Unit 1 Genetics and Heredity
Assignment 1: DNA and RNA
chromosome rod-shaped structure that contains DNA and is located in the nucleus
DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) a giant molecule consisting of the sugar deoxyribose,
phosphates, and nitrogen bases; contains coded genetic information
gene a segment of DNA that contains the information for making protein and,
therefore, allows the nucleus to run the cell's activities and carry hereditary traits
mutation
a change in the genetic information code
nucleotide the combination of phosphate, sugar, and nitrogen bases in DNA or RNA;
can combine to code a specific amino acid
RNA (ribonucleic acid) a nucleic acid similar to DNA that uses ribose for the sugar and
the nitrogen base uracil in place of thymine
replication the separation of DNA's two polynucleotide chains, each of which then
acts as a template for a new chain
transcription the transfer of genetic code from DNA to an intermediary RNA molecule
translation converting the genetic code into the language of proteins
Unit 1 Genetics and Heredity
Assignment 2: Chromosomes and Genes
allele alternative form for a specific gene (either dominant or recessive)
autosome any pair of chromosomes other than the sex chromosome
chromosome rod-shaped structure that contains DNA and is located in the nucleus
chromosome theory theory that states that the behavior of chromosomes explains the
inheritance of genes
diploid having chromosomes in homologous pairs
gene a segment of DNA that contains the information for making protein and,
therefore, allows the nucleus to run the cell's activities and carry hereditary traits
haploid having a single, complete set of chromosomes, or one half of each pair of
homologous chromosomes
mutation a change in the genetic information code
one-gene-one-enzyme concept idea that the genetic code of the gene is responsible for
the production of a specific enzyme, which regulates the metabolic
pathways in the cell during meiosis; states that the combination of
chromosomes in a gamete is due to chance
trait a genetic characteristic of the individual
Unit 1 Genetics and Heredity
Assignment 3: Mendelian Genetics
allele alternative form for a specific gene (either dominant or recessive)
dominant can prevent the allele from being expressed in a pair of genes
genotype the genes present in an organism
heterozygous a pair of non-identical genes that influence a trait in different ways
homozygous a pair of genes that are identical in the way they influence a trait
hybrid offspring from a cross between parents; has different phenotypes for a
specific trait
monohybrid cross the breeding of two organisms that differ in a single trait
phenotype the expression of a genetic trait; what the trait looks like
purebred a phenotype (trait) resulting from homozygous genes from the offspring of
true breeding
recessive a gene or trait that is masked when a dominant allele is present
self-fertilization when an organism that possesses both male and female gametes brings
the two genetically identical gametes together to produce offspring
Unit 1 Genetics and Heredity
Assignment 4: Inheritance
carrier condition of being heterozygous for a recessive trait
codominance condition in heterozygotes in which both members of an allelic pair are
dominant and both contribute to the phenotype
dihybrid cross breeding of individuals that have genes for two different
characteristics
incomplete dominance condition in heterozygotes in which both members of an allelic pair
are neither dominant nor recessive to other alleles, so the two traits blend
in the phenotype of the individual
multiple alleles when more than two alternatives for a gene exist
Punnett square a grid system used to predict possible combinations of genes due to
random fertilization
sex-linked genes that are located in the sex chromosome
Unit 1 Genetics and Heredity
Assignment 5: Probability
probability the chance that a given event will occur; usually expressed between the
number 0 (will not occur) and 1 (the event will occur)
Unit 1 Genetics and Heredity
Assignment 6: Evolutionary Basics
evolution genetic change in a population or species over many generations
gamete male and female reproductive cells (egg and sperm cells)
gene flow mechanism of evolution that suggests traits can be shifted between
populations by outbreeding or migration
gene pool all of the genes present in a specific population
genetic drift mechanism of evolution that suggests changes in the gene pool of a
population are due to chance
natural selection mechanism of evolution proposed by Darwin; suggests traits suitable for
an environment survive while those less favorable do not
phenotype the expression of a genetic trait; what the trait looks like
Unit 1 Genetics and Heredity
Assignment 7: Patterns of Evolution
adaptive radiation a pattern of evolution in which several closely related, yet different,
species evolve from one common ancestor in order to adapt to different
environmental pressures
analogous being related or showing a close similarity
coevolution a pattern of evolution in which two species evolve in relation to each other
convergent evolution a pattern of evolution in which similar characteristics evolve
between two unrelated species due to their adaptation to similar
environments
divergent evolution a pattern of evolution in which very different species evolve from one
common ancestor due to their adaptation to different environmental
pressures
gradualism a theory of evolution that states that a species evolves by consistent,
small, steps
Hardy Weinberg Principle Gene frequencies in a population will remain stable from
generation to generation until acted on by an outside force.
punctuated equilibrium a theory of evolution that states that a species evolves in spurts of
rapid change and then goes through periods of no change
Unit 1 Genetics and Heredity
Assignment 8: Evolutionary Evidence
analogous being related or showing a close similarity
embryo the beginning or developing stage of an organism
embryology form and structure of an embryo or any of its parts
homologous having a similarity attributable to a common ancestor
lineage continuous line of descent
macroevolution evolution above the species level
microevolution evolution at or below the species level
morphology form and structure of an organism or any of its parts
speciation the splitting of a lineage into separate and distinct species
species group of related organisms that share features and characteristics and
can produce fertile offspring
vestigial small or underdeveloped
Unit 2 Genetics and Heredity
Assignment 1: Archaea and Eubacteria Kingdoms
autotroph an organism that can make its own food
binary fission asexual reproduction in which a single cell divides into two with no
exchange of genetic material; reproduction method of bacteria
commensalism a symbiotic relationship between two organisms in which one species
benefits and no effect is apparent to the other species
eukaryote a cell that has a membrane-bound nucleus and/or organelles as its major
characteristic
heterotroph an organism that relies on eating other organisms for energy or food
microbiology the study of organisms that are too small to be seen with the naked eye
mutualism a symbiotic relationship between two organisms in which both species
receive some type of benefit
pathogen a disease-causing organism; a germ
prokaryote a cell whose nucleus is not bound by a membrane
protist a one- or few-celled organism with chromosomes; may have
characteristics of both animals and plants
Unit 2 Genetics and Heredity
Assignment 2: Bacteria
antibiotic a chemical that can destroy bacteria and other microorganisms
carotenoid pigments a pigment ranging in color from yellow to red; helpful in capturing
the Sun's light energy for use in photosynthesis
conjugation an act of fertilization involving the transfer of cell contents to another cell;
usually occurs in simpler organisms
cyanobacteria single-celled photosynthetic bacteria
flagella whip-like cell extensions that give the cell motility
mucilaginous sheath a gelatin-like coating commonly found in the cyanobacteria
nitrogen fixation process by which certain bacteria in the soil convert nitrogen gas into
ammonia and ammonium
pathogen a disease-causing organism; a germ
rickettsia disease-causing microorganism intermediate between bacteria and
viruses, carried in the tissue of arthropods (insects, etc.)
transduction the transferring of genetic material from one organism to another by
means of a virus carrier
transformation when DNA is transferred from one organism to another directly
vector a carrier of pathogens from one organism to another
Unit 2 Genetics and Heredity
Assignment 3: Viruses
capsid protein shell of a virus that surrounds its nucleic acid
immunity resistance to disease or poison
immunization vaccination; artificially stimulating antibodies to a disease
vaccination the act or practice of introducing a vaccine into the body as protection
against disease
variolation a remedial technique of purposeful infection in order to build immunity to
the disease
virus a pathogenic microorganism dependent on living tissue for reproduction
and growth
Unit 2 Genetics and Heredity
Assignment 4: Protista Kingdom: The Protozoa
cilia hair-like bits of protoplasm that project from certain kinds of cells; used for
locomotion or feeding
contractile vacuole a vacuole in unicellular organisms that collects water and wastes and
expels them in order to maintain the organism's proper water content
cyst a protective capsule occupied by protozoa during unfavorable conditions
of environment
eukaryote a cell that has a membrane-bound nucleus and/or organelles as its major
characteristic
food vacuole a vacuole in which food particles are digested by enzymes
parasite an organism living in or on another organism
protozoa unicellular organisms in the Protista kingdom
pseudopodium (pl. pseudopodia) false foot (the streaming protoplasm of the amoeba)
Unit 2 Genetics and Heredity
Assignment 5: Protista Kingdom: Algae
algae chlorophyll-bearing organisms lacking true stems, roots, or leaves
fucoxanthin a brown pigment of the algae
kelp any one of certain large, tough, brown seaweeds; the source of
potassium, iodine, algin, and sodium carbonate
phycoerythrin a red pigment found in red algae and in a few cyanobacteria
Unit 2 Genetics and Heredity
Assignment 6: Fungi Kingdom
asci the sac-like structures of the sac fungi that carry its spores
conidiophore a fertile hypha that bears spores (in molds)
fungi organisms that lack flowers, leaves, or chlorophyll and derive nourishment
from dead or living organic matter
germinate to sprout and grow from a seed or spore; often from a stage of dormancy
hyphae thread-like filaments of the molds
mycelium a mass of hyphae
saprophyte an organism that lives on decaying organic matter; e.g., mushrooms,
molds, mildew, rusts, and smuts
septum (pl. septa) a wall that separates two cavities
sporangiophore a fertile hypha that bears a sac-like structure called a sporangium
sporangium a sac-like structure that holds the spores
Unit 2 Genetics and Heredity
Assignment 7: Plantae Kingdom
cuticle a waxy substance covering most surface areas of plants; helps to retain
water
gametophyte plant that produces gametes
nonvascular plant plant lacking conductive tissues within it, using osmosis or diffusion to
obtain nutrients; also called bryophytes
photosynthesis a process in green plants that involves the use of carbon dioxide and
water in the production of glucose and oxygen using the Sun's energy
pollination transfer of pollen from male to female cones in gymnosperms, or from the
anther to the stigma in flowering plants
rhizoids root-like projections of nonvascular plants which help it stay anchored to
the ground
sporophyte plant that produces spores by meiosis
vascular plant plant that has true conductive tissues within it; usually has true roots,
stems, and leaves
Unit 2 Genetics and Heredity
Assignment 8: Animalia Kingdom: Invertebrates
acoelomate an animal without a body cavity
bilateral symmetry condition in which the left side of an organism's body is a mirror image of
the right side
cellular respiration a series of chemical reactions that break down sugars and produce
energy
coelomate an animal with a fluid-filled body cavity that lies within the mesoderm
hermaphrodite an animal that has both male and female reproductive organs
invertebrate an animal without a backbone
medusae free-floating aquatic animals with a structure similar to a jellyfish
metamorphosis the transformation of a larva to an adult; occurs only in animals having
great differences in form between the larva and adult
polyp aquatic, cylindrical animals with a fixed base
pseudocoelomate an animal with a false body cavity separating the mesoderm and
endoderm
radial symmetry condition in which many similar parts radiate from a central axis in an
organism's body
visceral mass region of a mollusk's body that contains its internal organs
Unit 2 Genetics and Heredity
Assignment 9: Animalia Kingdom: Chordates and Vertebrates
amniotic a type of egg or sac filled with fluid to support an embryo
blastula a sac-like ball of cells surrounding a fluid-filled cavity that develops after
the morula in embryonic development
chordates animals having a dorsal notochord and nerve cord at some point in its
development
deuterostomes organisms that form by radial cleavage and develop an anus from the first
indentation of the gastrula stage of embryonic development; includes
echinoderms, chordates, and vertebrates
ectothermic organisms that regulate body temperature from outside surroundings; has
a fluctuating temperature
endothermic organisms that regulate body temperature internally; maintains a constant
temperature
gastrula formation of a three-layered embryo, following the blastula, in embryonic
development
morula a ball of cells that develop during the beginning stage of
embryonic development
protostomes organisms that form by spiral cleavage and develop a mouth from the first
indentation of the gastrula stage of embryonic development; includes most invertebrates
vertebrate organisms that have a bony backbone surrounding a dorsal nerve cord;
subphylum of chordates.
Unit 3 Plants
Assignment 1: Cells and Tissues
collenchyma oblong cells with unevenly thickened walls for support in young stems
cortex food storage area of roots and stems
cuticle a waxy substance covering most surface areas of plants; helps to retain
water
epidermis outermost dermal tissue layer of a plant
grana stacks of chlorophyll-containing discs inside a chloroplast
meristem the youthful, undifferentiated cells of root and shoot tips and other plant
parts that produce new cells for growth
middle lamella layer between primary cell walls of adjacent plant cells
parenchyma the most common plant cell, found in practically all parts of the plant body;
important for food production, food storage, lateral transport, and other life processes; an almost round cell in some tissues
periderm dermal layer made of dead cork cells
pith food storage area of stems
phloem vascular tissue tubes in plants that transport food and nutrients
plasmodesmata tiny holes in a cell wall which allow the passage of chemicals between
cells
sclerenchyma a plant cell of a long fiber type or variable sclereid type; important in plant
body support; may be part of xylem or phloem tissues
stroma thick fluid found inside the inner membrane of a chloroplast
turgor normal state of internal pressure in a plant cell
vascular cambium the meristematic cells that produce new cells, increasing plant body girth;
often forming a ring only several cell layers wide in woody stems and roots
xylem vascular tissue tubes in plants that transport water and minerals
Unit 3 Plants
Assignment 2: Organs
adventitious the appearance of buds or roots from tissue that is not bud or root tissue;
when roots appear from stem or leaf tissue and buds appear in root tissue
cotyledon a seed leaf; may store (dicot) or absorb (monocot) food in seeds of
flowering plants
dicotyledon a flowering plant with seeds that have two seed leaves; e.g., bean
endosperm a food storage tissue which assists in seed development in flowering
plants; may or may not be apparent depending upon the stage of seed maturation
fruit the mature ovary of the flower that contains its seeds
guard cells cells that form the opening of stomata
inflorescence the specific pattern of flower arrangement of a plant
monocotyledon a flowering plant with seeds that have one seed leaf; e.g., corn
petal the ring of leaf-like appendages occurring inside the sepals but outside
the stamens
pistil the female sex organ of the plant
receptacle an expanded portion of the stem that supports the flower head
sepal the outermost ring of leaf-like appendages of a flower; often green or
inconspicuous and outside the petals
stamen the male organ of plants; a ring of pollen-producing appendages of a
flower
stomata the tiny pores or leaf openings appearing between guard cells of the
epidermis; where oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange between inner photosynthetic leaf cells and the atmosphere occurs
tendrils thin, coiling plant parts that support the stems of climbing plants like
grapes
vascular cylinder plant parts containing the phloem and xylem
Unit 3 Plants
Assignment 3: Plant Necessities
endodermis inner layer of cells surrounding the vascular tissue in plants
fibrous root system a root system of many similar-sized branches of roots
guard cells cells that form the opening of stomata
nitrogen cycle a biogeochemical cycle of Earth that recycles nitrogen in the air and soil
and to and from living organisms
respiration the intake of oxygen and release of carbon dioxide by living organisms
solar tracking a behavior of some plants in which they readjust their positioning to follow
the Sun
taproot a root system of one, long, main root that goes straight down into the
ground; may have small lateral roots extending from it
Unit 3 Plants
Assignment 4: Reproduction
adventitious the appearance of buds or roots from tissue that is not bud or root tissue;
when roots appear from stem or leaf tissue and buds appear in root tissue
anther the part of the stamen of a flower that bears the pollen
antheridium (pl. antheridia) an organ in simpler plants that produces sperm cells
archegonium (pl. archegonia) an organ in lower vascular plants, gymnosperms, mosses,
and liverworts that produces an egg cell
bulb a plant structure with enlarged leaf bases and stored food surrounding a
central bit of fleshy stem tissue
corm a short, solid, enlarged underground stem used for food storage and
asexual reproduction
gametangium (pl. gametangia) an organ of lower plants, some protists, and some fungi
that produces gametes
gametophyte plant that produces gametes
ovary the round bottom part of the pistil where seeds grow
pistil the female sex organ of the plant
pollination transfer of pollen from male to female cones in gymnosperms, or from
anther to stigma in flowering plants
rhizome a horizontal stem at or just beneath the surface of the ground which can
give rise to aerial stems, roots, or more rhizome tissue; a principal means
of asexual reproduction in many plants
sporophyte plant that produces spores by meiosis
stamen the male organ of plants; a ring of pollen-producing appendages of a
flower
stigma the sticky, terminal end of the pistil where pollen is caught in pollination
stolon a stem that grows out from a plant, periodically producing new stems and
leaves on one side and roots on the other; a means of asexual
reproduction
style a column-like part of the pistil that supports the stigma of a flower
tuber a fleshy, enlarged stem of a rhizome or stolon; has buds and can grow
new plants
Unit 3 Plants
Assignment 5: Growth and Development
alternation of generations the idea that the sporophyte generation and the gametophyte
generation follow one another in alternating fashion
annual a plant that completes its life cycle from seed germination through fruit
and seed production within a year's time
differentiation the process of changing cells or organisms from a generalized to a more
specific or specialized condition; often involves a reduction of the ability to reproduce or divide and is usually not reversible
elongation in the maturation process of cells, the first step after production by a
meristem; a lengthening of the cell assisted by water intake; an organic catalyst
germination beginning period of growth of a seed or spore; to sprout
girth the circumference or distance around an object
meristem the youthful, undifferentiated cells of root and shoot tips and other plant
parts that produce new cells for growth
perennial a plant that continues to grow year after year from the same plant body
shoot above ground part of a plant; leaves, stems, flowers, fruits, etc.
vascular cambium the meristematic cells that produce new cells, increasing plant body girth;
often forming a ring only several cell layers wide in woody stems and
roots
Unit 3 Plants
Assignment 6: Control Systems
abscisic acid plant hormone that regulates survival functions of a plant, such as the
opening and closing of stomata
auxin growth chemicals (hormones) produced in plants that are characterized
by their ability to induce cell elongation and cell division in stems
cytokinins growth chemicals (hormones) that help plant cells divide
ethylene gaseous plant hormone that promotes ripening of fruit or blooming of
flowers
geotropism the movement or growth of a plant in response to gravity
gibberellin growth chemicals (hormones) made by plants that stimulate stem
elongation, seed germination, and flowering
homeostasis the relatively constant state in the internal environment of an organism
hydrotropism the growth of plants toward water
phototropism the growth of a plant in response to sunlight
thigmotropism the movement or growth of a plant in response to touch
tropism plant growth caused by external stimulus
Unit 3 Plants
Assignment 7: History and Diversity
chemoautotroph an organism that can use inorganic sources for its own energy production
cyanobacteria single-celled photosynthetic bacteria
endosymbiotic theory a theory that explains the evolution of eukaryotic cells from the
unionizing of prokaryotic cells
hydrophyte plant adapted to live in water
mesophyte plant adapted to live on land with moderate moisture
photoautotroph an organism that can use sunlight for its own energy production
xerophyte plant adapted to live on land in dry, arid environments
Unit 3 Plants
Assignment 8: Uses of Plants
agronomy an agricultural science that deals with crop production and improvement
cutting a technique in horticulture in which a cutting made from a stem, root, or
leaf is used to grow a new plant
grafting a technique used in horticulture in which a part of the stem or a bud is
inserted into a plant with a good root system so that it becomes the top
part of the plant and uses the root system it was grafted into
layering the technique of developing roots on a stem of a plant while that stem is
still attached to the parent plant and then cutting the stem away from the
parent plant and planting it
rootstock the portion of a plant with the root system used in grafting
scion the portion of a plant with buds that is placed into the stock by grafting
teosinte a tall grass of Mexico and Central America related to corn
triticale a high-yielding wheat and rye hybrid plant
vegetative propagation growing of new plants from other plant parts
Unit 4 Animals and Humans
Assignment 1: Cells and Tissues
axon the part of the neuron that carries the cell's message away from the cell
cell body the part of the neuron that contains the nucleus and cytoplasm
dendrite the part of the neuron that receives the message
epithelial a thin layer of tissue that covers surfaces and lines hollow organs
erythrocyte a red blood cell
hemoglobin a red pigment that allows the erythrocytes to pick up and drop off oxygen
molecules
insertion point of skeletal muscle attachment on the body part the muscle moves
leukocyte a white blood cell
muscle fiber a very long, contracting cell that makes up the muscles of our body
neuron a nerve cell
origin point of skeletal muscle attachment on an anchored body part
phagocytosis the process of a cell engulfing its food; literally, "cell eating"
synapse the junction between two nerve cells
Unit 4 Animals and Humans
Assignment 2: Invertebrates
alveoli tiny sacs within the lungs which increase the surface available for gas
exchange
amylase a digestive enzyme that breaks down starches and glycogen into sugars
atria the two thin-walled chambers that receive blood into the heart from the
veins
bronchi the two tubes into which the trachea divide to go into each lung
capillary a tiny vessel through which diffusion takes place between the blood and
the body tissues
ganglia a mass of nerve tissue not part of the brain
hemolymph a fluid of lymph and blood that circulates within invertebrates
interferons protein cells that assist in fighting infection and disease
lymphocyte type of leukocyte that makes up the specific immunity system; capable of
building immunity to a disease
Malpighian tubules excretory tubules in insects and spiders that empty into the intestine
nephron the functioning unit of the kidney that produces urine
nephridia tubes in flatworms and earthworms that excrete waste
phagocyte type of leukocyte that engulfs foreign material and bacteria; part of
nonspecific immunity of an animal
phagocytosis the process of a cell engulfing its food; literally, "cell eating"
protease a digestive enzyme that breaks down proteins into smaller polypeptides
and amino acids
spiracles holes that open and close for respiration in insects and spiders
thymus a gland located in the neck area; aids in the production of lymphocytes
ventricle the two thick, muscular cavities in the heart that pump the blood
Unit 4 Animals and Humans
Assignment 3: Animals: Body Parts
acoelomate an animal without a body cavity
cephalization development of an apparent head end of an animal
choanocyte flagellated cell lining the inside of a sponge
coelomate an animal with a fluid-filled body cavity that lies within the mesoderm
deuterostomes organisms that form by radial cleavage and develop an anus from the first
indentation of the gastrula stage of embryonic development; includes echinoderms, chordates, and vertebrates
ectoderm "outer skin"; layer of cells that develop on the outside of the embryo
endoderm "inner skin"; layer of cells that develop on the inside of the embryo
gastrulation process in early embryonic development that forms layers of cells
mesoderm "middle skin"; layer of cells that develops between the ectoderm and
endoderm; turns into organs, muscle, and circulatory vessels
protostomes organisms that form by spiral cleavage and develop a mouth from the first
indentation of the gastrula stage of embryonic development; includes most invertebrates
pseudocoelomate an animal with a false body cavity separating the mesoderm and
endoderm
segmentation a characteristic of animals that have subdivisions of repeated body parts
Unit 4 Animals and Humans
Assignment 4: Animals: Body Communication and Response
action potential an electrical nerve impulse sent by nerve fibers to the central nervous
system for interpretation
chemoreceptors neurons that detect chemicals such as those found in food
compound eyes type of eyes many arthropods have; eyes that protrude outward and
consist of many lenses
effector the structure that gives the response to an environmental change
electroreceptors neurons that detect electrical fields
endocrine secretion of hormones into the bloodstream to affect distant processes
exocrine outward secretion of chemicals through ducts
generator potential a stimulus that must reach a certain threshold before a nerve impulse is
sent
hormone a chemical messenger produced in one part of the body and having an
effect on another part
mechanoreceptors neurons that detect mechanical stimuli like touch and pressure
olfactory receptors neurons that detect smells and other airborne chemicals
photoreceptors neurons that detect light stimuli
receptor the structure that is sensitive to an environmental change and relates the
change to the central nervous system
setae structures on roundworms that contain its mechanoreceptors
thermoreceptors neurons that detect temperature changes
Unit 4 Animals and Humans
Assignment 5: Animals: Movement, Reproduction and Development
chitin a polysaccharide-based substance that forms the exoskeleton of
arthropods
embryo an early stage in the development of an animal or plant
gestation period the period of time offspring is carried in the womb before birth
gonad gamete-producing organ in animals
hydroskeleton support and movement structure of animals that is maintained by water or
body fluid
larva an early growth stage or phase of life of an organism that undergoes
metamorphosis
metamorphosis the transformation of a larva to an adult; occurs only in animals having
great differences in form between the larva and adult
monotreme type of mammal that lays eggs
nymph the part of certain insect life cycles in which the young animal has no
wings or reproductive organs
pupa the developmental stage between larva and adult in insects undergoing
metamorphosis; usually a resistant stage with a thick layer of material protecting the insect from drying out or being harmed by outside influences or forces of various kinds
testes the male gonad which produces sperm
Unit 4 Animals and Humans
Assignment 6: Humans: Body Communication and Response
androgen male hormone
auricle the outer ear structure used for catching and directing sound waves
cerebellum part of the brain that coordinates movement
cerebrum part of the brain responsible for thinking and sensory interpretation
choroid layer of the eye between the sclera and retina that reduces the scattering
of light
cochlea part of the inner ear that translates sound vibrations for the nervous
system to interpret
corticoid hormone secreted by the adrenal cortex; regulates metabolism and
balances salt and water within the body
cytokine a chemical that acts on its local tissue environment
epinephrine an adrenal hormone (adrenaline) that stimulates autonomic nerve action;
gives a person the ability to respond quickly and with added strength
when frightened or angry
hypothalamus part of the brain that regulates autonomic systems of the body; releases
hormones that regulate the pituitary gland
Meissner's corpuscles mechanoreceptors that are sensitive to light touch; highly
concentrated in extra sensitive areas like the fingertips or tongue
Merkel's disks mechanoreceptors of the skin that are sensitive to light touch
Pacinian corpuscles mechanoreceptors of the skin that are sensitive to deep pressure
parathyroid gland four small endocrine glands within the thyroid gland in the neck; produce
PTH
pituitary gland master endocrine gland that affects all hormonal functions
retina a delicate light-sensitive membrane covering the inside of the eyeball and
connected by the optic nerve to the brain
-continued-
sclera a structure composed of fibrous tissue surrounding the eye and giving it
shape
thyroid gland a gland in the neck region that produces the hormone thyroxine, which
increases the rate of body metabolism
tympanic membrane the membrane in the outer ear that vibrates to sound
vagus nerve the major autonomic nerve controlling the body's automatic functions
Unit 4 Animals and Humans
Assignment 7: Humans: Acquisition and Secretion
alimentary canal parts of the body through which food passes
alveoli tiny sacs within the lungs which increase the surface available for gas
exchange
bronchi the two tubes into which the trachea divide to go into each lung
capillary a tiny vessel through which diffusion takes place between the blood and
the body tissues
diaphragm muscle below the lungs used for breathing
duodenum the first piece of the small bowel into which the bile and pancreatic juices
empty
epidermis outer layer of cells
esophagus tube connecting the mouth to the stomach
hemoglobin iron compound in red blood cells
ileum the distal half of the small bowel
jejunum the middle part of the small bowel
pharynx the back part of the mouth and nasal cavity
trachea "windpipe" or tube that transports air to the bronchi
villi finger-like projections on the inner lining of the small intestine that
transport materials in and out of the digestive system
Unit 4 Animals and Humans
Assignment 8: Humans: Movement and Reproduction
endometrium the lining of the uterus wall
epididymis a narrow coiled structure that is attached to the testes and stores sperm
extensor a muscle that straightens a joint
fallopian tube one of the tubes taking the egg from the ovary to the uterus
flexor a muscle that bends a joint
myofibrils components of a muscle
scrotum bag of skin that contains the testes
seminiferous tubules sperm producing organs in the testes
spermatozoon a sperm cell or male gamete
uterus the organ in the woman's body that contains the fetus during pregnancy
vas deferens a duct in the male's body that carries sperm from the epididymis
Unit 4 Animals and Humans
Assignment 9: Humans: Immunity and Homeostasis
antibody a protein produced by the body to combat foreign particles
antigen a substance that stimulates the production of an antibody
lymphocyte type of leukocyte that makes up the specific immunity system; capable of
building immunity to a disease
macrophage white blood cell that eats pathogens and cellular debris
Unit 5 Ecology and the Environment
Assignment 1: The Study of Animal Behavior
activational effects short-term hormonal influences on animal behavior usually occurring late
in life
classical conditioning a technique that associates a natural response to a stimulus to an
unrelated stimulus; also called Pavlovian conditioning
ethology the study of animal behavior in its natural environment
habituation when an animal learns not to respond to a stimulus
insightful learning finding a solution to a once unsolvable problem
latent learning learning that has taken place but is dormant until a situation requires it
operant conditioning a technique that uses rewards to increase a learned behavior
optimality theory a theory that behavior evolves to promote the greatest fitness for the
animal
organizational effects long-term hormonal influences on animal behavior usually
occurring early in life
social learning learning a behavior by observing and watching others
Unit 5 Ecology and the Environment
Assignment 2: Animal Behavior and Interdependencies
altruism unselfish behavior of an individual that looks after the group before itself
Batesian mimicry mimicry in which the mimic and model resemble each other, but the mimic
is a harmless organism and the model possesses a defense mechanism.
carnivore a flesh-eating animal
commensalism a symbiotic relationship between two organisms in which one species
benefits and no effect is apparent to the other species
herbivore an animal that feeds on plants
kineses random movement by animals due to environmental conditions
monogamy having one mate for a whole life span
Müllerian mimicry mimicry in which the mimic resembles the model and shares the same
defense mechanism as the model.
mutualism a symbiotic relationship between two organisms in which both species
receive some type of benefit
parasitism a relationship between two or more organisms of different species in
which one benefits and the other is harmed
phoresy a commensalistic relationship in which one organism is transported by
another
polyandry when females mate with multiple males
polygyny when males mate with multiple females
serial monogamy having one mate at a time but many mates over a life span
symbiosis two organisms living in a close relationship with each other
taxis (pl. taxes) movement toward or away from a stimulus
Unit 5 Ecology and the Environment
Assignment 3: The Study of Ecology
abiotic nonliving
biotic living
carrying capacity the total number of organisms that an ecosystem can handle
community the interacting populations within a geographic area
ecology the knowledge or life science that studies how living things depend on
each other and their environment; the relationships of an organism with its total environment
exponential growth population growth based on the reproduction capability of individuals,
despite available resources
K-selected species that are adapted to live in equilibrium at carrying capacity
logistic growth population growth that reaches equilibrium and carrying capacity
mortality death rate
natality birth rate
population a group of interacting individuals of the same species within the same
geographic area
population density the number of organisms living in a particular area
r-selected species that are adapted to maximize their reproductive rate despite
carrying capacity
Unit 5 Ecology and the Environment
Assignment 4: Organisms and Their Environment
biome major ecological grouping of plants and animals
decomposers bacteria and fungi that break down dead matter
dynamic equilibrium a state of change in which the end result is equal or balanced
ecosystem the basic relationships that show how a community of plants, animals,
and bacteria live and grow and how these living things are dependent on each other as well as the Sun, soil, and other nonliving parts of their environment; a cycle of relationships
environmental factor a condition or conditions of the nonliving surroundings, such as
light, temperature, water, and so on
food chain line of plants and animals that shows the order in which organisms are
eaten
food web a diagram that shows the connections among food chains in an
ecosystem
habitat a place where an organism naturally lives or grows
omnivore an animal that eats both plants and animals
primary consumer organisms that eat producers
producer any green plant that traps the Sun's rays and converts them to chemical
energy
secondary consumer organisms that eat primary consumers
tertiary consumer predator that eats secondary consumers
Unit 5 Ecology and the Environment
Assignment 5: Ecosystems and Their Biomes
abiotic nonliving
biome major ecological grouping of plants and animals
biotic living
community the interacting populations within a geographic area
ecosystem the basic relationships that show how a community of plants, animals,
and bacteria live and grow and how these living things are dependent on each other as well as the Sun, soil, and other nonliving parts of their environment; a cycle of relationships
ecological niche the role or position of an organism in an ecosystem
fauna all the animal life of a region
flora all the plant life of a region
habitat a place where an organism naturally lives or grows
population a group of interacting individuals of the same species within the same
geographic area
Unit 5 Ecology and the Environment
Assignment 6: Human Interaction
biodegradable any substance that can be decomposed by bacterial action
geothermal heat energy coming from inside the Earth; heat from volcanoes or
geysers
pollution the act of contamination; making dirty or unclean
Unit 5 Ecology and the Environment
Assignment 7: Human Interaction
biotechnology science and engineering techniques used to manipulate living cells to
produce useful products
cloning a method of genetic engineering that makes a copy of a living organism or
its parts
DNA profiling identification of individuals based on their DNA profile
genetic engineering any artificial change made to the genetic composition of an
organism
green revolution a phrase used to describe programs involving the breeding of new
high-yield varieties of food crops to increase world food production.
Human Genome Project a worldwide scientific project that deciphered the DNA code of all
the human chromosomes of the body
hybridization cross-breeding; a method that unionizes gametes of differing genes to
create a new individual
recombinant DNA cultured DNA molecules from different biological sources
selective breeding a process of breeding organisms because of their specific traits