“Structure and Function in Organisms Life Science “Structure and Function in Organisms

Click here to reveal the definition! Active Transport The movement of molecules or ions against a concentration gradient, that is, from an area of lower concentration to higher concentration, and therefore requiring energy. Click here to reveal the definition!

Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) The molecule that carries the energy produced by respiration in its third, high-energy phosphate bond; used by cells to provide energy necessary for chemical reactions. Click here to reveal the definition!

Click here to reveal the definition! Autotroph An organism that produces its own food, including photosynthetic organism such as green plants and phytoplankton and chemosynthetic organisms such as sulfur bacteria. Click here to reveal the definition!

Capsule Click here to reveal the definition! The outermost protective layer found on some prokaryotic cells. Click here to reveal the definition!

Click here to reveal the definition! Cell Wall A structure in plant cells that surrounds the cell membrane, important for external cell structure and the protection of the cell’s contents; also present in algae and certain bacteria. Click here to reveal the definition!

Click here to reveal the definition! Cellular Respiration The process in which carbon-rich sugar molecules react with oxygen to make energy for a cell’s use; occurs in heterotrophs and autotrophs. Click here to reveal the definition!

Click here to reveal the definition! Centriole A cell structure that helps separate the contents of the nucleus during cell divisions. Click here to reveal the definition!

Click here to reveal the definition! Chloroplast The structure in plants that contains chlorophyll and is the site of photosynthesis. Click here to reveal the definition!

Concentration Gradient The varying levels of concentration of a substance on either side of a membrane or in an area. Click here to reveal the definition!

Click here to reveal the definition! Cytoplasm A jellylike material that surrounds the nucleus of a cell and contains most of the cell’s organelles. Click here to reveal the definition!

Click here to reveal the definition! Cytoskeleton The support framework inside the cell made up of microfilaments and microtubules. Click here to reveal the definition!

Click here to reveal the definition! Diffusion The general process by which all materials transfer passively in and out of cells. Click here to reveal the definition!

Click here to reveal the definition! Eukaryote A cell that has membrane-bound organelles and generic material contained inside a nucleus. Click here to reveal the definition!

Click here to reveal the definition! Flagella The whiplike structures on some prokaryotic cells that help the organism move. Click here to reveal the definition!

Click here to reveal the definition! Glucose A six-carbon sugar that is the usual form in which organisms process carbohydrates. Click here to reveal the definition!

Click here to reveal the definition! Golgi Apparatus An organelle that stores, modifies, packages, and ships enzymes and other molecules. Click here to reveal the definition!

Click here to reveal the definition! Heterotroph An organism requiring complex organic compounds of nitrogen and carbon for metabolic synthesis; it must get its energy from plants or animals. Click here to reveal the definition!

Homeostasis Click here to reveal the definition! Detection and maintenance of a body’s internal environment. Click here to reveal the definition!

Instinct Click here to reveal the definition! A complex animal behavior triggered by external stimuli. Click here to reveal the definition!

Lysosome Click here to reveal the definition! A membrane-bound organelle that digests sugars and wastes. Click here to reveal the definition!

Mitochondrion Click here to reveal the definition! A membrane-bound organelle that is the site of aerobic respiration. Click here to reveal the definition!

Nucleoid Click here to reveal the definition! The bundle of fibers of DNA found within a prokaryotic cell. Click here to reveal the definition!

Nucleus Click here to reveal the definition! The control center of a eukaryotic cell that contains the cell’s DNA. Click here to reveal the definition!

Organ Click here to reveal the definition! A group of tissues that works together to complete a specific task. Click here to reveal the definition!

Organ System Click here to reveal the definition! A group of organs that works together to complete a specific task. Click here to reveal the definition!

Click here to reveal the definition! Organelle A compartmentalized structure in eukaryotic cells that performs a specific function for the cell. Click here to reveal the definition!

Osmosis Click here to reveal the definition! The passive transport of water molecules through a membrane. Click here to reveal the definition!

Click here to reveal the definition! Passive Transport The movement of molecules from higher concentration to lower concentration; does not require energy. Click here to reveal the definition!

Click here to reveal the definition! Peroxisome A membrane-bound organelle containing enzymes that break down peroxides, which can damage cells. Click here to reveal the definition!

Click here to reveal the definition! Photosynthesis The process by which plants make high energy carbohydrates in their chloroplasts from sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide. Click here to reveal the definition!

Pili Click here to reveal the definition! Hollow, hairlike structures used by bacteria to attach to other cells. Click here to reveal the definition!

Click here to reveal the definition! Plasma Membrane A combination of lipids and proteins that separates the cell from its environment and helps regulate the traffic of molecules between the inside and the outside of the cell. Click here to reveal the definition!

Click here to reveal the definition! Prokaryote A cell that does not have a nucleus in which its hereditary material in stored; a single-celled organism such as bacteria. Click here to reveal the definition!

Click here to reveal the definition! Protein Channel A membrane passageway that opens and closes to allow necessary molecules to move in and out of the cell. Click here to reveal the definition!

Click here to reveal the definition! Ribosome An organelle, made of RNA and proteins, that is involved in protein synthesis. Click here to reveal the definition!

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (RER) A series of membranous sacs that are covered with ribosomes and are an important producer of proteins. Click here to reveal the definition!

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum (SER) A series of membranous tubules that assist in the synthesis of lipids and other molecules needed by the cell. Click here to reveal the definition!

Click here to reveal the definition! Stimulus A change in the internal or external environment, detectable by an organism or a cell within an organism. Click here to reveal the definition!

Click here to reveal the definition! Tissue A group of cells that works together to perform a task that requires many cells. Click here to reveal the definition!

Click here to reveal the definition! Vacuole A membrane-bound organelle in a cell that serves as a storage area for materials such as water, food, and waste products; helps to maintain cell rigidity in plants. Click here to reveal the definition!

Click here to reveal the definition! Virus A particle consisting of DNA encased in a protein coat that must inject its DNA into a living cell in order to reproduce. Click here to reveal the definition!