNA strand that is recognized as a cut siteby a restriction enzyme.

Back

recombinant DNA

Front

A DNA molecule made in vitro with segments from different sources.

Back

inducer

Front

A specific small molecule that inactivates the repressor in an operon.

Back

host range

Front

The limited range of host cells that each type of virus can infect and parasitize.

Back

enhancer

Front

A DNA segment containing multiple control elements that can recognize certain transcription factors that stimulate the transcription of nearby genes.

Back

sticky end

Front

A single-stranded end of a double-stranded DNA restriction fragment.

Back

cell differentiation

Front

the process by which a cell becomes specialized for a specific structure or function.

Back

episome

Front

A genetic element that can exist either as a plasmid or as part of the bacterial chromosome.

Back

frameshift mutation

Front

Mutation occurring when the number of nucleotides inserted or deleted is not a multiple of three, resulting in improper grouping of nucleotides into codons.

Back

RNA interference

Front

Blocking gene expression by means of an miRNA silencing complex.

Back

micro-RNA (miRNA)

Front

small single stranded RNA molecules that bind to mRNA and can degrade mRNA or block its translation.

Back

retrovirus

Front

An RNA virus that reproduces by transcribing its RNA into DNA and then inserting the DNA into a cellular chromosome; an important class of cancer-causing viruses.

Back

lysogenic cycle

Front

A phage replication cycle in which the viral genome becomes incorporated into the bacterial host chromosome as a prophage and does not kill the host.

Back

differential gene expression

Front

The expression of different sets of genes by cells with the same genome.

Back

epigenetic inheritance

Front

Inheritance of traits transmitted by mechanisms not directly involving the nucleotide sequence.

Back

control elements

Front

segments of noncoding DNA in eukaryotic genes that help regulate transcription by binding to certain proteins.

Back

restriction enzyme

Front

A degradative enzyme that recognizes and cuts up DNA (including that of certain phages) that is foreign to a bacterium.

Back

viral envelope

Front

A membrane that cloaks the capsid that in turn encloses a viral genome.

Back

capsid

Front

The protein shell that encloses a viral genome. It may be rod-shaped, polyhedral, or more complex in shape.

Back

transposon

Front

A transposable genetic element that moves within a genome by means of a DNA intermediate.

Back

cyclic AMP (cAMP)

Front

A compound formed from ATP that acts as a second messenger.

Back

mutagens

Front

physical and chemical agents that interact with DNA to cause mutations

Back

DNA methylation

Front

The addition of methyl groups to bases of DNA after DNA synthesis; may serve as a long-term control of gene expression.

Back

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus)

Front

The infectious agent that causes AIDS. HIV is a retrovirus.

Back

biotechnology

Front

The manipulation of living organisms or their components to produce useful products.

Back

Section 23

(50 cards)

cDNA library

Front

A limited gene library using complementary DNA. The library includes only the genes that were transcribed in the cells examined.

Back

nuclear transplantation

Front

A technique in which the nucleus of one cell is placed into another cell that already has a nucleus or in which the nucleus has been previously destroyed.

Back

gel electrophoresis

Front

The separation of nucleic acids or proteins, on the basis of their size and electrical charge, by measuring their rate of movement through an electrical field in a gel.

Back

genomic library

Front

A set of thousands of DNA segments from a genome, each carried by a plasmid, phage, or other cloning vector.

Back

polymerase chain reaction (PCR)

Front

A technique for amplifying DNA in vitro by incubating with special primers, DNA polymerase molecules, and nucleotides.

Back

therapeutic cloning

Front

The cloning of human cells by nuclear transplantation for therapeutic purposes, such as the generation of embryonic stem cells to treat disease.

Back

induction

Front

The process by which neighboring cells can influence the determination of a cell.

Back

photoautotrophs

Front

Organisms that use light as a source of energy to synthesize organic substances.

Back

genomic equivalence

Front

All cells in an organism contain the same complement of genes. These are the same set of genes that are established in the fertilized egg.

Back

oxidizing agent

Front

Accepts electrons and becomes reduced.

Back

denaturation

Front

In proteins, a process in which a protein unravels and loses its native conformation, thereby becoming biologically inactive. In DNA, the separation of the two strands of the double helix.

Back

totipotent

Front

Cells that are able to develop into any type of cell found in the body.

Back

cyclic photophosphorolation

Front

Only Photosystem I works. ATP is made, no oxygen is produced, no water is split, no NADPH is made.

Back

electroporation

Front

A technique to introduce recombinant DNA into cells by applying a brief electrical pulse to a solution containing the cells. The pulse creates temporary holes in the cells' plasma membrane, through which DNA can enter.

Back

photosystem

Front

A cluster of pigments embedded into a thylakoid membrane.

Back

bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC)

Front

An artificial version of a bacterial chromosome that can carry inserts of 100, 000 to 500, 000 base pairs.

Back

yeast artificial chromosome (YAC)

Front

A cloning vector that has telomeres and a centromere that can accommodate large DNA inserts and uses the eukaryote yeast as a host cell.

Back

reproductive cloning

Front

Using a somatic cell from a multicellular organism to make one or more genetically identical individuals.

Back

reducing agent

Front

Donates electrons and becomes oxidized.

Back

thylakoid

Front

Flattened membranes in the chloroplast where the light reactions take place.

Back

stomata

Front

Microscopic pores in the leaf which lets CO2 in and O2 out. Also where water is lost.

Back

stem cell

Front

Unspecialized cell that can both reproduce itself indefinitely and differentiate into specialized cells of one or more types.

Back

expression vector

Front

A cloning vector that contains the requisite prokaryotic promoter just upstream of a restriction site where a eukaryotic gene can be inserted.

Back

nucleic acid probe

Front

Radioactively labeled nucleic acid molecule used to tag a particular DNA sequence.

Back

veins

Front

Bundles of xylem and phloem.

Back

chlorophyll

Front

Green pigment located within the chloroplasts.

Back

DNA sequencing

Front

Determining the exact order of the base pairs in a segment of DNA.

Back

mesophyll

Front

Spongy tissue in the interior of the leaf where most chloroplasts are found.

Back

pluripotent

Front

Able to give rise to multiple, but not all, cell types.

Back

granum

Front

Stack of thylakoids.

Back

cytoplasmic determinants

Front

Maternal substances in egg that influence the course of early development.

Back

photolysis

Front

In the thylakoid membranes of a chloroplast during light-dependant reactions, two molecules of water are split to form oxygen, hydrogen ions, and electrons.

Back

Human Genome Project

Front

An international collaborative effort to map and sequence the DNA of the entire human genome.

Back

complementary DNA (cDNA)

Front

DNA molecule made in vitro using mRNA as a template and the enzyme reverse transcriptase.

Back

DNA ligase

Front

A linking enzyme essential for DNA replication; catalyzes the covalent bonding of the 3' end of a new DNA fragment to the 5' end of a growing chain.

Back

determination

Front

The point during development at which a cell becomes committed to a particular fate due to cytoplasmic effects or to induction by neighboring cells.

Back

Southern blotting

Front

A hybridization technique that enables researchers to determine the presence of certain nucleotide sequences in a sample of DNA.

Back

cloning

Front

Making a genetically identical copy of DNA or of an organism.

Back

noncyclic photophosphorolation

Front

Photosystem II performs photolysis to provide electrons for the electron transport chain that drives a chemiosmotic gradient that produces ATP.

Back

pigments

Front

Molecules that absorb, reflect, or transmit light.

Back

linkage map

Front

A genetic map based on the frequencies of recombination between markers during crossing over of homologous chromosomes.

Back

physical map

Front

A genetic map in which the actual physical distances between genes or other genetic markers are expressed, usually as the number of base pairs along the DNA.

Back

restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs)

Front

differences in the restriction sites on homologous chromosomes that result in different restriction fragment patterns.

Back

stroma

Front

Fluid inside the chloroplast where the Calvin Cycle happens.

Back

cloning vector

Front

DNA molecules that can carry foreign DNA into a host cell and replicate there.

Back

leaf

Front

The major sites of photosynthesis in most plants.

Back

light reaction

Front

Part of photosynthesis that involves light. ATP and NADPH are produced. Takes place on the thylakoid membrane.

Back

genetic engineering

Front

The direct manipulation of genes for practical purposes.

Back

nucleic acid hybridization

Front

Base pairing between a gene and a complementary sequence on another nucleic acid molecule.

Back

Equation of photosynthesis.

Front

Back

Section 24

(50 cards)

chlorophyll a

Front

Only pigment that can participate directly in the light reactions.

Back

dormancy

Front

A condition typified by extremely low metabolic rate and a suspension of growth and development.

Back

ovule

Front

A structure that develops within the ovary of a seed plant and contains the female gametophyte.

Back

calvin cycle

Front

Carbon fixation process in photosynthesis. Forms sugar and other organic compounds.

Back

anther

Front

In an angiosperm, the terminal pollen sac of a stamen, where pollen grains containing sperm-producing male gametophytes form.

Back

action spectrum

Front

A profile of the relative performance of the different wavelengths in photosynthesis.

Back

etiolation

Front

Plant morphological adaptations for growing in darkness.

Back

phototropism

Front

Growth of a plant shoot toward or away from light.

Back

cytokinins

Front

A class of plant hormones that retard aging and act in concert with auxin to stimulate cell division, influence the pathway of differentiation, and control apical dominance.

Back

complete flower

Front

A flower that has all four basic floral organs: sepals, petals, stamens, and carpels.

Back

p680

Front

Reaction center chlorophyll in the photosystem II.

Back

rubisco

Front

The most abundant protein on earth. Performs Carbon Fixation in the Calvin Cycle.

Back

de-etiolation

Front

The changes a plant shoot undergoes in response to sunlight; also known informally as greening.

Back

inflorescence

Front

A group of flowers tightly clustered together.

Back

style

Front

The stalk of a flower's carpel, with the ovary at the base and the stigma at the top.

Back

endosperm

Front

In angiosperms, a nutrient-rich tissue formed by the union of a sperm with two polar nuclei during double fertilization. Provides nourishment to the developing embryo in angiosperm seeds.

Back

ovary

Front

In flowers, the portion of a carpel in which the egg-containing ovules develop.

Back

tropism

Front

A growth response that results in the curvature of whole plant organs toward or away from stimuli owing to differential rates of cell elongation.

Back

petal

Front

A modified leaf of a flowering plant; petals are the often colorful parts of a flower that advertise it to insects and other pollinators.

Back

incomplete flower

Front

A flower in which one or more of the four basic floral organs such as sepals, petals, stamens, or carpels are either absent or nonfunctional.

Back

carbon fixation

Front

The initial incorporation of carbon into organic compounds.

Back

pollen tube

Front

A tube that forms after germination of the pollen grain and that functions in the delivery of sperm to the ovule.

Back

gibberellins

Front

A class of related plant hormones that stimulate growth in the stem and leaves, trigger the germination of seeds and breaking of bud dormancy, and stimulate fruit development.

Back

primary electron acceptor

Front

Specialized molecule that shares a reaction center with the chlorophyll a molecule in the light reaction. traps high energy electron before it can return to ground state in the chlorophyll.

Back

chemiosmosis

Front

Process by which a Hydrogen pump pumps protons into the thylakoid membrane. H+ passively flows through the ATP synthase which leads to the creation of ATP.

Back

multiple fruit

Front

A fruit derived from an entire inflorescence.

Back

receptacle

Front

The base of a flower; the part of the stem that is the site of attachment of the floral organs.

Back

absorption spectrum

Front

A graph plotting a pigment light light absorption.

Back

phosphoralation

Front

Process of adding a phosphate group.

Back

dioecious

Front

If staminate and carpellate flowers are on different plants.

Back

monoecious

Front

If staminate and carpellate flowers are on the same plant.

Back

stigma

Front

The sticky part of a flower's carpel, which receives pollen grain.

Back

abscisic acid (ABA)

Front

A plant hormone that slows down growth, promotes seed dormancy and facilitates drought tolerance.

Back

aggregate fruit

Front

A fruit derived from a single flower that has more than one carpel.

Back

p700

Front

Reaction center cholophyll in the photosystem I.

Back

pistil

Front

A single carpel or a group of fused carpels in a flower.

Back

seed coat

Front

A tough outer covering of a seed, formed from the outer coat of an ovule.

Back

self-incompatibility

Front

The ability of a seed plant to reject its own pollen and sometimes the pollen of closely related individuals.

Back

double fertilization

Front

A mechanism of fertilization in angiosperms, in which two sperm cells unite with two cells in the embryo sac to form the zygote and endosperm.

Back

auxin

Front

Indoleacetic acid (IAA), a natural plant hormone that has a variety of effects, including cell elongation, root formation, secondary growth, and fruit growth.

Back

coleoptile

Front

Covers and protects the shoot as it grows upward.

Back

reaction center

Front

The location of the first light driven chemical reaction of photosynthesis.

Back

radicle

Front

An embryonic root of a plant.

Back

carpel

Front

The ovule-producing reproductive organ of a flower, consisting of the stigma, style, and ovary.

Back

carotenoids

Front

Accessory pigments that broaden the spectrum of colors that can drive photosynthesis.

Back

hypocotyl

Front

The part of a plant embryo directly below the cotyledons, forming a connection with the radicle.

Back

sepal

Front

A modified leaf in angiosperms that helps enclose and protect a flower bud before it opens.

Back

stamen

Front

The pollen-producing reproductive organ of a flower, consisting of an anther and a filament.

Back

simple fruit

Front

A fruit derived from a single carpel or several fused carpels.

Back

fruit

Front

A mature ovary of a flower that protects dormant seeds and often aids in their dispersal.

Back

Section 25

(50 cards)

reception

Front

The target cell's detection of a signal molecule coming from outside the cell.

Back

saturated fats

Front

bad for you; animals and some plants have it; solidifies at room temp.

Back

totipotent

Front

Stem cells with the potential to differentiate into any type of cell.

Back

ethylene

Front

The only gaseous plant hormone. Among its many effects are response to mechanical stress, programmed cell death, leaf abscission, and fruit ripening.

Back

salicylic acid

Front

A plant hormone that may be partially responsible for activating systemic acquired resistance to pathogens.

Back

circadian rhythm

Front

A physiological cycle of about 24 hours that is present in all eukaryotic organisms and that persists even in the absence of external cues.

Back

photoperiodism

Front

A physiological response to photoperiod, the relative lengths of night and day. An example of photoperiodism is flowering.

Back

noncompetitive inhibition

Front

inhibitor binds elsewhere on the enzyme; alters active site so that the substrate cannot bind

Back

systemic acquired resistance (SAR)

Front

A defensive response in infected plants that helps protect healthy tissue from pathogenic invasion.

Back

topoisomerase

Front

Enzyme that functions in DNA replication, helping to relieve strain in the double helix ahead of the replication fork.

Back

receptor tyrosine kinase

Front

A receptor with enzymatic activity that can trigger more than one signal transduction pathway at once, helping the cell regulate and coordinate many aspects of cell growth and reproduction.

Back

apoptosis

Front

Programmed cell death.

Back

triple response

Front

A plant growth maneuver in response to mechanical stress, involving slowing of stem elongation, a thickening of the stem, and a curvature that causes the stem to start growing horizontally.

Back

chromatin

Front

The complex of DNA and proteins that makes up a eukaryotic chromosome.

Back

G-protein-linked receptor

Front

A plasma membrane receptor that works with the help of a G-protein.

Back

hypersensitive response (HR)

Front

A plant's localized defense response to a pathogen

Back

phospholipids

Front

glycerol + 2 fatty acids + 1 phosphate group; makes up membrane bilayers of cells; hydrophobic interiors and hydrophillic exteriors

Back

avirulent

Front

A term describing a pathogen that can only mildly harm, but not kill, the host plant.

Back

diacylglycerol (DAG)

Front

A second messenger produced by the cleavage of a certain kind of phospholipid in the plasma membrane.

Back

transduction

Front

The binding of the signal molecule changes the receptor protein in some way.

Back

enzymes

Front

catalytic proteins that react in an induced-fit fashion with substrates to speed up that rate of reactions by lowering the activation energy

Back

organic compounds

Front

contain carbon; examples include lipids, proteins, and carbs

Back

elicitors

Front

A molecule that induces a broad type of host defense response

Back

steriods

Front

lipids whose structures resemble chicken-wire fence. include cholesterol and sex hormones

Back

blue-light photoreceptors

Front

A class of light receptors in plants. Blue light initiates a variety of responses, such as phototropism and slowing of hypocotyl elongation.

Back

gene-for-gene recognition

Front

A widespread form of plant disease resistance involving recognition of pathogen-derived molecules by the protein products of specific plant disease resistance genes.

Back

jasmonic acid

Front

An important molecule in plant defense against herbivores.

Back

long-day plant

Front

A plant that flowers only when the light period is longer than a critical length. Usually spring or early summer.

Back

virulent

Front

A term describing a pathogen against which a plant has little specific defense.

Back

vernalization

Front

The use of cold treatment to induce a plant to flower.

Back

ligand-gated ion channel

Front

Type of membrane receptor that has a region that can act as a "gate" when the receptor changes shape.

Back

day-neutral plant

Front

A plant whose flowering is not affected by photoperiod.

Back

leaf abscission

Front

Aging and dropping of leaves controlled by auxin and ethylene.

Back

functional groups

Front

amino (NH2), carbonyl (RCOR), carboxyl (COOH), hydroxyl (OH), phosphate (PO4), sulfhydryl (SH)

Back

florigen

Front

A flowering signal, not yet chemically identified, that may be a hormone or may be a change in relative concentrations of multiple hormones.

Back

virulent

Front

Viruses that reproduce only by the lytic cycle.

Back

carbohydrates

Front

used by cells for energy and stucture; monosaccharides (glucose), disaccharides (sucrose, maltose, lactose), storage polysaccharides (starch [plants], glycogen [animals]), structural polysaccharides (chitin [fungi], cellulose [arthropods])

Back

photomorphogenesis

Front

Effects of light on plant morphology.

Back

oligosaccharins

Front

A type of elicitor that is derived from cellulose fragments released by cell wall damage

Back

fruit ripening

Front

A burst of ethylene production in a fruit triggers the ripening process.

Back

short-day plant

Front

A plant that flowers only when the light period is shorter than a critical length. Usually fall or winter.

Back

unsaturated fats

Front

better for you, plants have it; liquifies at room temp.

Back

PR protein

Front

A protein involved in plant responses to pathogens (PR = pathogenesis-related).

Back

response

Front

The transduced signal finally triggers a specific cellular response.

Back

fat

Front

glycerol and three fatty acids

Back

pH

Front

logarithmic scale; <7 acidic, 7 neutral, >7 basic (alkaline); 4 is 10 times more acidic than 5

Back

phytochromes

Front

A class of light receptors in plants. Mostly absorbing red light, these photoreceptors regulate many plant responses, including seed germination and shade avoidance.

Back

proteins

Front

made with the help of ribosomes out of amino acids; serve many functions (transport, enzymes, cell signals, receptor molecules, structural components, and channels)

Back

competitve inhibtion

Front

inhibitor resembles substrate and binds to active site

Back

repolarization

Front

Return of the cell to resting state, caused by reentry of potassium into the cell while sodium exits the cell.

Back

Section 26

(50 cards)

nucleus

Front

found in eukaryotes; control center of cell; host for transcription, replication, and DNA

Back

stomata

Front

structure through which CO2 enters a plant, and water vapor and oxygen leave plant

Back

photolysis

Front

process by which water is split into hydrogen ions and oxygen atoms (light reactions)

Back

aerobic respiration

Front

glycolysis -> krebs cycle -> oxidative phosphorylation -> 36 ATP per glucose molecule

Back

dehydration

Front

two components brought together, producing H2O

Back

autotroph

Front

self-nourishing organism that is also known as a producer (plants)

Back

centrioles

Front

found in animal cells eukaryote; part of microtubule separation apparatus that assits cell division in animal cells

Back

endergonic reaction

Front

reaction that requires input of energy

Back

binary fission

Front

prokaryotic cell division; double the DNA, double the size, then split apart

Back

pigment

Front

molcule that absorbs light of a particular wavelength (chlorophyll, carotenoid, phycobilins)

Back

anaerobic respiration (fermentation)

Front

glycolysis -> regenerate NAD+ -> 2 ATP per glucose molecule

Back

fermentation

Front

process that regenerates NAD+ so glycolsis can begin again; occurs in absence of oxygen

Back

chemiosmosis

Front

coupling of the movement of electrons down the ETC with the formation of ATP using the driving force provided by the proton gradient; occurs in both cell respiration and photosynthesis to produce ATP

Back

cell wall

Front

found in prokaryotes and plant cells eukaryotes; protects and shapes the cell

Back

hydrolysis

Front

breaks down compounds by adding water

Back

ATP synthase

Front

enzyme responsible for using protons to actually produce ATP from ADP

Back

mitochondria

Front

found in eukaryotes; power plant of cell; hosts major energy-producing steps of respiration

Back

osmosis

Front

passive movement of water from the side of low solute concentration to the side of high solute concentration

Back

fluid mosaic model

Front

plasma membrane is selectively permeable phosolipid bilayer with proteins of various lengths and sizes interspersed with cholesterol amoung the phospholipids

Back

exocytosis

Front

process by which particles are ejected from the cell, similar to movement in a trash chute

Back

plasma membrane

Front

found in prokaryotes and eukaryotes; regulates what substances enter and leave a cell

Back

CAM plants

Front

plants close their stomata during the day, collect CO2 at night, and store the CO2 in the form of acids until it is needed during the day for photosynthesis

Back

facilitated diffusion

Front

assisted transport of particles across membrane (no energy input)

Back

heterotrophs

Front

organisms that must consume other organisms to obtain energy--consmers

Back

integral proteins

Front

proteins implanted within lipid bilayer of plasma membrane

Back

smooth ER

Front

found in eukaryotes; lipid synthesis, detoxification, carbohydrate metabolism; contains no ribosomes on cytoplasmic surface

Back

peroxisome

Front

found in eukaryotes; breakdown of fatty acids, detoxification of alcohol

Back

oxidative phosphorylation

Front

production of large amounts of ATP from NADH and FADH2; occurs in the mitochrondria; requires the presence of oxygen to proceed

Back

lysosome

Front

found in eukaryotes; contains enzymes that digest organic compounds; serves as cell's stomach

Back

diffusion

Front

passive movement of substances down their concentration gradient (from high to low concentrations)

Back

cytoskeleton

Front

found in eukaryotes; skeleton of cell; consists of microtubules, microfilaments, and intermediate filaments

Back

exergonic reaction

Front

reaction that gives off energy

Back

vacuole

Front

large in plant cells and small in animal cells; storage vaults of cells

Back

chloroplast

Front

found in plant cells eukaryotes; site of photosynthesis in plants

Back

photophosphorylation

Front

process by which ATP is made during light reactions

Back

photosynthesis

Front

process by which plants use the energy from light to generate sugar; occurs in chloroplasts; light reactions (thylakoid), and Calvin cycle (stroma)

Back

Golgi

Front

found in eukaryotes; modifies lipids, proteins to secrete or send to plasma membrane; contains ribosomes on cytoplasmic surface

Back

C4 plants

Front

plants that have adapted their photosynthetic process to more efficiently handle hot and dry conditions

Back

ribosome

Front

found in prokaryotes and eukaryotes; host for protein synthesis; form in nucleolus

Back

C4 photosynthesis

Front

process that first converts CO2 into a 4-carbon molcule in the mesophyll cells, converts that product to malate and then shuttles it to the bundle sheath cells, where the malate releases CO2 and rubisco picks it up as if all were normal

Back

redox

Front

electron transfer reactions

Back

alcohol fermentation

Front

occurs in fungi, yeast, and bacteria; causes conversion of pyruvate to ethanol

Back

rough ER

Front

found in eukaryotes; synthesizes proteins to secrete or send to plasma membrane; contains ribosomes on cytoplasmic surface

Back

glycolysis

Front

conversion of 1 glucose molecule into 2 pyruvate, 2 ATP, and 2 NADH; occurs in the cytoplasma, and in both aerobic and anaerobic respiration; must have NAD+ to proceed

Back

Krebs cycle

Front

conversion 1 pyruvate molecule into 4 NADH, 1 FADH2, 1 ATP, H2O, and CO2; occurs twice for each glucose to yeild double the products above; occurs in the mitochondria

Back

cell cycle

Front

growth 1 -> synthesis -> growth 2 -> mitosis

Back

endocytosis

Front

phagocytosis of particles into cell through the use of vesicles

Back

active transport

Front

movement of substances against concentration gradient (low to high concentrations; requires energy input)

Back

lactic acid fermentation

Front

occurs in humans and animal muscles; causes conversion of pyruvate -> lactate; causes cramping sensation when oxygen runs low in muscles

Back

transpiration

Front

loss of water via evaporation through the stomata

Back

Section 27

(50 cards)

chromosomal disorders

Front

deletion, inversions, duplications, and translocations

Back

haploid (n)

Front

one copy of each chromosome

Back

DNA replication

Front

occurs in S-phase, semiconservative, built in 5' to 3' direction

Back

pedigree

Front

family tree used to describe genetic relationships

Back

sex-linked traits

Front

passed along the X chromosome; more common in males then females

Back

multiple alleles

Front

traits that correspond to more than two alleles

Back

mRNA

Front

blueprints for proteins

Back

intermediate inheritance

Front

heterozygous individual shows characterstics unlike either parent

Back

RNA

Front

contains A, G, C, and U; singled stranded

Back

missense mutation

Front

subsitution of wrong nucleotide into DNA; still produces a protein

Back

rRNA

Front

make of ribosomes

Back

polygenetic traits

Front

traits that are affected by more then one gene (eye color or skin color)

Back

spermatogenesis

Front

the process of male gamete formation (four sperm from one cell)

Back

monohybrid cross

Front

cross involving one character (3:1 phenotype ratio)

Back

autosomal chromosome

Front

chromosome not involved in gender

Back

DNA

Front

contains A, G, C, and T; arranged in double helix of two strands held together by hydrogen bonds

Back

diploid (2n)

Front

two copies of each chromosome

Back

X inactivation

Front

one of two X chromosomes is randomly inactivated and remains coiled as a Barr body

Back

cell division control mechanisms

Front

growth factors, checkpoints, density-dependent inhibition, and cyclins and protein kinases

Back

life cycles

Front

sequences of events that make up the reproductive cycle of an organism

Back

law of segregation

Front

the two alleles for a trait separate during the formation of gametes--one to each gamete

Back

plants life cycle

Front

zygote (2n) -> sporophyte (2n) -> spores (n) -> gametophyte (n) -> gametes (n) -> zygote (2n)

Back

dihybrid cross

Front

cross involving two different characters (9:3:3:1 phenotype ratio)

Back

holandric trait

Front

trait that is inherited via the Y chromosome

Back

homologous chromosomes

Front

chromosomes that are similar in shape, size, and function

Back

linkage map

Front

genetic map put together using crossover frequencies

Back

growth factors

Front

factors then when present, promote growth, and when absent, impede growth

Back

autosomal dominant disorders

Front

Huntington disease and achondroplasia

Back

codominace

Front

both alleles express themselves fully in a Yy individual

Back

linked genes

Front

genes that lie along the same chromsome and do not follow the law of independent assortment

Back

tRNA

Front

brings acids to ribosomes

Back

character

Front

heritable feature, such as flower color

Back

source of variation

Front

crossover, 2^n possible gametes that can be formed, random pairing of gametes

Back

law of dominance

Front

if two opposite pure-breeding varieties are crossed, all offspring resemble dominant parent

Back

fungi life cycle

Front

zygote (2n) -> multicellular orgainsm (n) -> gametes (n) -> zygote (2n)

Back

autosomal recessive disorders

Front

Tay-Sachs, Cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, phenylketonuria

Back

density-dependent inhibition

Front

cell stops growing when certain density is reached

Back

crossover

Front

a form of genetic recombination that occurs during prophase I of meiosis

Back

frameshift mutation

Front

deletion or addition of nucleotides; shifts reading frame

Back

law of indendent assortment

Front

inheritance of one trait does not interfere with the inheritance of another trait

Back

oogenesis

Front

the process of female gamete formation (one ovum from each cell)

Back

pleiotropy

Front

a single gene has multiple effects on an organism

Back

nondisjunction

Front

error in which homologous chromosomes do not separate properly

Back

epistasis

Front

a gene at one locus alters the phenotypic expression of a gene at another locus

Back

cyclins and protein kinases

Front

cyclin combines with CDK to form a structure known as MPF that pushes cell into mitosis when enough is present

Back

incomplete dominance

Front

Yy produces a intermediate phenotype between YY and yy

Back

sex determination

Front

males are XY, females are XX

Back

human life cycle

Front

zygote (2n) -> multicellular orgainsm (2n) -> gametes (n) -> zygote (2n)

Back

checkpoints

Front

a cell stops growing to make sure it has the nutrients and raw materials to proceed

Back

cytokinesis

Front

physical separation of newly formed daughter cells of cell division

Back

Section 28

(50 cards)

selection types

Front

directional, stabilizing, disruptive, sexual, and artifical

Back

repressor

Front

protein that prevents the binding of RNA polymerase to promoter site

Back

retrovirus

Front

RNA virus that carries with it reverse transcriptase (HIV)

Back

promoter

Front

base sequence that signals start site for transcription

Back

polymerase chain reaction (PCR)

Front

produces large quanties of sequence in short amount of time

Back

stabilizing selection

Front

selection for the mean of the population; reduces variation of a population

Back

artifical selection

Front

human intervention in the form of selective breeding

Back

prion

Front

virus that converts host brain proteins into misshapen proteins

Back

phage

Front

virus that infects bacteria

Back

natural selection

Front

process by which characters or traits maintained or eliminated in a population based on their contribution to the differential survival and reproductive succes of their "host" organism

Back

bacteria

Front

prokaryotic cell consists of one double strand circular DNA molecule; reproduce by binary fission

Back

balanced polymorphism

Front

two phenotypic variants become so different that the two groups stop interbreeding

Back

nonsense mutation

Front

subsitution of wrong nucleotide into DNA that produces an early stop codon

Back

genetic drift

Front

change in allele frequencies because of chance events

Back

transcription

Front

process by which mRNA is synthesized on a DNA template

Back

mutation

Front

random changes in DNA can introduce new alleles into a population

Back

sexual selection

Front

certain characters are selected for because they aid in mate acquisition

Back

viruses

Front

parastic infectious agent unable to survive outside the host; can obtain DNA or RNA, or have a viral envelope

Back

translation

Front

process by which the mRNA specified sequence of amino acids is lined up on a ribosome for protein synthesis

Back

restriction enzymes

Front

enzymes that cut DNA at a paticular sequences, creating sticky ends

Back

adaptive radiation

Front

rapid series of speciation events that occur when one or more ancestral species invades a new environment

Back

codon

Front

triplet of nucleotides that codes for a particular amino acid

Back

operator

Front

short sequence near the promoter that assists in transcription by interacting with transcription factors

Back

conjugation

Front

transfer of DNA between two bacterial cell connected by sex pili

Back

vector

Front

mover of DNA from one source to another

Back

transformation

Front

uptake of foreign DNA from the surrounding environment

Back

lytic cycle

Front

one in which the virus is actively reproducing and kills the host cell

Back

inducer

Front

molecule that binds to and inactivates a repressor

Back

cloning

Front

somewhat slow process by which a desired sequence of DNA is copied numerous times

Back

RNA processing

Front

introns (noncoding) are spliced out, exon (coding) glued together

Back

operon

Front

on/off switch for transcription, allows for production of genes only when needed

Back

hertiability

Front

the traits to be selected for must be able to be passed along to offspring

Back

directional selection

Front

members at one end of a spectrum are selected against, and the population shifts toward that end

Back

viroids

Front

tiny plant viruses

Back

sympatric speciation

Front

interbreeding stops even though no physical barrier prevents it

Back

adaption

Front

a trait that, if altered, affects the fitness of an organism

Back

allopatric speciation

Front

interbreeding stops because some physical barrier splits the population into two

Back

lysogenic cycle

Front

one in which the virus lie dormant within the DNA of the host cell

Back

gel electrophoresis

Front

technique used to separate DNA according to size. DNA moves from - to +

Back

transduction

Front

movement of genes from one cell to another by phages, which incorporated by crossover

Back

disruptive selection

Front

selects for the two extremes of the population; selects against the middle

Back

variation

Front

differences must exist between individuals

Back

specialized transduction

Front

virus leaving lysogenic cycle brings host DNA with it into phage

Back

differential reproductive success

Front

there must be variation amoung parents in how many offspring they produce as a result of the different traits that the parent have

Back

mutation

Front

change in allele frequencies due to random genetic change in an allele

Back

modes of evolution

Front

genetic drift, gene flow, mutation, natural selection

Back

generalized transduction

Front

lytic cycle accidently places host DNA into a phage, which is brought to another cell

Back

balanced polymorphism

Front

the maintainance of two or more phenotypic variants

Back

gene flow

Front

change in allele frequencies as genes move from one population to another

Back

polyploidy

Front

condition in which individual has higher than normal number of chromosomes sets

Back

Section 29

(50 cards)

plant hormones

Front

abscisic acid, auxin, cytokinins, ethylene, gibberellins

Back

gibberellins

Front

stem elongation, induce growth in dormant seeds, buds, flowers

Back

divergent evolution

Front

two related spevies evolve in a way that makes them less similar

Back

endosymbiotic theory

Front

eukaryotes originated from symbiotic partnership of prokaryotic cells

Back

parenchyma cells

Front

play a role in storage, secrection, and photosynthesis in cells

Back

collenchyma cells

Front

provide flexible and mechanical support; found in stems and leaves

Back

taxonomy

Front

classification of organisms based upon the presence or absence of shared characterstics: kingdom -> phylum -> class -> order -> family -> genus -> species

Back

phototropism

Front

plant's growth in response to light

Back

vascular cambium

Front

gives rise to secondary xylem/phloem; runs entire length of plant

Back

anatomy of plants

Front

tissue systems are divided into ground, vascular, and dermal

Back

cork cambium

Front

produces protective covering that replaces epidermis during secondary growth

Back

thigmotropism

Front

plant's growth in response to touch

Back

five kingdom system

Front

monera -> Protista -> plantae -> Fungi -> animalia

Back

dermal tissue

Front

protective outer coating for plants: epidermis

Back

photoperiodism

Front

response of a plant to the change in length of days

Back

ground tissue

Front

the body of the plants is divided into collenchyma cells, parenchyma cells, and sclerenchyma cells

Back

phloem

Front

transports sugar in plants

Back

lipase

Front

major fat digesting enzyme of the body

Back

fibrous root system

Front

anchoring systsem that does not go deep down into the soil

Back

homologous character

Front

traits similar between organisms that arose from a common ancestor

Back

plant trophisms

Front

gravitropism, phototrophism, thigmotropism

Back

taproot system

Front

dicots; system that divides into lateral roots that anchor the plant

Back

pepsin

Front

main digestive enzyme of the stomach that breaks down proteins

Back

cytokinins

Front

promote cell division, leaf enlargement, slow aging of leaves

Back

sclerenchyma cells

Front

protects seeds and support the plants

Back

gradualism

Front

evolutionary change is slow and steady process

Back

secondary growth

Front

increased width of plant (occurs in region of lateral meristems)

Back

vestigil character

Front

character contained by organism that is no longer functionally useful

Back

vascular tissue

Front

xylem and phloem

Back

hetertroph theory

Front

theory that describes how life evolved from original heterotrophs

Back

amylase

Front

enzyme that breaks down starches in the diet

Back

punctuated equilibria

Front

evolutionary change occurs in rapid bursts separated by large periods of no change

Back

auxin

Front

stem elongation, gravitrophism, phototropism

Back

six kingdom system

Front

Archaebacteria -> Eubacteria -> Protista -> Planae -> Fungi -> Animalia

Back

trypsin and chymotrypsin

Front

major protein digesting endopeptidases of the small intestine

Back

convergent character

Front

traits similar to two or more organisms that do not share common ancestor; parallel evolution

Back

xylem

Front

transports water and minerals in plants

Back

respiratory pathway

Front

nose/mouth -> pharynx -> larynyx -> trachea -> bronchi -> bronchioles -> alveoli

Back

circulatory system

Front

bloodflow= left side of heart -> aorta -> via arteries to organs and muscles -> into vena cava -> right side of heart -> lungs -> left side of heart

Back

types of roots

Front

taproot system and fibrous root system

Back

convergent evolution

Front

two unrelated species evolve in a way that makes them more similar

Back

ethylene

Front

ripens fruit and causes leaves to fall

Back

bile salts

Front

major emulsifer of fat

Back

abscisic acid

Front

inhibits cell growth, helps close stomata

Back

Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium

Front

p + q = 1, p2 + 2pq + q2 = 1; evolution is not occuring; the rules for this are no mutations, no gene flow, no genetic drift, no natural selection, and random mating

Back

small intestine

Front

most of the digestion and absorption of food occurs in the _________

Back

maltase, lactase, and sucrase

Front

carbohydrate digesting enzymes of the small intestines

Back

primary growth

Front

increased length of plants (occurs in region of apical meristem)

Back

gravitropism

Front

a plant's growth in response to gravity

Back

digestive system

Front

digestion begins in mouth, continues in the stomach, and completes in the intestine

Back

Section 30

(50 cards)

testosterone

Front

stimulates sperm production; develops male secondary sex characterstics

Back

large intestine

Front

reabsorbs water and packs the indigestible food into feces

Back

ANS

Front

controls involuntary activities of body

Back

ethology

Front

study of animal behavior

Back

FSH

Front

stimulates production of eggs or sperm

Back

parathyroid hormone (PTH)

Front

increases blood Ca2+ involved in bone maintenance

Back

TSH

Front

increases release of thyroid hormone

Back

ADH

Front

controls water absorption in the excretory system

Back

anterior pituitary hormones

Front

FSH, LH, TSH, STH, ACTH, and prolactin

Back

hypothalamus

Front

regulates hunger, thirst, and temperature

Back

STH

Front

increases growth

Back

LH

Front

stimulates ovulation, increases estrogen/progesterone release

Back

ACTH

Front

increases secrection of adrenal cortical hormones

Back

primary immune response (humoral immunity)

Front

antigen invader -> B cell meets antigen -> B cell differentiates into the plasma cells and memory cells -> plamsa cells produce anitbodies -> antibodies eliminate antigen

Back

amygdala

Front

emotion control center

Back

behavioral ecology

Front

the study of interaction between animals and their environment

Back

LH

Front

stimulates the ovulation and production of estrogen and progesterone in females; stimulates production of testosterone and sperm in males

Back

primary sex characteristics

Front

sexual organs that assist in reproduction

Back

fixed action pattern

Front

preprogrammed response to a stimulus

Back

aldosterone

Front

controls sodium reabsorption in the excretory system

Back

glucagon

Front

increases glycogen breakdown

Back

insulin

Front

increases glycogen formation

Back

pancreatic hormones

Front

insulin and glucagon

Back

cell-mediated immunity

Front

involves T cells and direct cellular response to an invasion. defense against viruses

Back

cerebellum

Front

controls coordination and balance

Back

oxytocin

Front

stimulates uterine contraction and milk ejection

Back

estrogen

Front

made in ovaries; increases release of LH; develops female secondary sex characteristics

Back

positive feedback

Front

horomone acts directly, or indirectly, cause increased secretion of the hormone

Back

cortisol

Front

chronic stress hormone

Back

FSH

Front

stimulate oogenesis in females and spermatogenesis in males; creates follicle that surrounds the primary oocyte during development

Back

excretory system

Front

kidneys -> minor and major calyces -> renal pelvis -> bladder via the ureter -> out of the body via the urethra

Back

habituation

Front

loss of responsiveness to unimportant stimuli or stimuli that provide no feedback

Back

imprinting

Front

innate behavior learned during critical period early in life

Back

SNS

Front

controls skeletal muscles and voluntary actions

Back

sex hormones

Front

progestrone, estrogen, and testosterone

Back

associative learning

Front

one stimulus is associated with another (classical conditioning)

Back

negative feedback

Front

hormone acts to directly, or indirectly, inhibit further release of the hormone of interest

Back

nephron

Front

functional part of the kidney

Back

secondary sex characteristics

Front

physical characteristics that differ men and women

Back

secondary immune response

Front

antigen invader -> memory cells recogize antigen and pump out antibodies much quicker than primary response -> antibodies eliminate antigen

Back

prolactin

Front

controls lactogenesis, decreases secretion of GnRH

Back

progestrone

Front

involved in menstrual cycle and pregnancy

Back

medulla

Front

controls involuntary actions such as breathing

Back

posterior pituitary hormones

Front

ADH and oxytocin

Back

nonspecific immunity

Front

nonspecific prevention of enterance of invaders into the body

Back

specific immunity

Front

multilayered defense mechanism-- first line of defense: phagocyctes, macrophages, neutrophils, complement; second line of defense: B cells and T cells

Back

adrenal gland hormones

Front

aldosterone and cortisol

Back

GnRH

Front

causes pituitary to release LH and FSH

Back

excretory system hormones

Front

ADH and aldosterone

Back

aldosterone

Front

regulates blood sodium concentration

Back

Section 31

(50 cards)

visual communication

Front

communication through the visual cues, such as the tail feather displays of peacocks

Back

water biomes

Front

freshwater and marine biomes

Back

operant conditioning

Front

trial-and-error learning

Back

desert

Front

driest land biome

Back

mutualism

Front

both organisms reap benefits from the interaction

Back

abiotic components

Front

nonliving players in an ecosystem

Back

population

Front

collection of individuals of the same species living in the same geographic region

Back

taiga

Front

lengthy cold, wet winters; lots of conifers

Back

trophic levels

Front

hierarchy of energy levels on a planet

Back

observational learning

Front

learning by watching someone else do it first

Back

dominance hierarchies

Front

ranking of power amoung the members of a group; subject to change

Back

insight learning

Front

ability to reason through a problem the first time through with no prior experience

Back

community

Front

collection of populations of species in a geographic area

Back

biosphere

Front

communities and the ecosystems of the planet

Back

tactile communciation

Front

communication through the use of touch, such as a handshake

Back

aposematic coloration

Front

warning coloration adopted by animals that posses a chemical defense mechanism

Back

taxis

Front

reflex movement toward or away from a stimulus

Back

chemical communication

Front

communication through the use of chemical signals, such as pheramones

Back

reciprocal altruism

Front

animals behave altruistically toward others who are not relatives

Back

temperate grasslands

Front

most fertile soil of all biomes

Back

Oxygen

Front

Oxygen is an element with symbol O and atomic number 8. It is a highly reactive nonmetal and oxidizing agent. In living organisms, oxygen is used in respiration and in a number of organic molecules.

Back

deceptive markings

Front

patterns that cause an animal to appear larger or more dangerous than it really is

Back

migration

Front

cyclic movement of animals over long distances according to the time of year

Back

biotic components

Front

living organisms of ecosystem

Back

Mullerian mimicry

Front

two aposemetrically colored species have similar coloration pattern

Back

ecosystem

Front

community and its environment

Back

commensalism

Front

one organism benefits while the other is unaffected

Back

parasitism

Front

one organism benefits at another's expense

Back

savanna

Front

grasslands, home to herbivores

Back

primary succession

Front

occurs in area devoid of life that contains no soil

Back

Batesian mimicry

Front

animal that is harmless copies the apperance of an animal that is dangerous

Back

kinesis

Front

change in the speed of movement in response to a stimulus; organisms will move faster in bad environments and slower in good environments

Back

cryptic coloration

Front

colring scheme that allows organism to blend into colors of environment

Back

deciduous forest

Front

cold winters and warm summers

Back

agnostic behavior

Front

conflict behavior over access to a resource; often a matter of which aniaml can mount the most threatening display and scare the other into submission

Back

foraging

Front

feeding behavior of an individual

Back

biotic potential

Front

maximum growth rate for a population

Back

limiting factors

Front

factors that keep population size in check

Back

secondary succession

Front

occurs in area that once had stable life but was disturbed by major force fire

Back

Elements

Front

Elements are substances that cannot be broken down into simpler substances by chemical means.

Back

audiotory communication

Front

communication through the use of sound, such as the chirping of frogs in the summer

Back

territoriality

Front

defense of territory to keep others out

Back

tropical forest

Front

great diversity of species in biomes

Back

inclusive fitness

Front

the ability of individuals to pass their genes not only through the production of their offspring, but also by providing aid to enable closely related individuals to produce offspring

Back

tundra

Front

permafrost, cold winters, short shrubs

Back

carrying capcity

Front

maximum number of individuals that a population can sustain in a given environment

Back

altruistic behavior

Front

action in which an organism helps another at its own expense

Back

predation

Front

one species, the predator, hunts the other, the prey

Back

competition

Front

both species are harmed by the interaction

Back

optimal foraging

Front

natural selection favors those who choose foraging strategies that maximize the differential betwen cost and benefits

Back

Section 32

(50 cards)

Disaccharides

Front

Disaccharides are formed by two sugar molecules combining together through dehydration synthesis. An example of a disaccharide is maltose, make by linking two glucose molecules.

Back

Adhesion

Front

Adhesion refers to the tendency of water molecules to stick to other substances, which accounts for the phenomenon of capillary action.

Back

Non-polar covalent

Front

A non-polar covalent bond is a covalent bond in which the electrons are shared equally between the atoms.

Back

Side chain

Front

Side chain is another name for an R group, and is a group of atoms attached to the main part of a molecule and having a ring or chain structure.

Back

Dehydration synthesis

Front

Dehydration synthesis, or condensation, is the process by which two molecules come together by the loss of a water molecule, such as the forming of maltose from two glucose molecules.

Back

Carbohydrates

Front

Carbohydrates are organic compounds that contain carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, usually in a ratio of 1:2:1.

Back

Ionic bond

Front

An ionic bond is formed between two atoms when one or more electrons are transferred from one atom to the other. In this case, one atom becomes negatively charged and one atom becomes positively charged.

Back

Atom

Front

An atom is the smallest unit of an element that retains its characteristic properties; they are the building blocks of the physical world.

Back

Hydrolysis

Front

Hydrolysis is the opposite process of dehydration synthesis by which molecules are broken up by the addition of a water molecule, such as the formation of two glucose molecules from a maltose.

Back

Fructose

Front

Fructose is a monosaccharide that is a common sugar in fruits. It is a six-carbon sugar with the chemical formula C-6, H-12, O-6.

Back

Nucleus

Front

The nucleus is the positively charged core in an atom made up of neutrons and protons.

Back

Neutrons

Front

Neutrons are uncharged subatomic particles found in an atom's nucleus.

Back

Inorganic compounds

Front

Inorganic compounds are compounds that do not contain carbon atoms (except for some simple carbon compounds such as carbon oxides)

Back

pH scale

Front

The pH scale is a logarithmic scale to measure acidity, with 1 being most acidic, 14 being most basic, and 7 being neutral.

Back

Monosaccharides

Front

Monosaccharides are the simplest sugars which serve as an energy source for cells. The two most common monosaccharides are glucose and fructose.

Back

Glycosidic bond

Front

A glycosidic bond is a covalent bond in which a carbohydrate binds to another group, which could also be a carbohydrate. A glycosidic bond is found between the two glucose molecules in maltose.

Back

R group

Front

An R-group is any group in which the carbon or hydrogen is attached to the rest of the molecule.

Back

Capillary action

Front

Capillary action is the ability of water, or other liquids, to travel against gravity in a thin vessel and accounts for the ability of water to rise up the roots, trunks, and branches of trees.

Back

Electrons

Front

Electrons are negatively charged subatomic particles that spin around the nucleus.

Back

Chemical bond

Front

The atoms of a compound are held together by chemical bonds, which may be ionic bonds, covalent bonds, or hydrogen bonds.

Back

Glycogen

Front

Glycogen is a multi-branch polysaccharide of glucose that is the main storage of glucose in the body.

Back

Trace elements

Front

Trace elements are elements required by an organism in very small quantities. Trace elements include iron, iodine, and copper.

Back

Surface tension

Front

Surface tension is a property of water, due to the cohesiveness of its molecules, that allows things (sometimes organisms) to float and stride on its surface without sinking.

Back

Acidic

Front

A solution is acidic if it contains excess hydrogen ions. It will have a pH less than 7.

Back

Neutral

Front

A solution is neutral, neither basic nor acidic, if it has a pH of 7.

Back

Carboxyl group

Front

Carboxyl groups are weak acids that are common in many organic molecules including amino acids and fatty acids.

Back

Heat capacity

Front

Heat capacity refers to the ability of a substance to store heat and is the quantity of heat required to change the temperature of a substance by 1 degree. Water has a high heat capacity, allowing it to keep a fairly stable temperature in our bodies and in the environment.

Back

Amino acids

Front

Amino acids are organic molecules that serve as the building blocks of proteins. They contain carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen atoms. Every amino acid has four parts: an amino group, a carboxyl group, a hydrogen, and an R group.

Back

Polymer

Front

A polymer is a molecule with repeating subunits of the same general type, such as polysaccharides.

Back

Starch

Front

Starch is a polysaccharide of alpha glucose molecules bound together and is produced by most green plants as an energy store.

Back

Polar covalent

Front

A polar covalent bond is a covalent bond in which the electrons are shared unequally - one atom attracts electrons more than the other.

Back

Organic compounds

Front

Organic compounds are compounds that contain carbon and include carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.

Back

Protons

Front

Protons are positively charged subatomic particles that are found in an atom's nucleus.

Back

Chemical reaction

Front

A chemical reaction describes a chemical change in which reactants react to form products chemically different from the reactants.

Back

Polysaccharides

Front

Polysaccharides are made up of many repeated unites of monosaccharides, and is therefore a type of polymer. The most common polysaccharides are starch, cellulose, and glycogen. Polysaccharides are often storage forms of sugar.

Back

Cellulose

Front

Cellulose is a polysaccharide of beta glucose molecules that is a major part of the cell wall in plants and is used to lend structural support.

Back

Ions

Front

An ion is a charged form of an atom.

Back

Glucose

Front

Glucose is the most abundant monosaccharide and is a six-carbon sugar with the chemical formula C-6, H-12, O-6. Glucose comes in two forms: alpha glucose and beta glucose, which differ simply by a reversal of the H and OH of the first carbon.

Back

Hydrogen

Front

Hydrogen is an element with symbol H and atomic number 1. Hydrogen combines with non-metallic elements to form water and other organic compounds.

Back

Compound

Front

A chemical compound is formed when two or more different types of atoms are combined in a fixed ration.

Back

Hydrogen bonds

Front

Hydrogen bonds are intermolecular attractions that form when a hydrogen bond that is covalently bonded to one electronegative atom that it also attracted to another electronegative atom. Hydrogen bonds are individually weak but are strong when present in large numbers.

Back

Carbon

Front

Carbon is an non mental element with symbol O and atomic number 6. It is the second most abundant element in living organisms and is present in all organic compounds.

Back

Amino group

Front

An amino group is a functional group and is found in organic compounds known as amines.

Back

Cohesion

Front

Cohesion refers to the tendency of water molecules to stick together and allows water to have a high surface tension.

Back

Plastids

Front

Plastids are double membrane bound organelles that temporarily store starch in plants. Plastids include chloroplasts, chromoplasts, and leucoplasts.

Back

Basic

Front

A solution is basic if it releases hydroxide ions when added to water. These solutions are said to be alkaline and are usually slippery.

Back

Covalent bond

Front

A covalent bond is formed when electrons are shared between atoms and can be polar or non-polar.

Back

Polar

Front

A molecule is polar if it has partially positive and partially negative charged ends, such as water.

Back

Nitrogen

Front

Nitrogen is an element with the symbol N and atomic number 7. In biology, nitrogen is important as it is found in a number of organic compounds and is used in fertilizers and antibiotics.

Back

Isotopes

Front

Atoms that have the same number of protons but differ in the number of neutrons in the nucleus are called isotopes.

Back

Section 33

(50 cards)

Hydrophilic

Front

A hydrophilic molecule is a molecule that mixes with water because it is polar, such as a phosphate head in a lipid.

Back

Cholesterol

Front

Cholesterol is a steroid that is found in the phospholipid bilayer because it helps stabilize membrane fluidity in animal cells.

Back

Cells

Front

The cell is the basic unit of structure of function in life and is what all living things are composed of.

Back

Organelles

Front

Organelles are small units suspended in the cytoplasm which carry out a specific function to help the cell.

Back

Phospholipid bilayer

Front

The phospholipid bilayer is the double layered plasma membrane that surround cells.

Back

Neutral fats

Front

Neutral fats are non polar, uncharged triglycerides that have no acidic or basic groups.

Back

Carbohydrate side chains

Front

A carbohydrate side chain is attached to the surface of some proteins found only on the outer surface of the plasma membrane.

Back

Cytoplasm

Front

Cytoplasm is a thick solution that fills each cell and contains the organelles. The cytoplasm is composed of water, salt, and proteins and helps contain the organelles and may have important enzymes to break down large molecules.

Back

Polyunsaturated

Front

A polyunsaturated fatty acid has many double bonds within the fatty acids.

Back

Protein

Front

A protein is a polypeptide, a chain of amino acids, that twists and folds on itself.

Back

Peptide bond

Front

A peptide bond is the bond between two amino acids.

Back

Fats

Front

A neutral fat is the simplest lipid and consists of three fatty acids and one molecule of glycerol, also known as a triglyceride.

Back

Glycerol

Front

Glycerol is a simple polyol (sugar alcohol) compound that is found in fats.

Back

Peripheral proteins

Front

Peripheral proteins are proteins that are loosely associated with the lipid bilayer and only temporarily attach to the membrane. They are located on the inner or outer surface of the membrane.

Back

Chromosomes

Front

DNA is organized into large structures called chromosomes in the nucleus.

Back

Ribonucleic acid (RNA)

Front

RNA is a nucleic acid that has a ribose sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogen base. RNA is important because it has an essential role in protein synthesis.

Back

Nucleic acids

Front

Nucleic acids are organic compounds that contain carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and phosphorus. They are made up of simple units called nucleotides and include deoxyribonucleic acid and ribonucleic acid.

Back

Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)

Front

DNA is a nucleic acid that has a deoxyribose sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogen base. DNA is important because it contains genes, and it is kept in the nucleus of cells.

Back

Autotrophs

Front

Autotrophs, or producers, are organism that are able to make their own food using solar or chemical energy.

Back

Dipeptide

Front

When two amino acids join they form a dipeptide. In a dipeptide, the carboxyl group of one amino acid combines with the amino group of another amino acid.

Back

Hydrophobic

Front

A hydrophobic molecule is a molecule that does not mix with water because it is non polar, such as a fatty acids.

Back

Saturated

Front

If a fatty acid is saturated, it means it has a single covalent bond between each pair of carbon atoms.

Back

Polypeptide

Front

If a group of amino acids are joined together in a chain, the resulting organic compound is a polypeptide, which is the primary structure of a protein.

Back

Steriods

Front

Steroids are a class of lipids that have a basic structure of four linked carbon rings and include cholesterol, vitamin D, and a variety of hormones.

Back

Channel proteins

Front

Channel proteins are membrane proteins that form channels that selectively allow the passage of certain ions or molecules.

Back

Miller and Urey

Front

Miller and Urey were scientists who, in 1953, simulated the conditions of primitive Earth in a laboratory. They put the gases theorized to be abundant in the early atmosphere into a flask, struck them with electrical charges in order to mimic lighting, and organic compounds similar to amino acids appeared.

Back

Phospholipid

Front

Phospholipids are a class of lipids that contain two fatty acids tails and one negatively charged phosphate head. They are extremely important in their unique properties with regard to water.

Back

Ester linkage

Front

The linkage formed between the glycerol molecule and the fatty acids in a fat is the ester linkage. This bond is formed through dehydration synthesis.

Back

Unsaturated

Front

If a fatty acid is unsaturated it means it has adjacent carbons that are joined by double bonds instead of single bonds.

Back

Transmembrane proteins

Front

Transmembrane proteins are integral proteins that do not extend all the way through the membrane.

Back

Flagella

Front

Flagella are long projections on a cell used for motility. They are often found on single cell organisms but are sometimes present in larger organisms, such as on sperm.

Back

Oils

Front

Oils are a type of lipid and are triglycerides that are liquid.

Back

Recognition and adhesion proteins

Front

Recognition and adhesion proteins, such as glycoproteins, are exposed on the extracellular surface and play a role in cell recognition and adhesion

Back

Electron microscopes

Front

Electron microscopes are used to study detailed structures of a cell that cannot be easily seen or observed by light microscopy. They are capable of resolving structures a small as a few nanometers in length, such as individual virus particles or the pores on the surface of the nucleus.

Back

Prokaryotic cells

Front

Prokaryotic cells are much smaller than eukaryotic cells and lack both a nucleus and membrane bound organelles. In a prokaryote, circular DNA lies free in the nucleoid . Most prokaryotes have a cell wall composed of peptidoglycan and may also have ribosomes or flagella.

Back

Receptor proteins

Front

Receptor proteins are membrane proteins that serve as docking sites for proteins of the extracellular matrix or hormones.

Back

Oparin and Haldane

Front

Oparin and Haldane were two scientists who proposed in the 1920s that the primitive atmosphere contained the following gases: methane, ammonia, hydrogen, and water. They believed that these gases collided, producing chemical reactions that eventually led to organic molecules.

Back

Eukaryotic cells

Front

Eukaryotic cells contain a nucleus and cytoplasm filled with membrane bound organelles. Eukaryotic cells include fungi, protists, plant cells, and animal cells.

Back

Fluid-mosaic model

Front

The fluid-mosaic model refers to the arrangement of phospholipids and proteins in the plasma membrane of cells.

Back

Heterotrophs

Front

Heterotrophs are living organism that rely on organic molecules for food, and are also known as consumers.

Back

Plasma membrane

Front

The plasma membrane is a double layered structure made up of phospholipids and proteins that serves as an outer envelope for cells. In the membrane, hydrophobic fatty acid tails face inwards and hydrophilic phosphate heads face outwards. The membrane is semi-permeable and regulated the movement of substances in and out of the cell.

Back

Nucleotides

Front

Nucleotides are simple units that make up nucleic acids. A nucleotide consists of a nitrogen base, a phosphate group, and a five carbon sugar (ribose or deoxyribose).

Back

Light microscopes

Front

Light microscopes, also known as compound microscopes, are used to study stained or living cells. They can magnify the size of an organism up to 1,000 times.

Back

Amphipathic

Front

An amphipathic molecule has both a hydrophilic region and a hydrophobic region, such as a phospholipid.

Back

Integral proteins

Front

Integral proteins are firmly bound to the plasma membrane and are amphipathic.

Back

Functional group

Front

A functional group is a distinctive group of atoms that play a large role in determining the chemical behavior of the compound they are a part of. In amino acids, functional groups include the carboxyl group and the amino group.

Back

Transport proteins

Front

Transport proteins are membrane proteins that form pumps that use ATP to actively transport solutes across the membrane.

Back

Lipid

Front

A lipid is an organic molecule consisting of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms and includes fats, oils, phospholipids, and steroids. Lipids are important because they function as structural components of cell membranes, sources of insulation, and a means of energy storage.

Back

Nucleoid

Front

The nucleoid is the area in a prokaryotic cell in which the circular DNA molecule lies free in the cell.

Back

Adhesion proteins

Front

Adhesion proteins are membrane proteins that form junctions between adjacent cells.

Back

Section 34

(50 cards)

Endergonic reactions

Front

Endergonic reactions are those in which the products have more energy than the reactants, so energy is required as an input.

Back

Microtubule Organizing Centers (MTOCs)

Front

The MTOC is a structure found in eukaryotic cells from which microtubules emerge. MTOCs have two main functions: the organization of eukaryotic cilia and flagella, and the organization of the mitotic and meiotic spindle apparatus.

Back

Coenzymes

Front

Factors that assist enzymes in catalyzing a reaction are known as coenzymes. Vitamins are examples of organic coenzymes. Coenzymes accept electrons and pass them along to another substrate. NAD+ and NADP+ are two examples of such enzymes.

Back

Nucleolus

Front

The nucleolus is the most visible structure within a cell's nucleus and is where rRNA is made and ribosomes are assembled.

Back

Vacuoles

Front

Vacuoles are fluid-filed sacs that store water, food, wastes, salts, or pigment. They are found in both animal and plant cells, but much larger in plant cells.

Back

Tubulin

Front

Tubulin is the protein of which microtubules are made up of.

Back

Paramecium

Front

Paramecium is a unicellular ciliated protozoan.

Back

Microtubules

Front

Microtubules, which are made up of the protein tubulin, participates in cellular division and movement. These small fibers are an integral part of centrioles, cilia, and flagella.

Back

Simple diffusion

Front

Simple diffusion, or passive transport, refers to the movement of substance down the concentration gradient, which uses no energy.

Back

Mitochondria

Front

The mitochondria is an organelle that converts the energy from organic molecules into useful energy for the cell through cellular respiration.

Back

Intercellular junctions

Front

Intercellular junctions are strucutres between cells that allow neighboring cells to form strong connections with each other, prevent passage of materials, or establish rapid communication between adjacent cells. The three types of intercellular contact in animal cells are: desmosomes, gap junctions, and tight junctions.

Back

Cytoskeleton

Front

The cytoskeleton is a network of fibers that holds the cell together and enables it to keep its shape. These fibers include microtubules and microfilaments.

Back

Exocytosis

Front

Exocytosis is the transportation of large particles out of the cell, by the fusion of a vesicle with the plasma membrane.

Back

Osmosis

Front

Osmosis is the diffusion that involves the movement of water. When osmosis occurs through a lipid bilayer it moves through membrane proteins called aquaporins.

Back

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER)

Front

The endoplasmic reticulum is a continuos channel that extends into many regions of the cytoplasm. The rough ER contains many ribosomes on its surface and generates proteins, which are then trafficked to or across the plasma membrane. The smooth ER lacks ribosomes and makes lipids, hormones, and steroids, and breaks down toxic chemicals.

Back

Pinocytosis

Front

Pinocytosis is endocytosis during which the cell ingests liquids.

Back

Exergonic reactions

Front

Exergonic reaction are those in which the products have less energy than the reactants, so energy is given off during the reaction.

Back

Receptor-mediated endocytosis

Front

Receptor-mediated endocytosis involves cell surface receptors that are covered in clathrin-coated pits. When a particle bind to one of these receptors, the ligand is brought into the cell by the folding in of the cell membrane, forming a vesicle.

Back

Enzyme specificity

Front

Enzyme specificity is the concept that each enzyme catalyzes only one kind of reaction.

Back

Adenosine triphosphate

Front

Adenosine triphosphate, or ATP, is the energy molecule used by the cell, synthesized in the mitochondria.

Back

Gap juntions

Front

Gap junctions are protein complexes that form channels in membranes and allow communication between the cytoplasm of adjacent animal cells or the transfer of small molecules and ions.

Back

Sodium-potassium pump

Front

The sodium-potassium pump is a channel protein that ushers out sodium ions and brings in potassium ions across the cell membrane, and depend on ATP to get ions across. This pump is found in neurons and skeletal muscle fibers.

Back

Chitin

Front

Chitin is a long polymer of a glucose derivative that is a principle component of the cell wall in fungi and of an arthropod's exoskeleton.

Back

Active site

Front

The active site is a region on the enzyme where the substrate binds.

Back

Microfilaments

Front

Microfilaments are thin, rodlike structures composed of the protein actin and are involved in cell mobility and muscle contraction.

Back

Bioenergetics

Front

Bioenergetics is the study of how cells release the energy stored in chemical bonds holding molecules together.

Back

Enzyme-substrate complex

Front

An enzyme-substrate complex is the term for the enzyme and substrate(s) bound together.

Back

Induced fit

Front

Induced fit refers to when an enzyme has to change its shape slightly to accommodate the shape of the substrates.

Back

Solutes

Front

A solute is a substance that is dissolved in a solvent.

Back

Dialysis

Front

Dialysis is the diffusion of solutes across a selectively permeable membrane.

Back

Vesicles

Front

Vesicles are little membrane sacs which carry materials around and out of the cell.

Back

Golgi bodies

Front

Golgi bodies , which look like stacks of flatten sacs, are organelles that participate in the processing of proteins in the cell. After the rough ER completes the synthesis of proteins, the Golgi bodies modify, process, ad sort the products. They then package and distribute the proteins to be sent out of the cell, packaging the products into vesicles.

Back

Phagocytosis

Front

Phagocytosis is endocytosis during which the cell takes in solids.

Back

Tight junctions

Front

Tight junctions are tight connections between the membrane of adjacent animal cells. They're so tight that there is no space between the cells, so they seal off body cavities and prevent leaks.

Back

Active transport

Front

Active transport is the movement of a substance against the concentration gradient, which required energy.

Back

Bulk flow

Front

Bulk flow is the one way movement of fluids brought about by pressure, such as the movement of blood through a blood vessel or fluids in xylem and phloem of plants.

Back

Substrates

Front

Substrates are the molecules targeted by an enzyme in an enzymatic reaction

Back

Desmosomes

Front

Desmosomes hold adjacent animal cells tightly to each other and consist of a pair of discs associated with the plasma membrane of adjacent cells. Intermediate filaments within and outside the cells are attached to the discs.

Back

Enzymes

Front

Enzymes are organic catalysts, molecules that speed up the rate of a reaction without altering the reaction itself.

Back

Facilitated transport

Front

Facilitated transport is the movement of lipid insoluble substances across the plasma membrane through special channel proteins.

Back

Euglena

Front

Euglena is a single celled flagellate in the protist kingdom.

Back

Lysosomes

Front

Lysosomes are organelles that carry digestive enzymes, which they use to break down old, worn out organelles, debris, or large ingested particles. The lysosomes help keep the cytoplasm clear of unwanted materials. Lysosomes contain hydrolytic enzymes that function at acidic pH, which is enclosed inside the lumen of the lysosome.

Back

Cell sap

Front

Cell sap is contained in the vacuole of mature plants and is a dilute fluid consisting of water, salts, glucose, and amino acids. Cell sap allows for storage and mechanical support in plants, especially non-woody plants.

Back

Cilia

Front

Cilia are threadlike structures made out of microtubules that provide locomotive properties in single-celled organisms.

Back

Choloroplasts

Front

Chloroplasts are organelles involved in photosynthesis that are possessed by plants. Chloroplasts contain chlorophyll, a light capturing pigment that gives plants their green color.

Back

Activation energy

Front

Activation energy is the energy needed to begin a chemical reaction.

Back

Centrioles

Front

Centrioles are small, paired cylindrical structures found within microtubule organizing centers. Centrioles are most active during cellular division, during which they produce microtubules, which pull apart the replicated chromosomes. Centrioles are not found in plant cells.

Back

Ribosomes

Front

Ribosomes are organelles that are the sites of protein synthesis - they manufacture all the proteins required by the cell or secreted by the cell. Ribosomes are round structures composed of RNA and proteins and can be either free floating or attached to the endoplasmic reticulum.

Back

Endocytosis

Front

Endocytosis is a means of a cell engulfing a substance too large to enter the cell. Endocytosis involves the cell membrane forming a pocket, pinching in, and forming either a vacuole or a vesicle.

Back

Cell wall

Front

A cell wall is a rigid layer just outside of the plasma membrane that provides support for the cell. It is found in plants, protists, bacteria, (made out of cellulose), and fungi (made out of chitin).

Back

Section 35

(50 cards)

Krebs cycle (citric acid cycle)

Front

The Krebs Cycle, also known as the citric acid cycle, takes place in the matrix of the mitochondria. In the Krebs Cycle, each of the two acetyl coenzyme A molecules enter the cycle and combine with oxaloacetate to form citric acid, which then loses two carbons as carbon dioxide. The cycle is now ready to begin again with the second Acetyl CoA. For each Acetyl CoA, the Krebs Cycle produces 1 ATP, 3 NADH, and 1 FADH2.

Back

Fermentation

Front

Fermentation is the process of ATP production under anaerobic conditions. In this process, after glycolysis pyruvic acid is converted to either lactic acid or ethyl alcohol and carbon dioxide. This process also produced NAD+, which allows glycolysis to continue. This process is not very efficient, and only results in a gain of 2 ATP for each molecule of glucose broken down.

Back

Aerobic respiration

Front

When ATP is made in the presence of oxygen, the process is called aerobic respiration. Aerobic respiration consists of four stages: Glycolysis, formation of acetyl CoA, the Krebs cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation.

Back

Competitive inhibition

Front

Competitive inhibition is a process by which a chemical substance has a shape that fits the active site of an enzyme and competes with the substrate, effectively inhibiting the enzyme.

Back

Oxidative phosphorylation

Front

Oxidative phosphorylation refers to the process by which ATP synthase uses the flow of protons into the matrix to combine ADP and P, producing ATP. Oxidative phosphorylation produces 32 ATP.

Back

Cytochromes

Front

Cytochromes are iron-containing carriers that are carrier molecules in the electron transport chain. These carrier molecules hand down electrons to the end of the chain, where they are accepted by oxygen molecules. This system releases energy which is used to pump hydrogens across the inner membrane, setting up a proton gradient responsible for the production of ATP.

Back

Lymph node

Front

A lymph node is a mass of tissue found along the course of a lymph vessel that contains a large number of lymphocytes, white blood cells that attack foreign pathogens.

Back

Inter-membrane space

Front

The inter-membrane space is the space between the inner and outer mitochondrial membrane. In cellular respiration, hydrogen atoms are pumped across the inner mitochondrial membrane into the inter-membrane space, creating a proton gradient that is responsible for the production of ATP.

Back

Cytotoxic T-cells

Front

Cytotoxic T-cells are a type of T-cells that recognize and kill infected cells.

Back

Matrix

Front

The matrix is the inner region of the mitochondria, inside the inner membrane. The citric acid cycle, or Krebs cycle, takes place inside the matrix of the mitochondria.

Back

Cell-mediated immunity

Front

Cell-mediated immunity is an immune response that does not involve antibodies, but rather involves the activation of phagocytes, cytotoxic T-cells, and various cytokines.

Back

Major histocompatibility complex

Front

The MHC is a set of cell surface proteins essential for acquired immune system to recognize foreign cells.

Back

Oxaloacetate

Front

Oxaloacetate is a four carbon molecule that combines with Acetyl CoA in the Krebs Cycle to form citric acid. This citric acid then loses two carbons as carbon dioxide, to form oxaloacetate again, so that the Krebs cycle can begin again.

Back

Inner mitochondrial membrane

Front

The inner mitochondrial membrane is the innermost membrane of the mitochondria. Oxidative phosphorylation and chemiosmosis take place at the inner mitochondrial membrane, which produces ATP via the flow of protons across the membrane.

Back

ATP synthase

Front

The ATP synthase is a channel on the inner mitochondrial membrane. Protons diffuse through the ATP synthase channel, moving into the matrix of the mitochondria. The ATP synthase uses the energy from this diffusion to combine ADP and P on the matrix side of the channel, creating ATP, a process known as oxidative phosphorylation. The total number of ATP produced by oxidative phosphorylation is 32 ATP.

Back

Feedback inhibition

Front

Feedback inhibition is a system in which the formation of an end product inhibits an earlier reaction in the enzymatic sequence.

Back

First law of thermodynamics

Front

The first law of thermodynamics states that energy cannot be created or destroyed.

Back

Pyruvic acid

Front

Pyruvic acid is a 3 carbon molecule produced by the splitting of a glucose in glycolysis. Pyruvate is important because it goes on to be broken down into acetyl CoA.

Back

Allosteric activator

Front

Allosteric activators bind to an enzyme and induce its active form.

Back

Lymphatic system

Front

The lymphatic system is a system in the body made up of a network of vessels that conduct lymph. The lymphatic system has three functions: to collect, filter, and return fluid to the blood by the contraction of adjacent muscles, to fight infection using lymphocytes, and to remove excess fluid from body tissue.

Back

Glycolysis

Front

Glycolysis, the splitting of glucose, is the first step in aerobic respiration. During glycolysis glucose, a 6-carbon molecule, is broken into two three carbon molecules called pyruvic acid. This breakdown of glucose also results in the net production of two molecules of ATP.

Back

pH gradient (proton gradient)

Front

The energy released from the electron transport chain is used to pump hydrogen ions across the inner mitochondrial membrane to the inter-membrane space. The pumping of hydrogen ions into the inter-membrane space creates a pH gradient, in which the inter-membrane space has a high hydrogen concentration and the matrix has a low hydrogen concentration. This gradient establishes the potential energy responsible for the production of ATP, as hydrogen molecules diffuse through the ATP synthase.

Back

Memory T-cells

Front

Once activated, T cells multiply and give rise to clone cells, some of which become memory T-cells. Memory T-cells recognize pathogen they have encountered before, allowing for a quicker immune response in a second exposure.

Back

Lymph

Front

Lymph is a clear, watery fluid formed from interstitial fluid that runs in networks of vessels as part of the lymphatic system. Lymph contains white blood cells that attack bacteria in the blood.

Back

Entropy

Front

Entropy is disorder, and is what the universe tends towards.

Back

Acetyl coenzyme A

Front

When oxygen is present, pyruvic acid is transported to the mitochondrion, where each pyruvic acid is converted into acetyl coenzyme A, a two carbon molecule. Two Acetyl CoA are produced from two pyruvic acid. Acetyl CoA then moves to the Krebs Cycle, where it combines with oxaloacetate to form citric acid.

Back

Antigen

Front

An antigen is a substance that causes an immune system to produce antibodies against it. These include foreign molecules such as viruses, bacteria, or chemicals.

Back

Interferons

Front

Interferons are a group of signaling proteins released by host cells in response to a pathogen. They inhibit viral replication and activate surrounding cells that have antiviral actions.

Back

Cellular respiration

Front

Cellular respiration is a process performed by all organisms that produced ATP through the breakdown of nutrients. In cellular respiration, a sugar is combined with oxygen and water to produce carbon dioxide, water, and energy in the form of ATP.

Back

Allosteric regulators

Front

Allosteric regulators are substances that can either inhibit or activate enzymes and that bind at the allosteric site.

Back

Helper T-cells

Front

Helper T-cells activate B-lymphocytes and other T-cells in responding to the infected cells.

Back

AIDS

Front

AIDS, or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, is a devastating disease that interferes with the body's immune system. AIDS is caused by the infection of helper T cells by HIV, which destroys the T cells and prevents the body from defending itself.

Back

Pathogen

Front

A pathogen is a disease-causing agent that activates an immune response in the body.

Back

Lactic acid

Front

Lactic acid is a by-product of fermentation. Two lactic acid molecules are produced for every one glucose that is broken down. Lactic acid is produced by some bacteria during anaerobic respiration and by muscles when they do not get enough oxygen.

Back

Complement proteins

Front

Complement proteins are proteins that lyse the cell wall of an antigen. They are part of the nonspecific defense mechanisms of the immune system.

Back

MHC markers

Front

In the MHC system, MHC molecules bind to peptide fragment from foreign pathogens and display them on the cell surface for recognition by T cells.

Back

Outer membrane

Front

The outer membrane is the outermost membrane in the mitochondria that protects and holds the form of the organelle.

Back

Second law of thermodynamics

Front

The second law of thermodynamics states that energy transfer leads to less organization and the universe tends towards disorder (entropy).

Back

Allosteric inhibitor

Front

Allosteric inhibitors bind to an allosteric site and keep the enzyme in its inactive form.

Back

Inflammatory response

Front

Inflammatory response is a defense mechanism of the immune system in which damaged or infected cells release chemicals such as histamine, which causes inflammation. Inflammation allows for increased blood flow to the area, strengthening the immune response.

Back

Cofactors

Front

Cofactors are inorganic elements that help catalyze reactions and are usually metal ions.

Back

Immune system

Front

The immune system is one of the body's defense systems - a carefully coordinated system of specialized cells to protect the body from foreign threats.

Back

Lymphocytes

Front

Lymphocytes are small white blood cells present in the lymphatic system that fight infection. They multiple rapidly when they come in contact with a foreign substance.

Back

Photosynthesis

Front

Photosynthesis is a process that involves the transformation of solar energy into chemical energy. Plants take carbon dioxide, water, and energy (in the form of sunlight) and use them to produce glucose.

Back

Phagocytes

Front

A phagocyte is a type of cell that is part of the body's defense mechanism. They are cells that are capable of engulfing and eventually destroying antigens.

Back

Citric acid

Front

Citric acid, or citrate, is a six carbon molecule formed in the Krebs cycle by the joining of an Acetyl CoA molecule with an oxaloacetate. Citric acid then loses two carbons, in the form of carbon dioxide, to become oxaloacetate again.

Back

Anaerobic respiration

Front

When ATP is made without oxygen, the process is called anaerobic respiration.

Back

Ethyl alcohol (ethanol)

Front

Ethyl alcohol is a by-product of fermentation. Two ethyl alcohol molecules are produced for every one glucose that is broken down. Yeast cells and some bacteria make ethanol and carbon dioxide during anaerobic respiration.

Back

Allosteric sites

Front

An allosteric site is a region of the enzyme other than the active site to which a substance can bind, and can regulate enzymatic activity.

Back

Noncompetitive inhibition

Front

In noncompetitive inhibition, the inhibitor binds with the enzyme at a site other than the active site and inactivates the enzyme by altering its shape.

Back

Section 36

(50 cards)

Ecdysone

Front

Ecdysone is a hormone that is promotes molting and the metamorphosis of a larva to a butterfly.

Back

Depolarization

Front

At the point where the axon connects to the cell body, gated sodium ion channels open up and allow sodium ions to rush into the cell, making the inside of the cell more positive than the outside, a change known as depolarization.

Back

Neurons

Front

Neurons are specialized cells in the nervous system that transmit nerve signals. A neuron consists of a cell body, dendrites, and an axon. The three types of neurons are sensory neurons, motor neurons, and interneurons.

Back

Action potential

Front

Action potential is a change in the membrane potential that produces a nerve impulse. Action potential is an all-or-none response; it doesn't fire "part way," and generally must reach -55mV to produce a response.

Back

Brain hormone

Front

Brain hormone is an insect hormone that targets ecdysone to be released in the prothoracic glands.

Back

Somatic nervous system

Front

The somatic nervous system is the part of the peripheral nervous system that controls voluntary activities.

Back

Refractory period

Front

The refractory period is the period after an action potential. During this period, sodium channels are reset and are able to open, but the cell membrane potential is further from the threshold and a great stimulus is required to reach the threshold.

Back

Central nervous system

Front

The central nervous system includes all of the neurons within the brain and spinal cord.

Back

Repolarized

Front

Once sodium ions have flooded the neuron, the sodium channels close. At this point, the potassium channels open and the potassium ions rush out of the axon, and the electrical changes reverse again, so it is negative on the inside, and positive on the outside. Once the charges are restores, the section of the neuron is said to be repolarized.

Back

Autonomic nervous system

Front

The autonomic nervous system is the part of the peripheral nervous system that controls involuntary activities, such as the digestive system or heartbeats.

Back

Threshold

Front

The threshold is the minimum amount of stimulus a neuron needs to respond.

Back

Midbrain

Front

The midbrain is the center for visual and auditory reflexes (pupil reflex and blinking).

Back

Acetylecholine

Front

Acetylcholine is an important neurotransmitter that is released from the end of an axon when calcium ions move into the terminal end of the axon. Acetylcholine is picked up almost instantly by the dendrites of the the next neuron. It can stimulate muscles to contract or inhibit postsynaptic potential. Acetylcholine is released between neurons in the parasympathetic system.

Back

Parasympathetic nervous system

Front

Parasympathetic nervous system is a part of the autonomic system that works antagonistically to the sympathetic nervous system, returning the body to homeostasis after a stress response.

Back

Neurotransmitter

Front

A neurotransmitter is a chemical released by an axon into the space between the two neuron, called the synapse. The neurotransmitter diffuses across the synaptic cleft and binds to receptors on the dendrites of the next neuron, usually triggering an action potential.

Back

Corpus callosum

Front

The corpus callosum is a thick band of nerve fibers of the white matter that enable the right and left side of the cerebral hemispheres to communicate.

Back

Hypothalamus

Front

The hypothalamus is the part of the brain that regulate homeostasis, secretes hormones, and regulates the pituitary gland.

Back

T-lymphocytes

Front

T-lymphocytes are cells that fight infection and help the B-lymphocytes proliferate.

Back

Synapse

Front

The synapse is the space between two neurons where the neurotransmitter is diffused across.

Back

Interneurons

Front

Interneurons are links between sensory neurons and motor neurons, found in the brain or spinal cord.

Back

Homeostasis

Front

Homeostasis refers to the stable conditions of your body, including steady heart and respiratory rates. The parasympathetic system works to keep the body at homeostasis.

Back

GABA

Front

GABA is an important neurotransmitter that is secreted in the central nervous system and acts as an inhibitor.

Back

Medulla

Front

The medulla is the part of the brain that controls involuntary actions such as breathing, swallowing heartbeat, and respiration.

Back

Myelin sheath

Front

Myelin sheath is a substance produced by Schwann cells surrounding a neuron. Myelin sheath insulates the neuron and allows for a quicker propagation of an impulse, since the impulse can now jump from node to node.

Back

Thalamus

Front

The thalamus is the main sensory relay center for conducting information between the spinal cord and cerebrum.

Back

Ganglia

Front

Ganglia are clumps of nerve cells similar to primitive brains that develop in animals that are more complex.

Back

Polarized

Front

In a resting neuron cell, there is a potential difference between the inside and the outside of the cell. The resting membrane potential is always negative inside the cell, with a -70 mV charge. This polarized cell is the result of Na-K-ATPase pumps that pump 2 potassium ions into the cell and 3 sodium ions out of the cell.

Back

Axon bulb

Front

The axon bulb is the area at the end of the axon, where signal transmission to the next neutron occurs.

Back

Norepinephrine

Front

Norepinephrine is an important neurotransmitter that is released between neurons within the central nervous system.

Back

Acetylcholinesterase

Front

Acetylcholinesterase is an enzyme that breaks down extra acetylcholine in the synaptic cleft.

Back

Sensory neurons

Front

Sensory neurons receive impulses from the environment and bring them to the body. For example, they can be stimulated by touch.

Back

Cerebrum

Front

The cerebrum is a part of the brain that controls all voluntary activities and receives and interprets sensory information. It is the largest part of the brain and consists of outer gray matter (cerebral cortex) and inner white matter.

Back

Nodes of Ranvier

Front

The Nodes of Ranvier are the spaces between myelin sheaths - the exposed regions of the axon.

Back

Sodium-potassium pump

Front

After a part of the neuron has been repolarized, the charges are in their original state, but the ions are on the wrong side of the axonal membrane, with potassium outside and sodium inside. The neuron reestablishes the order of the ions with the sodium-potassium pump, which pumps two potassium ions inside the axon for every three sodium ions it pumps out.

Back

Peripheral nervous system

Front

The peripheral nervous system includes al neurons lying outside the brain and the spinal cord - in our skin, our organs, and our blood vessels.

Back

Nerve net

Front

The nerve net is a system made up of a network of nerve cells, the impulse of which travels in both directions. The nerve net is the simplest nervous system found in simple animals such as hydra.

Back

Endocrine glands

Front

Endocrine glands are specialized organs that secrete hormones in to the bloodstream, where they are carried throughout the body.

Back

Axon

Front

The axon is a long, slender extension that transmits an impulse from the cel body to another neuron or to an organ.

Back

Hormones

Front

Hormones are chemicals that are produced in one region of the body to act on target cells in another region. Hormones are produced in endocrine glands. Hormones have a number of functions including regulating growth, behavior, development, and reproduction.

Back

Cerebral cortex

Front

The cerebral cortex is outer gray matter of the cerebrum that plays an important role in consciousness.

Back

Motor (effector) neurons

Front

Motor neurons transmit the impulse to muscles or glands to produce a response. The muscle will respond by contracting, or the gland will respond by secreting a substance.

Back

Cerebellum

Front

The cerebellum is a part of the brain that coordinates muscle activity and refinement of movement.

Back

Schwann cells

Front

Schwann cells are cells that wrap around the neuron and produce a substance called the myelin sheath, which insulates the axon.

Back

Sympathetic nervous system

Front

The sympathetic nervous system is a part of the autonomic system that controls the "flight-or-fight" response in organisms.

Back

Saltatory conduction

Front

Saltatory conduction is the form of conduction of an impulse involving myelin sheaths. In this form the impulse can jump form node to node, instead of the standard "domino effect," therefore speeding up the impulse.

Back

Dendrites

Front

Dendrites are short extensions of the cell body that receive stimuli.

Back

Cell body

Front

The cell body is a part of a neuron that contains the nucleus and other organelles found in the cytoplasm.

Back

B-lymphocytes

Front

B-lymphocytes are cells that mature in the bone marrow and are involved in the humoral response, which defends the body against pathogens present in extracellular fluids. B cells produce antibodies that bind to the antigens on the surface of pathogens.

Back

"Flight-or-fight" response

Front

The flight-or-fight response is a response that occurs when an organism confronted with a threatening situation prepares to fight or flee. This response is controlled by the sympathetic system. This response includes rising heart and respiration rates, constriction of blood vessels, increase in the levels of glucose in your body, and "goose bumps" on your skin.

Back

Pons

Front

The pons connects parts of the brain with one another and contains respiratory center.

Back

Section 37

(50 cards)

Anterior pituitary

Front

The anterior pituitary is a part of the pituitary gland that secretes six hormones, three of which regulate growth and other organs and three of which are involved in regulating the reproductive system. The hormones of the anterior pituitary are growth hormone, adrenocorticotropic hormone, thyroid-stimulating hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and prolactin.

Back

Parathyroid hormone

Front

Parathyroid hormone is released by parathyroids and it increases blood calcium levels if the blood needs more calcium. Thus, the parathyroid hormone has the opposite effect as calcitonin.

Back

Follicular phase

Front

The follicular phase is a phase in the menstrual cycle during which FSH stimulates the growth of follicles in the ovary, one of which will dominate the others and eventually be the only one growing. During this phase, the growing follicle releases estrogen, which leads to a surge of LH, which triggers ovulation, making the follicle burst and release the ovum into the fallopian tube. The follicular phase also involves the thickening of the uterine walls in preparation for the implantation of a fertilized cell. This entire phase lasts about 10 days.

Back

Pituitary

Front

The pituitary land is called the master gland because it releases many hormones that reach other glands and stimulate them to release their own hormones. The pituitary gland has two parts: the anterior pituitary and the posterior pituitary.

Back

Glycogen

Front

Glycogen is a multi-branched polysaccharide of glucose that serves as an energy store. Glycogen is stored in the liver and can easily be converted to glucose. Glucagon stimulates an increase of glycogen into glucose while insulin stimulates an increase of glucose into glycogen.

Back

Estrogen

Front

Estrogen is a sex hormone that is released by the ovaries that regulate the menstrual cycle.

Back

Puberty

Front

Puberty is the process of physical changes through which a child's body matures into an adult body capable of sexual reproduction. In males, testosterone and cortical sex hormones, is responsible for the development of the voice and secondary sex characteristics, such as the deepening of the voice, facial and body hair, and muscle growth.

Back

Hypothyroidism

Front

Hypothyroidism is a condition that occurs in individuals who have too little thyroxine circulating in their bloodstream. They exhibit a slow metabolic rate and tend to be sluggish and overweight.

Back

Sperm cells

Front

Sperm cells are produced by the testes when they are stimulated by testosterone.

Back

Target cells

Front

Target cells are the specific cells that a hormone effects.

Back

Ova

Front

Ova are egg cells that are manufactured in the ovaries. During menstruation, an ovum is released from the ovaries and travels to the fallopian tubes, where it may be fertilized.

Back

Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG)

Front

Human chorionic gonadotropin is a hormone produced by an embryo following implantation. The hormone helps maintain the uteral lining during pregnancy. The presence of HCG is detected in pregnancy tests.

Back

Amine

Front

Hormones that are amines cannot get into a cell by simple diffusion, and must bind to a receptor protein on the cell membrane of the target cell.

Back

Pheromones

Front

Pheromones are hormones that help animals to communicate with members of their species and attract the opposite sex.

Back

Ovulation

Front

Ovulation refers to the release of the follicle from the ovary and is triggered by the hormone luteinizing hormone. After being released, the ovum travels into the fallopian tubes.

Back

Epinephrine

Front

Epinephrine is a hormone produced by the adrenal medulla. Together with norepinephrine, epinephrine is responsible for the "fight-or-flight" response. Epinephrine increases heart rate, metabolic rate, and blood pressure.

Back

Hypothalamus

Front

The hypothalamus is a part of the brain that works closely with the pituitary, regulating the anterior pituitary by secreting neurohormones that can stimulate or inhibit the actions of the anterior pituitary.

Back

Glucocorticoids

Front

Glucocorticoids are hormones produced in the adrenal cortex that increase the blood's concentration of glucose and help the body adapt to stress. It does this by promoting the conversion of amino acids and fatty acids to glucose.

Back

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)

Front

Follicle-stimulating hormone is a hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary that stimulates follicles in the ovaries to grow.

Back

Growth hormone (GH)

Front

Growth hormone is a hormone produced in the anterior pituitary that stimulates growth throughout the body, targeting bones and muscles.

Back

Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)

Front

Thyroid-stimulating hormone is a hormone produced in the anterior pituitary that stimulates the thyroid to secrete thyroxine, which is responsible for the regulation of metabolism.

Back

Parathyroids

Front

The parathyroids are four little pea-shaped organs that rest on the thyroid. They secrete parathyroid hormone, which increases blood calcium levels.

Back

Insulin (beta cell)

Front

Insulin is a hormone secreted by the pancreas, where it is made by beta cells. Insulin targets the liver and muscle cells and has the opposite effect that glucagon does; insulin stimulates the liver to convert glucose into glycogen, lowering the blood sugar level.

Back

Hyperthyroidism

Front

Hyperthyroidism is a condition that occurs in individuals who regularly release too much thyroxine. These people have a fast metabolic rate and tend to be irritable and nervous.

Back

Luteinizing hormone (LH)

Front

Luteinizing hormone is a hormone produced in the anterior pituitary that causes the release oft he ovum during the menstrual cycle in females, and testosterone production in males.

Back

Corpus luteum

Front

During the luteal phase of menstruation, the ruptured follicle condenses into a little yellow blob called the corpus luteum, which is Latin for "yellow body." The corpus luteum secretes estrogen and progesterone, to promote the growth of glands and blood vessels in the endometrium to ready the body for pregnancy. Progesterone is important because without it the fertilized ovum cannot latch onto the uterus and develop into an embryo.

Back

Oxytocin

Front

Oxytocin is a hormone secreted by the posterior pituitary that stimulates contraction of uterus and ducts of mammary glands. This hormone is made in the hypothalamus, but stored in the posterior pituitary.

Back

Glucagon (alpha cell)

Front

Glucagon is a hormone secreted by the pancreas. Glucagon is produced by alpha cells and stimulates the liver to convert glycogen into glucose and to release that glucose into the blood. Glucagon therefore increases the levels of glucose in the blood, raising the blood sugar level.

Back

Menstruation

Front

Menstruation, or the flow phase, is a phase of the menstrual cycle that occurs after the corpus luteum has turned off. During this phase the uterus starts to reabsorb the tissue that the progesterone encouraged it to grow. Some of the tissue cannot be reabsorbed and is shed, through bleeding.

Back

Fallopian tube

Front

The fallopian tubes are a part of the female reproductive system to which the ovum travels during ovulation and are the site of fertilization. They are also known as oviducts.

Back

Thyroxine

Front

Thyroxine is a hormone secreted by the thyroid that contain iodine and is responsible for regulating metabolic rates in body tissue.

Back

Juvenile hormone

Front

Juvenile hormone is a hormone that causes larvae to retain their characteristics; the concentration of this hormone decreases as the larva undergoes metamorphosis.

Back

Adrenal cortex

Front

The adrenal cortex is an endocrine gland that is part of the adrenal glands. The adrenal cortex is targeted by adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which stimulates the adrenal cortex to produce and secrete its different hormones. The adrenal cortex releases two types of hormones: glucocorticoids, to lower blood sugar, and mineralocorticoids, to help the body retain sodium and water in the kidneys.

Back

Calcitonin

Front

Calcitonin is a hormone secretes by the thyroid. This hormone decreases blood concentration of calcium by concentrating free-floating calcium in the bones.

Back

Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)

Front

Adrenocorticotropic hormone is a hormone produced in the anterior pituitary that stimulates the adrenal cortex to secrete glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids.

Back

Posterior pituitary

Front

The posterior pituitary is a part of the pituitary gland that secretes two hormones: antidiuretic hormone and oxytocin.

Back

Antidiuretic hormone (vasopressin)

Front

Antidiuretic hormone is a hormone secreted by the posterior pituitary that regulates water intake by nephrons in the kidney. This hormone is made in the hypothalamus, but stored in the posterior pituitary.

Back

Cyclic AMP (cAMP)

Front

When a hormone binds to a receptor protein on the cell membrane of a target cell, the protein stimulates the production of a second messenger called cyclic AMP. The cAMP molecule then triggers various enzymes, leading to a specific cellular change.

Back

Prolactin

Front

Prolactin is a hormone produce in the anterior pituitary that stimulates the mammary glands to produce milk.

Back

Progesterone

Front

Progesterone is a sex hormone that is released by the ovaries that regulate the menstrual cycle.

Back

Uterine wall/ Endometrium

Front

The uterine wall, or endometrium, is the inner mucous membrane of the mammalian uterus. During the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle the endometrium thickens in preparation for the implantation of a fertilized cell. In the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, progesterone promotes the growth of glands and blood vessels in the endometrium in preparation for pregnancy. If the egg is not fertilized, some of the tissue that the progesterone encouraged to grow on the uterine wall is shed and bled out.

Back

Negative feedback system (hormones)

Front

Hormones operate by a negative feedback system. That is, an excess of the hormone will signal the endocrine gland to temporarily shut down production.

Back

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)

Front

Follicle-stimulating hormone is a hormone produced in the anterior pituitary that stimulates the follicle to grow in females, and spermatogenesis in males.

Back

Bone remodeling

Front

Bone remodeling refers to the process of building or breaking down bones to store and release calcium and involves the parathyroid hormone and calcitonin.

Back

Testosterone

Front

Testosterone is a male sex hormone responsible for promoting spermatogenesis. Testosterone also maintains secondary sex characteristics.

Back

Mineralocorticoids

Front

Mineralocorticoids are hormones produced by the adrenal cortex that help the body retain sodium and water in the kidneys. They accomplish this by promoting the reabsorption of sodium and chlorine, which together from common salt. When salt is absorbed, so it water.

Back

Islets of Langerhans

Front

The islets of Langerhans are clusters of cells in the pancreas that produce insulin and glucagon. The alpha cells produce glucagon and the beta cells produce insulin.

Back

Thyroid gland

Front

The thyroid gland, which is located in the neck, is the target organ of the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). When the thyroid is stimulated by TSH, it releases the hormone thyroxine, which is responsible for regulating the metabolic rates in body tissue.

Back

Luteal Phase

Front

Luteal stage During the luteal stage, the ovum has moved into the fallopian tube and the follicle has been ruptured and left behind in the ovary. The ruptured follicle (now a fluid filled sac) continues to function in the menstrual cycle, condensing into a little yellow blob called the corpus luteum. The corpus luteum continues to secrete estrogen and begins to produce progesterone, which gets the body ready for pregnancy by promoting the growth of glands and blood vessels in the endometrial. This stage lasts about 13 to 15 days, until the corpus luteum shuts down.

Back

Luteinizing hormone (LH)

Front

Luteinizing hormone is a hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary in response to an increase in estrogen released by the follicle in the ovary. An increase in estrogen causes a sudden surge in LH which triggers ovulation - the release of the follicle from the ovary.

Back

Section 38

(50 cards)

Directional selection

Front

In directional selection, one phenotype is favored at one of the extremes of normal distribution.

Back

Neurula

Front

The neurula stage of embryo development begins with the formation of the notochord and the neural tube cells, which are part of the development of a nervous system.

Back

Umbilical chord

Front

The umbilical chord is an organ that is an outgrowth of extra-embryonic membranes in placental mammals and connects the embryo to the placenta.

Back

Gastrulation

Front

During gastrulation, the zygote begins to change its shape. Cells now migrate into the blastocoel and differentiate to form three germ layers: the ectoderm (outer layer), mesoderm (middle layer), and endoderm (inner layer). The ectoderm produces the epidermis, eyes, and the nervous system. The endoderm produces the inner linings of the digestive and respiratory tract as well as accessory organs such as the pancreas, gall bladder, and liver. The mesoderm gives rise to everything else, including bones and muscles.

Back

Embryo

Front

An embryo is an organism in the early stages of development, and is used to describe an unborn baby up until the 8th week, at which point it is referred to as a fetus. Immediately after fertilization, the zygote undergoes rapid division and becomes a recognizable embryo at around 4 weeks.

Back

Jean Baptiste de Lamarck

Front

Jean-Baptiste de Lamarck was an 18th century scientist who proposed a theory explaining the variety of life on Earth. Lamarck believed that acquired traits were inherited and passed on to offspring, a theory referred to as the "law of use and disuse." This theory was very popular in Darwin's day, although we now know it to be wrong.

Back

Blastocoel

Front

The blasocoel is the fluid filled cavity inside a blastula.

Back

Yolk sac

Front

The yolk sac is an extra-embryonic membrane that provides food for the embryo.

Back

Hox genes

Front

Hox genes are a subset of homeobox genes that specify the position of body parts in the developing embryo.

Back

Chorion

Front

The chorion is the outermost extra-embryonic membrane that surrounds all the other extra-embryonic membranes.

Back

Seminiferous tubules

Front

Seminiferous tubes are the main tissues of the testes and are where spermatogonia undergo meiosis.

Back

Stabilizing selection

Front

In stabilizing selection, organisms in a population with extreme traits are eliminated, favoring organisms with common traits. An example is birth weight in humans; abnormally small or large babies have a lower chance of surviving both and infancy.

Back

Morula

Front

After a number of cell divisions, the fertilized egg (zygote) becomes a solid ball of cells called a morula.

Back

Molecular biology

Front

The similarities of organisms at the molecular level is compelling evidence of evolution. Scientists have observed that organisms that are closely related have a greater proportion of DNA sequence sin common than distantly related species.

Back

Random mutation

Front

Random mutations are the random changes in the genes of individuals, which allows for genetic variability and evolution to occur.

Back

Homeobox genes

Front

Homeobox genes are a type of homeotic gene that consists of homeoboxes (short, nearly identical DNA sequences) that encode proteins that bind to DNA; these proteins tell cells in various segments of the developing embryo what type of structures to make.

Back

Prostate gland

Front

While traveling through the vas deferens, sperm picks up fluids from the prostate gland which provides an alkaline fluid that neutralizes the vagina's acidic fluids.

Back

Apoptosis

Front

Apoptosis, or programmed cell death, plays a crucial role in normal differentiation and development. For example, in a human embryo, apoptosis allows for the removal of tissue between newly developing fingers and toes.

Back

Genetic variability

Front

The genetic differences in every individual is known as genetic variability. The survival of a species is dependent on genetic variation, since it allows a population to survive in a changing environment.

Back

Allantois

Front

The allantois is an extra-embryonic membrane that is involved in gas exchange and stores uric acid.

Back

Homologous structures

Front

Homologous structures are similar structures that serve different functions, such as a human's arm, a dog's leg, a bird's wing, and a whale's fin, which look similar but serve different purposes. Homologous structures point to a common ancestor and support evolution.

Back

Extra-embryonic membranes

Front

In addition to the primary germ layers, some animals, such as chickens, have extra-embryonic membranes. The four extra-embryonic membranes include: the yolk sac, amnion, chorion, and allantois. These extra membranes are common in birds and reptiles.

Back

Fetus

Front

After an embryo matures to about 4 weeks, it is referred to as a fetus.

Back

Cleavage

Front

Fertilization triggers the zygote to undergo a series of rapid cell divisions, by mitosis, called cleavage.

Back

Neutral tube

Front

The neural tube cells are cells formed during the neurula stage that develop into the central nervous system.

Back

Blastula

Front

As the cells in the morula continue to divide, they press against each other and produce a fluid filled cavity called a blastocoel.

Back

Induction

Front

Induction is the process in embryonic development by which the presence of one tissue determines the differentiation of another tissue.

Back

Placenta

Front

The placenta is an outgrowth of extra-embryonic membranes in placental mammals that is the organ that provides the fetus with nutrients and oxygen and gets rid of the fetus's waste. The placenta develops from both the chorion and the uterine tissue of the mother.

Back

Morphogenesis

Front

Morphogenesis is the process by which a single celled egg develops into a complex, multicellular organism.

Back

Homeotic genes

Front

Homeotic genes control the development of the embryo and include homeobox genes that tell cells in the developing embryo what type of structure to make.

Back

Adaptation

Front

An adaptation is a trait that improved an individuals fitness, and is favored by natural selection. These adaptions are likely to be passed on to the next generation.

Back

Biogeography

Front

Biogeography, or the study of the distribution of flora and fauna, have revealed a number of related species in widely separated regions of the world, supporting the theory of a common ancestor.

Back

Embryology

Front

Embryology is the study of the development of an organism. In the early stages of vertebrate development, all embryos look alike, supporting the theory of evolution.

Back

Analogous structures

Front

Analogous structures are animal features that have the same function but are structurally different, such as a bat's wing and an insect's wing. These strucutres evolved independently of one another.

Back

Vas deferens

Front

The vas deferens is the duct that conveys sperm from the testicle to the urethra.

Back

Epididymis

Front

The epididymis is a highly convoluted duct behind the testis, where the spermatids mature and then pass to the van deferens.

Back

Organizers

Front

Organizers are cells that release a chemical substance (a morphogen) that moves from one tissue to the target tissue. Organizers are involved in induction in embryonic development.

Back

Differentiation

Front

Differentiation is the process by which a less specialized cell becomes a more specialized cell type, through homeotic genes.

Back

Seminal vesicles

Front

While in the vas deferens, sperm picks up fluids from the seminal vesicles which provides them with fructose for energy.

Back

Charles Darwin

Front

Charles Darwin was a 19th century British naturalist who sailed the world in a ship named the HMS Beagle. Darwin developed his theory of evolution based on natural selection after studying animals in the Galapagos Islands, and his work forms the basis of what we know about evolution. In his book entitled "On the Origin of Species," Darwin observed the following: Each species produces more offspring than can survive; these offspring compete with one another for limited resources; organism in every population vary; the fittest offspring, those with the most favorable traits, are most likely to survive and pass on their traits.

Back

Notochord

Front

The notochord is a rod shaped structure running beneath the nerve cord that is formed during the neurula stage and is important in the development of the nervous system.

Back

Natural selection

Front

Natural selection is the driving force of evolution and refers to the differential survival and reproduction of individuals due to differences in phenotype and general fitness.

Back

Zygote

Front

When an egg is fertilized by a sperm, it forms a diploid cell called a zygote. A zygote has 46 chromosomes, while the egg and sperm have 23 each.

Back

Morphogen

Front

Morphogen is a chemical substance released by organizer cells that moves form one tissue to the target tissue, helping with induction in a developing embryo.

Back

Amnion

Front

The amnion is an extra-embryonic membrane that forms a fluid-filled sac that protects the embryo.

Back

Comparative anatomy

Front

Comparative anatomy is the study of the anatomy of various animals and has revealed similar structures in a wide variety of animals, supporting the theory of evolution.

Back

Fertilization

Front

For fertilization to occur, the sperm must dissolve the corona radiata, a dense covering of follicle cells that surrounds the egg. Then the sperm must penetrate the zona pellucida, the zone below the corona radiata. When the egg is fertilized it forms a diploid cell called a zygote and undergoes a series of rapid cell division.

Back

Paleontology

Front

Paleontology, or the study of fossils, has revealed the great variety of organisms (most of which have died off) and the major lines of evolution.

Back

Interstitial cells

Front

Interstitial cells are supporting tissue in the testis that produce testosterone and other androgens.

Back

Evolution

Front

Evolution is the process by which living organisms change over time as a result of changes in heritable physical or behavioral traits. Evidence for evolution includes: paleontology, biogeography, embryology, molecular biology, and comparative anatomy.

Back

Section 39

(50 cards)

Associative learning

Front

Back

Food chain

Front

Back

Carbon cycle

Front

Back

Learning

Front

Learning is a form of behavior that refers to a change in a behavior brought about y an experience.

Back

Phototropism

Front

Back

Speciation

Front

Speciation refers to the emergence of anew species by evolution.

Back

Community

Front

Back

Photperiodism

Front

Back

Imprinting

Front

Back

Behavior

Front

Behavior is the way that organisms cope with their environments. Some animals behave in a programmed way to specific stimuli, while other behave according to some type of learning. The general types of behavior are: instinct, imprinting, classical conditioning, operant conditioning, and insight.

Back

Secondary consumers

Front

Back

Gravitropism

Front

Back

Divergent evolution

Front

Divergent evolution is the evolution of a new species from a current population, often as a result of geographic division.

Back

Hardy-Weinberg law

Front

The Hardy-Weinberg law states that even with all the shuffling of genes that goes on, the relative frequencies of genotypes in a population still prevail over time; the dominant gene doesn't become more prevalent and the recessive gene doesn't disappear. The Hardy-Weinberg law only applies if a population meets five conditions: large population, no mutations, no immigration or emigration, random mating, and no natural selection.

Back

Agnostic behavior

Front

Back

Ecosystem

Front

Back

Reasoning

Front

Back

Biosphere

Front

Back

Niche

Front

Back

Operant conditionaing

Front

Back

Herbivores

Front

Back

Species

Front

A species is a group of organisms having many physical and behavior characteristics in common and are able to interbreed to produce fertile and viable offspring.

Back

Mutualism

Front

Back

Circadian rythyms

Front

Back

Thigmotropism

Front

Back

Tertiary consumers

Front

Back

Territoriality

Front

Back

10% rule

Front

Back

Genetic drift

Front

Genetic drift is a phenomenon that occurs in small population during which a gene pool will change over time by random chance. Genetic drift often occurs with the founder effect, when a small group of organisms moved to a new location, or the bottleneck effect, when a populations size is greatly and randomly reduced. Genetic drift is a violation of the Hardy-Weinberg law.

Back

Sympatric speciation

Front

Sympatric speciation refers to speciation that does not involve geographic barriers, and is common in plants.

Back

Pre-zygotic barriers

Front

Pre-zygotic barriers are barriers that prevent fertilization, which could be geographic or behavioral differences, such as if two species reproduce at different times of the year, which is known as temporal isolation.

Back

Ecological pyramid

Front

Back

Altruistic behavior

Front

Back

Tropism

Front

Back

Habituation

Front

Back

Population

Front

Back

Insight

Front

Back

Ecology

Front

Ecology is the study of the interactions between living things and their environments.

Back

Classical conditioning

Front

Back

Biomes

Front

Back

Phermomoness

Front

Back

Primary consumers

Front

Back

Disruptive selection

Front

In disruptive selection, extreme traits are favored and natural selection works against common traits. For example, in elephant seals, females are selected to be small and males are selected to be large.

Back

Fixed action pattern

Front

A fixed action pattern is a particular type of innate behavior that is not a simple reflex, but no a conscious decision. An example is the egg-rolling behavior exhibited by the graylag goose. If the egg is removed form the goose, it will continue to make the same movement.

Back

Convergent evolution

Front

Convergent evolution is the process by which two unrelated and dissimilar species come to have similar (analogous) traits, often because they have been exposed to similar selective pressures.

Back

Allopatric speciation

Front

Allopatric speciation refers to speciation when part of a population is physically separated from the rest by a geographic barrier and therefore they cannot interbreed.

Back

Instinct

Front

Instinct is an inborn, unlearned behavior. Sometimes instinctive behavior is triggered by environmental signals called releasers - a small part of the environment that is perceived.

Back

Post-zygotic barriers

Front

Post-zygotic barriers are barriers related to the inability of the hybrid to produce offspring, such as the sterile mule.

Back

Critical period

Front

Back

Dominance hierarchy

Front

Back

Section 40

(23 cards)

Density-dependent factors

Front

Back

Sere

Front

The entire sequence of ecological succession is known as a sere.

Back

Primary succession

Front

The process of ecological succession in which no previous organisms have existed is called primary succession. For example, rock previously hidden under a glacier would undergo primary succession upon exposure. In primary succession, lichen first colonize an area and make it more habitable. Lichen are then replaced by mosses and ferns, which are replaced by tough grasses, then low shrubs, then evergreen trees, and finally, deciduous trees.

Back

Ecological succession

Front

Ecological succession refers to the predictable procession of plant communities over a relatively short period of time (decades or centuries).

Back

Density-independent factors

Front

Back

Exponential growth

Front

Back

r-strategists

Front

Back

Greenhouse effect

Front

Back

Pollution

Front

Back

Desertification

Front

Back

Climax community

Front

The climax community is the final community in ecological succession. THis community is the most sable and often includes deciduous trees.

Back

Parasitism

Front

Back

Deforestation

Front

Back

Population density

Front

Back

Commensalism

Front

Back

Pioneer organisms

Front

Pioneer organisms are the first organisms that inhabit an area in ecological succession. Often lichen serve as the pioneer organism. After they make the area more habitable, lichens are replaced, since they can't compete with the new plants for sunlight and minerals.

Back

Bio-magnification

Front

Back

Carrying capacity

Front

Back

Ozone depletion

Front

Back

Secondary succession

Front

Secondary succession occurs when a new community develops where another community has been destroyed or disrupted, such as by fire. In this succession, the first organisms are usually not lichens but grasses, shrubs, saplings, and weeds.

Back

k-strategists

Front

Back

Acid rain

Front

Back

Logistic growth

Front

Back