Human Biology Chapters 1-3

Front 1

Homeostasis

Back 1

Maintenance of internal conditions regardless of external environment.

A state of overall internal chemical and physical stability that is required for survival of cells and the body as a whole.

Front 2

DNA

Back 2

Genetic blueprint. Deoxyribonucleic Acid.

For all cells (and many viruses), the molecule of inheritance. A category of nucleic acids, each usually consisting of two nucleotide strands twisted together helically and held together by hydrogen bonds. The nucleotide sequence encodes the instructions for assembling proteins, and ultimately, a new individual.

Front 3

RNA

Back 3

Carries out the instructions.

Ribonucleic acid. A category of single-stranded nucleic acids that function in processes by which genetic instructions are used to build proteins.

Front 4

Metabolism

Back 4

All chemical reactions in a living organism.

All controlled, enzyme-driven chemical reactions by which cells acquire and use energy. Through these reactions, cells synthesize, store, break apart, and eliminate substances in ways that contribute to growth, survival, and reproduction.

Front 5

Catabolism

Back 5

Break down of substances.

Metabolic activity that breaks down large molecules into simpler ones, releasing the components for use by cells.

Front 6

Anabolism

Back 6

Build up of substances.

Metabolic activity that assembles small molecules into more complex molecules that store energy.

Front 7

Ecological Pyramid

Back 7

A way to represent the energy relationships of an ecosystem.

Front 8

Atom

Back 8

The smallest unit of matter that is unique to a particular element.

Front 9

Molecules

Back 9

A unit of matter in which chemical bonding holds together two or more atoms of the same or different elements.

Front 10

Organelles

Back 10

In cells, an internal, membrane-bounded sac or compartment that has a specific, metabolic function.

Front 11

Cell

Back 11

First level that is living.

The smallest living unit, an organized unit that can survive and reproduce on its own, given DNA instructions and suitable environmental conditions, including appropriate sources of energy and raw materials.

Front 12

Tissue

Back 12

A group of cells and intercellular substances that function together in one or more specialized tasks.

Front 13

Organ

Back 13

A body structure of definite form and function that is composed of more than one tissue.

Front 14

Organ System

Back 14

Two or more organs that interact chemically, physically, or both in performing a common task.

Front 15

Organism

Back 15

Any contiguous living system, such as an animal, plant, fungus, archaeon, or bacterium. All known types of organisms are capable of some degree of response to stimuli, reproduction, growth and development and homeostasis.

Front 16

Population

Back 16

A group of individuals of the same species occupying a given area.

Front 17

Community

Back 17

The populations of all species occupying a habitat; also applied to groups of organisms with similar lifestyles in a habitat.

Front 18

Ecosystem

Back 18

An array of organisms and their physical environment, all of which interact through a flow of energy and a cycling of materials.

Front 19

Biome

Biosphere

Back 19

A broad, vegetational subdivision if a biogeographic realm shaped by climate, topography, and composition of regional soils.

All regions of Earth's waters, crust, and atmosphere in which organisms live.

Front 20

Scientific method

Back 20

A systematic way of gathering knowledge about the natural world.

Front 21

What are the 4 steps in the Scientific Method?

Back 21

1. Observe

2. Hypothesis

3. Test/experiment

4. Conclude