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STAAR Vocab
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Prokaryotic | Single-celled organisms without a nucleus |
| Eukaryotic | Organisms with complex cells containing a nucleus |
| Cell Membrane | Barrier controlling entry and exit of substances |
| Lysosome | Organelle containing enzymes for digestion |
| Active Transport | Movement of molecules against concentration gradient |
| Passive Transport | Movement of molecules along concentration gradient |
| Enzymes | Proteins that catalyze biochemical reactions |
| Organelle | Specialized structure within a cell |
| Ribosome | Site of protein synthesis in cells |
| Loop DNA | Circular DNA found in prokaryotes |
| Protein | Molecule made of amino acids, essential for function |
| Glucose | Simple sugar used for energy |
| Carbohydrate | used for quick energy, can be made by the chloroplast and is used by the mitochondria ATP |
| Lipid | Fatty molecules important for cell membranes |
| Virus | Infectious agent that replicates inside host cells |
| Projections | found on viruses and attach to specific cell within a host Capsid |
| Mitochondria | Organelles responsible for ATP production |
| Photosynthesis | Process converting light energy into chemical energy |
| Cellular Respiration | Process of converting glucose (chemical energy) into ATP (chemical energy) |
| Catalyst | speeds up a chemical reaction |
| DNA | nucleic acid that carries instructions of an organism G0 |
| Tumor | Abnormal growth of cells |
| Base Pair | Two nitrogenous bases bonded together in DNA by a hydrogen bond |
| Nucleotide | Building block of DNA and RNA |
| S Phase | Phase of cell cycle where DNA is replicated |
| Helicase | Enzyme that unwinds DNA during replication |
| Hydrogen Bonds | Weak bonds between nitrogenous bases in DNA |
| DNA Replication | Process of copying DNA before cell division |
| Mitosis | Process of cell division producing two identical somatic cells |
| Growth & Repair | Functions of mitosis in organisms |
| Deoxyribose | Sugar component of DNA |
| Transcription | Process of synthesizing mRNA from DNA |
| Translation | Process of synthesizing proteins from mRNA |
| mRNA | Messenger RNA carrying genetic information |
| Ribose | Sugar component of RNA |
| Uracil | Nitrogenous base found in RNA |
| Somatic Cells | Body cells like blood, bone, muscle, etc |
| Insertion | Mutation involving the addition of DNA sequences |
| Deletion | Mutation involving the loss of DNA sequences |
| Substitution | Mutation where one base is replaced by another |
| Mutation | Change in DNA sequence |
| Frameshift | Mutation altering the reading frame of DNA |
| Point Mutation | Change in a single nucleotide |
| tRNA | Transfer RNA bringing amino acids to ribosomes |
| Codon | Three-nucleotide sequence coding for an amino acid |
| Amino Acid | Building block of proteins |
| Trait | Characteristic determined by genes |
| Alleles | Different versions of a gene |
| Phenotype | Physical expression of genetic traits |
| Dominant | Allele that expresses its trait over another |
| Recessive | Allele that expresses its trait only when homozygous |
| Homozygous | Having two identical alleles for a trait |
| Heterozygous | Having two different alleles for a trait |
| Monohybrid | Cross involving one trait |
| Dihybrid | Cross involving two traits |
| Codominance | Both alleles express equally in phenotype |
| Meiosis | Cell division producing gametes with half the chromosomes |
| Independent Assortment | Random distribution of alleles during gamete formation (meiosis) |
| Gametes | Reproductive cells with half the chromosome number |
| Haploid | Cells with one set of chromosomes |
| Predation | Interaction where one organism eats another |
| Invasive Species | Non-native species disrupting local ecosystems |
| Trophic Level | Position in a food chain |
| Commensalism | Relationship benefiting one species, neutral for another |
| Mutualism | Relationship benefiting both species involved |
| Gradualism | Evolutionary change occurring slowly over time |
| Punctuated Equilibrium | Evolution marked by rapid change, stasis, then rapid change |
| Gene Flow | Transfer of genetic material between populations |
| Natural Selection | Process where organisms better adapted survive |
| Genetic Drift | Random changes in allele frequencies |
| Disruptive Selection | Favors extreme phenotypes over intermediate |
| Variation | Differences among individuals in a population |
| Speciation | Formation of new and distinct species |
| Stasis | Period of little or no evolutionary change |
| Xylem | Vascular tissue transporting water in plants |
| Phloem | Vascular tissue transporting nutrients in plants |
| Osmosis | Diffusion of water across a membrane from high to low concentration |
| Tropism | Plant growth response to environmental stimuli |
| Leaves | Plant organs for photosynthesis |
| Roots | Plant structures anchoring and absorbing nutrients |
| Stomata | Pores regulating gas exchange in leaves |
| Anther | Part of flower producing pollen |
| Stamen | Male reproductive part of a flower |
| Pistil | Female reproductive part of a flower |
| Fruit | Mature ovary containing seeds |
| Phototropism | Growth response of plants to light |
| Hydrotropism | Growth response of plants to moisture |
| Cell Wall | Rigid outer layer of plant cells |
| Crossing Over | Exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes, increasing genetic variation |
| Integumentary System | SKIN, hair, sweat glands, oil glands; keeps germs and foreign particles out of your body and regulates body temperature |
| Excretory System | Bladder, Kidneys; removes waste from your body (urine) |
| Nervous System | Brain, spinal cord, nerves; helps you feel/sense, think, move, and contract |
| Endocrine System | GLANDS secrete HORMONES that travel around your body to regulate processes such as growth, reproduction, and nutrient use. |
| Reproductive System | Helps the body achieve and maintain pregnancy to create offspring. (Uterus & ovaries in females, Penis & testes in males) |
| Circulatory System | Heart, blood vessels; a highway system that transports oxygen, nutrients, hormones, and white blood cells around the body |
| Muscular System | Skeletal MUSCLES for movement of the body, Cardiac muscle to help the heart pump, and Smooth muscle on internal organs |
| Respiratory System | Lungs, trachea; lets the body breathe in oxygen and breathe out carbon dioxide (GAS EXCHANGE) |
| Digestive System | Mouth, Esophagus, Stomach, Intestines; helps the body take in and break down food into smaller nutrients to be absorbed and used for energy |
| Skeletal System | Bones, bone marrow, cartilage, ligaments; Protects and supports body organs and provides a framework the muscles use to move your body. |
| Immune System | WHITE BLOOD CELLS, antibodies, lymph nodes; recognizes and attacks foreign substances in the body like bacteria, viruses, or allergens |
| Homeostasis | To maintain a balanced or constant internal state; the regulation of any aspect of body, such as blood glucose levels or temperature |
| Nutrient Absorption | In animals, the passage of digested food from the small intestines to the circulatory system. |
| Reproduction | the process of producing offspring and for the survival of species |
| Defense from injury or illness | Body stops the entry or senses and attacks foreign particles using white blood cells and responds to wounds by increasing blood flow to injured areas |