Chapter 1 Similarities And Differences Among Living Oranisms

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active transport

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the movement of ions or molecules across a cell membrane into a region of higher concentration, assisted by enzymes and requiring energy

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amino acids

Back 2

a simple organic compound containing both a carboxyl

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cell

Back 3

the smallest structural and functional unit of an organism, typically microscopic and consisting of cytoplasm and a nucleus enclosed in a membrane. Microscopic organisms typically consist of a single cell, which is either eukaryotic or prokaryotic

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cell membrane

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the semipermeable membrane surrounding the cytoplasm of a cell.

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cell respiration

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Cellular respiration is the set of metabolic reactions and processes that take place in the cells of organisms to convert biochemical energy from nutrients into adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and then release waste products

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chloroplast

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(in green plant cells) a plastid that contains chlorophyll and in which photosynthesis takes place

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circulation

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movement to and fro or around something, especially that of fluid in a closed system

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cytoplasm

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the material or protoplasm within a living cell, excluding the nucleus

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diffusion

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the spreading of something more widely

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digestion

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the process of breaking down food by mechanical and enzymatic action in the alimentary canal into substances that can be used by the body.

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enzymes

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a substance produced by a living organism that acts as a catalyst to bring about a specific biochemical reaction.

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excretion

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(in living organisms and cells) the process of eliminating or expelling waste matter

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homeostasis

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the tendency toward a relatively stable equilibrium between interdependent elements, especially as maintained by physiological processes

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hormone

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a regulatory substance produced in an organism and transported in tissue fluids such as blood or sap to stimulate specific cells or tissues into action.

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immunity

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the ability of an organism to resist a particular infection or toxin by the action of specific antibodies or sensitized white blood cells.

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inorganic

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not consisting of or deriving from living matter.

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metabolism

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the chemical processes that occur within a living organism in order to maintain life

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nucleus

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the central and most important part of an object, movement, or group, forming the basis for its activity and growth

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organ

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a part of an organism that is typically self-contained and has a specific vital function, such as the heart or liver in humans.

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organ system

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In biology, an organ system is a group of organs that work together to perform one or more functions. Organs make up an organism. In the human body, major systems are the circulatory system, the respiratory system, the nervous system and the digestive system.

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organelle

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any of a number of organized or specialized structures within a living cell.

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organic

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relating to, or derived from living matter.

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receptor molecule

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In biochemistry and pharmacology, a receptor is a protein molecule usually found embedded within the plasma membrane surface of a cell that receives chemical signals from outside the cell.

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reproduction

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the action or process of making a copy of something.

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ribosome

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a minute particle consisting of RNA and associated proteins, found in large numbers in the cytoplasm of living cells. They bind messenger RNA and transfer RNA to synthesize polypeptides and proteins.

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simple sugars

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Simple sugars are called monosaccharides and include glucose (also known as dextrose), fructose and galactose. The table or granulated sugar most customarily used as food is sucrose, a disaccharide. (In the body, sucrose hydrolyses into fructose and glucose.) Other disaccharides include maltose and lactose.

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tissue

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any of the distinct types of material of which animals or plants are made, consisting of specialized cells and their products.

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vacuole

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a space or vesicle within the cytoplasm of a cell, enclosed by a membrane and typically containing fluid.