| A | B |
|---|
| Adbomen | the posterior segment of an animal that usually houses the organs of digestion and excretion. |
| Abiotic factor | any nonliving component of an ecosystem. |
| Acid rain | precipitation with below-normal pH, often the result of industrial pollution and automobile exhaust. |
| Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) | a group of diseases caused by a viral disruption in the immune system. |
| Activation energy | the amount of energy required for a chemical reaction to get started and continue on its own. |
| Active transport | the movement of any substance across a cell membrane with the use of energy from ATP |
| Adaptation | an inherited trait that increases an organism's chance of survival in a particular environment. |
| Adaptive radiation | an evolutionary pattern in which many species evolve from a single ancestral species. |
| Adenine | nitrogen base that bonds with Thymine in a DNA molecule. Also part of ATP. |
| Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) | storage melecule for energy is composed of teh molecule adenosine with three phosphate groups attached. |
| Aerobic respiration | the breakdown of pyruvic acid with the use of oxygen |
| Alcoholic fermentation | the process by which pyruvic acid is converted to ethyl alcohol; the anaerobic action of yeast on the sugars found in fruits and grains. |
| Algae bloom | a population explosion of algae that colors the environment. |
| Allele | an alternative form of a gene. |
| Allele frequency | the percentage of an allele in a gene pool. |
| Alternation of generations | a sexual life cycle in plants and algae involving two or more phases. |
| Amino acid | one of 20 monomers that form proteins. |
| Anaphase | a stage of mitosis and meiosis in which the chromosomes separate. |
| Anatomy | the bodily structure of a plant or animal or of any of its parts. |
| Angiosperm | a flowering plant. |
| Anterior | the front end of a bilaterally symmetrical organism. |
| Anther | plant structure in which pollen grains are produced. |
| Antibiotic | a chemical produced by microorganisms that is capable of inhibiting the growth of some bacteria. |
| Antibody | a blood protein produced by B cells that destroy antigens. |
| Anticodon | a region of tRNA consisting of three bases complementary to the codon of mRNA. |
| Antigen | a substance that stimulates the production of antibodies. |
| Aquifer | an underground bed or layer of eartrh, gravel, or porous stone that yields water. |
| Artificial propagation | in plants, asexual reproduction manipulated by humans. |
| Asexual reproduction | the production of offspring that does not involve the union of gametes. |
| Aster | a centriole with its radiationg fibers that is active during cell division. |
| Atom | the fundamental unit of matter. |
| Atomic number | the number of protons in an atom. |
| Autotroph | an organism that uses energy, such as light, to synthesize organic molecules from inorganic molecules. |
| Biodegradable | referring to any pollutant that is subject to decay by organism. |
| Biology | the science of life |
| Biome | a major regional or global biotic community, such as a grassland or desert, characterized chiefly by the dominant forms of plant life and the prevailing climate. |
| Biotic factor | a living component of an ecosystem. |
| Cancer | the uncontrolled growth of cells. |
| Carbohydrate | an organic compound composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen in which the hydrogen-to-oxygen ration is two to one. |
| Carnivore | a consumer that eats other consumers. |
| Carrying capacity | the maximum number of individuals of a species that an ecosystem is capable of supporting. |
| Cell | a membrane bound structure that is the basic unit of life. |
| Cell culture | a population of identical cells grown in the laboratory. |
| Cell cycle | the events of cell division; includes interphase, mitosis, and cytokinesis. |
| Cell division | the formation of cells from a parent cell. |
| Cell membrane | the outer lipid boundary of a cell. |
| Cell plate | a membrane that divides the daughter cells following mitosis in plants. |
| Cell theory | the theory that all living things are made up of cells, that cells are the basic units of organisms, and that cells come from only existing cells. |
| Cell wall | an extracellular, strengthening component of a plant cell. |
| Celsius | of or relation to a temperature scale that registers the freezing point of water as 0 degrees and the boiling point as 100 degrees under normal atmospheric pressure. |
| Centrioles | from the asters during mitosis. |
| Centromere | the structure formed when chromatids join. |
| Chemical reaction | the process of breaking chemical bonds, forming new bonds, or both. |
| Chloroplast | a plastid containing chlorophyll; the site of photosynthesis. |
| Chlorophyll | Any of a group of green pigments that are found in the chloroplasts of plants and in other photosynthetic organisms. |
| Chromosome | a threadlike linear strand of DNA and associated proteins in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells that carries the genes and functions in the transmission of hereditary information. |
| Cilia | a microscopic hairlike structure extending from the surface of a cell or unicellular organism. capable of rhythmical motion. |
| Circulatory system | the system that distributes oxygen and nutrients to cells in all parts of the body. |
| Class | in taxonomy, a group of similar orders. |
| Classifying | the grouping or objects, organisms, or phenomena into a new or established organizational scheme. |
| Climax community | a community of organisms that will remain stable in an area as long as the area is undisturbed. |
| Clone | an offspring produced by asexual reproduction. |
| Codominance | the condition when two alleles of the same gene neither or which totally masks the other. |
| Codon | a group of three sequential nitrogen bases of an mRNA molecule. |
| Coevolution | the joint change of interacting species. |
| Commensalism | a form of symbiosis in which one organism benefits and the other neither benefits nor is harmed. |
| Community | all the population in one are. |
| Competition | the use or defense of a resource by an organism that reduces the availability of that resource to others. |
| Complete digestive system | a system in which food enters via the mouth and passes sequentially throught he system to the anus. |
| Compound | two or more elements that are chemically joined. |
| Consumer | a heterotroph that obtains energy from chemical bonds in nutrients it eats. |
| Covalent bond | a bond that forms when two atoms share one or more pairs of electrons. |
| Crossing over | the exchange kof genes by homologous chromosomes during meiosis. |
| Cross pollination | a reproductive process in which pollen from plants is transferred to the stigma of another plant.f |
| Cytokinesis | the division of the cytoplasm of a parent cell into two daughter cells. |
| Cytoplasm | the jelly like fluid of a cells interior. |
| Cytosine | nitrogen base that bonds with Guanine in a DNA molecule. |
| Cytoskeleton | the framework of a cell. |
| Decomposer | an organism that uses nutrients from dead plants and animals. |
| Deletion | a mutation in which a segment of DNA breaks off of a chromosome. |
| Density-dependent factors | variables related to the density of a populating that affect population size. |
| Density-independent factors | variable that affect population size regardless of population density. |
| Deoxyribonucleic acid | a double helix shaped nucleic acid |
| Deoxyribose | a five carbon sugar molecule found in DNA. |
| Dicot | an angiosperm with two cotyledons, net venation, and flower parts in four or five. |
| Dihybrid cross | a cross between individuals that leads to the name of an organism. |
| Diploid | a cell that contains both chromosomes of a homologous pair. |
| Divergent evolution | the process of two or more related species becoming more and more dissimilar. |
| Dominant | referring to an allele that masks the presence of another allele for the same characteristics. |
| Ecosystem | an ecological community together with its environment, functioning as a unit. |
| Element | a substance that ordinarily cannot be broken down chemically to form simpler kinds of matter. |
| Embryo | an organism in its early stages of development. |
| Endothermic | warm blooded; referring to an animal that generates its own body heat. |
| Enzyme | a protein that acts like a catalyst in intermediary metabolism. |
| Eukaryote | a cell that contains a nucleus and membrane bound organelles. |
| Eutrophication | an increase of nutrients in an environment. |
| Ecology | the relationship between organisms and their environment. |
| Evolution | the theory that species change over time. |
| Exothermic | cold blooded, referring to an animal that does not generate its own body heat. |
| Experiment | a test under controlled conditions that is made to demonstrate a known truth, examine the validity of a hypothesis, or determine the efficacy of something previously untried. |
| Family | in taxonomy, a group of similar genera. |
| Ferenheit | relating to a temperature scale that registers the freezing point of water as 32 degrees and the boiling point as 212 degrees |
| Fertilization | the fusion of gametes. |
| Fibrous root | one of many small roots that spread out near the top of the soil. |
| Food chain | the specific feeding sequence in which organisms obtain energy in an ecosystem. |
| Food web | the interrelated food chains in an ecosystem. |
| Gamete | a sexual reproductive cell either egg or sperm. |
| Gene | a short segment of DNA that contains coding for a polypeptide or protein. |
| Genetics | the branch of biology that deals with heredity. |
| Gene pool | all the genes for all the traits in a population. |
| Gene splicing | the process by which a gene from one organism is placed into the DNA of another organism. |
| Genetic code | the system that contains information needed by the cell for proper functioning. |
| Genotype | the genetic makeup of an organism. |
| Genus | in taxonomy, a group of similar species. |
| Golgi apparatus | an organelle of a cell that functions in secretion. |
| Grafting | a technique in which a portion of one plant is inserted into and grows with the root or shoot of another. |
| Greenhouse effect | a condition in increased heat due to reflection of sunlight back to earth from the atmosphere. |
| Guanine | nitrogen base that bonds with cytosine in a DNA molecule. |
| Gymnosperm | a seed plant whose seeds are not enclosed by an ovary. |
| Habitat | the physical area in which an organism lives. |
| Haploid | a cell that has only one chromosome of each homologous pair. |
| Herbivore | a consumer that eats primary producers. |
| Heredity | the genetic transmission of characteristics from partent to offspring. |
| Heterotroph | an organism that cannot make its own food. |
| Homeostasis | the biological balance between a cell or an organism and its environment. |
| Hormone | substances found in plants and animals that regulate development. |
| Hybrid | the offspring of two dissimilar organisms. |
| Hybridization | a type of controlled breeding which two different but related species are crossed. |
| Hypothesizing | the process of forming testable statements about observable phenomena. |
| Immunity | a resistance to a specific pathogen. |
| Infectious disease | a transmittable disease. |
| Interferon | a protein produced by the body that inhibits the reproduction of viruses. |
| Interphase | a period of cell growth and development that precedes mitosis. |
| Ionic bond | a bond formed by electrical attractions between two oppositely charged ions. |
| Isotope | an atom of an element that has a different number of neutrons than other atoms of that element. |
| Kinetic energy | the energy of motion. |
| Kingdom | in taxonomy, a group of similar phyla or divisons. |
| Lactic acid fermentation | the process by which pyruvic acid is converted to lactic acid. |
| Leucoplast | a plastid in plants that stores food. |
| Light dependent reactions | the set of reactions that convert solar energy to chemical energy. |
| Light independent reatctions | the set of reactions that produce organic compounds, using chemical energy produced during the light dependent reactions. |
| Linkage group | the group of genes, located on the same chromosome that are usually inherited together. |
| Lymphatic system | a series of one way vessels that carries intercellular fluid from tissues to the bloodstream. |
| Mass number | the sum of the protons and the neutrons in an atom. |
| Mass selection | the process of choosing a few individuals to act as parents from a larger pool of individuals. |
| Matter | anything that occupies space and has mass. |
| Meiosis | the process of nuclear division that reduces the number of chromosomes in a cell by half. |
| Messenger RNA | the type of RNA that carries genetic information from the nucleus to the ribosomes. |
| Metaphase | the second phase of mitosis in which all the chromosomes move to the center of the cell. |
| Mimicry | the resemblance of one organism to another or to an object in its surroundings for concealment and protection from predators. |
| Mitochondrion | the organelle that is the site of aerobic respiration in cells. |
| Mitosis | the division of the cell nucleus. |
| Monocot | an angiosperm with a single cotyledon, parallel veins, and flower parts in multiples. |
| Monohybrid cross | a cross between individuals that involves one pair on contrasting traits. |
| Monomer | a repeated, single molecule unit of a polymer |
| Monosaccharide | a simple six carbon sugar such as fructose or glucose. |
| Multicellular organism | a living thing that consists of more than one cell. |
| Mutagen | an environmental factor that damages DNA. |
| Mutation | a change in DNA. |
| Natural Selection | the process by which organisms with favorable variations survive and reproduce at higher rates than those without such variations. |
| Dichotomous key | a written set of choices that leads to the name of an organism. |
| Niche | the way of life of a species. |
| Nuclear envelope | the double membrane of lipids and proteins that surrounds the nucleus of a cell. |
| Nucleic acid | an organic molecule, DNA or RNA, that stores and carries important information for cell function. |
| Nucleolus | the structure found in most nuclei in which ribosomes are synthesized and partially assembled. |
| Nucleotide | a monomer of DNA and RNA consisting of a nitrogen base, a sugar, and a phosphate group. |
| Nucleus | in atoms, the core of protons and neutrons, in eukaryotic cells, the organelle that contains most of the DNA. |
| Omnivore | an animal that feeds on both animals and vegetable substances. |
| Order | in taxonomy, a group of similar families. |
| Organ system | a group of organs that interact to perform a set of related tasks. |
| Osmosis | the diffusion of water. |
| Parasite | an organism that grows, feeds, and is sheltered on or in a different organism while contributing nothing to the survival of its host. |
| Pathogen | an organism that causes a disease. |
| Pedigree | a record that shows how a trait is inherited over time. |
| Permeable | referring to a membrane in which molecules can pass. |
| Phenotype | the external appearance of an organism. |
| Photosynthesis | the series of reactions that convert radiant energy to the chemical energy stored in the bonds of organic compounds, usually carbohydrates. |
| pH scale | a scale for measuring the relative concentrations of hydronium ions and hydroxide ions in a solution. |
| Phylum | in taxonomy, a group of similar classes. |
| Pistil | female reproductive structure of a plant. |
| Pollen grain | contains two sperm nuclei and one tube nuclei. |
| Pollination | the transfer of pollen from one anther to a stigma of a flower of the same species. |
| Polygenic trait | a trait controlled by multiple alleles. |
| Potential energy | stored energy or energy of position. |
| Prediction | a statement made about the future. |
| Probable | Likely to happen or to be true. |
| Prokaryote | a cell without a nucleus. |
| Prophase | the first phase of mitosis. |
| Proton | a subatomic particle with a positive charge. |
| Punnett Square | a method used to establish the probabilities of the results of a genetic cross. |
| Qualitative | relating to or involving comparisons based on qualities. |
| Quantify | express as a number or measure or quantity. |
| Quantitative | involving the measurement of quantity or amount. |
| Radial symmetry | an arrangement of body parts in which may planes can divide the organism into similar halves. |
| Recessive | referring to an allele that is masked by the presence of another allele for the same characteristics. |
| Replication | the process of copying a DNA molecule. |
| Respiratory system | the system of organs that functions to transport gases to and from the circulatory system. |
| Ribose | the five carbon sugar in RNA. |
| Ribosome | the organelle that functions in the synthesis of proteins. |
| Ribose Nucleic Acid | single stranded nucleic acid. |
| Scientific method | a procedure that is logical combination of scientific processes used to solve a problem. |
| Scientific name | the two word Latin name of a species, always italicized. |
| Self-pollination | the transfer of pollen from one flower to another flower on the same plant. |
| Sexual reproduction | the production of offspring from the combination of genetic material. |
| Speciation | the formation of new species. |
| Species | a group of organisms that look alike an dare capable of reproducing offspring in the natural environment. |
| Spontaneous generation | the development of living organisms from nonliving material. |
| Stamen | the structure of a flower that produces pollen. |
| Symbiosis | a close, prolonged association between two or more different organisms of different species that may, but does not necessarily, benefit each member. |
| Taxonomy | the science of grouping organisms according to there presumed relationships. |
| Telophase | the final stage of mitosis. |
| Theory | a set of statements or principles devised to explain a group of facts or phenomena. |
| Thymine | nitrogen base which bonds with adenine in an DNA molecule. |
| Tissue | in most multicellular organisms, a group of similar cells that carry out a common function. |
| Transcripiton | the process in which RNA is made from DNA. |
| Translocation | a mutation in which a broken piece of chromosome attaches to a nonhomologous chromosome. |
| Unicellular organism | a living thing composed of one cell. |
| Uracil | the nitrogen base that replaces Thymine in an RNA molecule. |
| Virus | a biological particle composed of genetic material and protein that is not usually considered to be a living organism. |
| Zygote | the cell that results from the fusion of gametes. |
