Term | Definition |
cell | Basic unit of life |
tissues | Consist of groups of similar cells that have a common function |
organ | A collection of tissues that carry out a specialized function of the body |
organ system | A group of organs that work together in performing vital body functions |
organism | A living thing |
cell specialization | The process in which cells develop in different ways to perform different tasks |
stem cells | unspecialized cells that retain the ability to become a wide variety of specialized cells |
differentiation | Cells develop different forms adapted to specific functions |
pancreatic cells | cells filled with ribosomes and rough ER. These cells also possess large amounts of other organelles needed for protein export; found in the pancreas |
nerve cells | neurons that carry special messages; human brain has approximately 100 billion |
muscle cells | cells that can be three types: cardiac, skeletal, and smooth |
red blood cells | blood cells containing hemoglobin that carry oxygen through the bloodstream |
DNA | molecule that provides instructions for making proteins |
heredity | transmission of characteristics from one generation to the next |
asexual reproduction | a single parent produces offspring that are identical to the parent |
sexual reproduction | two parents are necessary to produce offspring that share characteristics of both parents |
epithelial tissue | covers body structures and lines body cavities |
connective tissue | supports other body tissues and binds tissues and organs together; ex. tendons and ligaments |
muscle tissue | specialized for contraction; skeletal, smooth, and cardiac |
nervous tissue | regulates and controls bodily functions and activity; brain and spinal cord |
cells ~ tissues ~ organs ~ organ systems ~ organism | cell specialization from the simplest to the most complex |