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7/28/2019 Glossary of Biology Terms
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Glossary of Biology terms
abscission layer
a layer of easily-ruptured tissue in a leafstalk which causes leaves to drop in the
autumn
Adaptive radiation
divergent evolution caused by the adaptingof populations to new conditions, notexperienced by previous generations; seealso divergent evolution
ADH
anti-diuretic hormone, released by thepituitary gland to cause increased waterretention by kidney nephrons
Adhesion
forces which cause molecules to adhere toplant surfaces such as xylem vessels
adrenaline
a hormone or chemical messenger whichstimulates the nervous system andmetabolism especially in times of stress
AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome)
reduced immunity caused by infection withHIV
aleurone layer
a layer under the epidermis of a barley seedwhich can produce amylase under the controlof GA
allele frequency
preponderance of alternative versions of
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genes
Amino acids
the basic units of proteins. They consist ofthe elements C, H, O and N
Angiosperms
flowering plants
antibodies
proteins synthesised in response to foreignantigens
antidiuretic hormone (ADH)
the hormone released by the pituitary glandto cause increased water retention by kidneynephrons
antigens
any substances that cause the immunesystem to produce antibodies. They may be
foreign or made within the body
antimicrobial proteins
peptide chains which deter pathogens
antiparallel
running in opposite direction to
apical meristemsgrowth of the apical (terminal) bud at theexpense of lateral buds
Apical meristems
growing points (regions of mitosis) found atthe tips of plant stems or roots allowing
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increase in length
appeasement display
behaviour used to divert the threat posed by
a dominant animal
artificial environment
surroundings approximating to thosenaturally found
artificial selection
breeding is controlled by Man so thatselected genetic lines survive
avoidance behaviour
behaviour which reduces threat displays fromdominant animals
behavioural
relating to reponses of the whole organism toits environment
buddingproducing new cels by mitosis as budsforming on the parent cell, eg. in Yeast
calcicoles
plants which prefer calcium-rich soil
calcifuges
plants which avoid calcium-rich soil
callus
a group dividing cells which may develop intoa new plant
cambium
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(plural: cambia) a region of mitosis
capsid
the outer part of a virus
captive breeding
the use of zoos or reserves to allow capturedorganisms to produce offspring underprotected conditions
carbon fixation
combination of carbon with hydrogen in thesecond phase of photosynthesis
Cell banks
laboratory preserved reserves of cells
cellulase
an enzyme which digests cellulose sugar
characteristic banding pattern
sequence of bands usual in that species
chloride secretory cells
cells which can release chlorine ions
climax, or mature, community
the last populations establishing themselves.These are long-lived.
clonesgroups of genetically identical individualsproduced from one parent by mitosis,perhaps using micropropagation
codon
a triplet of exposed bases on a length of
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mRNA
Cohesion
forces which cause molecules to stick to one
another
compensation point
any point at which photosynthetic rate andrate of respiration exactly balance oneanother out, usually once in the morning asphotosynthesis speeds up and once in theearly evening as phtosynthesis is retarded bylack of light and heat
Competition
the need for the same resources
continental drift
the gradual moving apart of continents dueto plate tectonics
convergent evolution
the evolution of similar adaptive features inunrelated groups of organisms
critical period
the number of hours of darkness in any 24hour period which is crucial in triggeringflowering
cuticle
a waxy, waterproof layer on the epidermis ofa leaf or stem
Cyanogenic plants
plants such as clover which release cyanidein response to grazing
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the shape of a DNA molecule, see
Duplication
repetition of a series of nucleotides
Ecological barriers
impediments to interbreeding which resultfrom differences in ecology such as freshwater inflow separating two regions of saltwater
ecological niche
the position of an organism in the food web
ectotherms
animals whose body temperature is largelydependent on external ambient temperature
effector
cells, muscles or glands which performresponses to stimuli
effector cells
any muscle cell or gland cell that performs aresponse to a stimulus
embryo
the early stages of development of a plantroot and shoot found in the seed
endosperm
starchy food store of a barley seed
endotherms
animals whose body temperature iscontrolled internally. These are the birds and
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mammals.
envelope
an outer part
Enzyme induction
the switching on of a gene or group ofgenes to cause production of an enzyme as itis required
enzymes
chemicals which promote reactions byforming enzyme/substrate complexes at
active sites
etiolated
growth of a stem featuring yellow colour,long internodes and a plumular hook occuringwhen plants are grown in darkness
Extinction
total loss of a species
Fatty acids
molecules which combine with glycerol tomake fats
filter feeding
the use of a syphon effect to suck planktonor bacteria into specialised feeders such assome molluscs
fitness
ability to survive
Foetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)
a condition causing mental and physicalretardation of children of mothers who are
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alcoholic
Foraging
systematic searching for food, such as when
an animal quarters a field
function
job
Galls
areas of plant tissue which isolate damagedareas or parasitic organisms
gene poolpopulation of genotypes available for mixingthrough mating
genetic code
the sequence of nucleotides in a DNAmolecule determines the sequence on mRNAand this codes for the sequence of aminoacids in a protein
Genetic engineering
the use of organisms which have had DNAinserted by Man to produce selected products
Geographical barriers
impediments to interbreeding which resultfrom accidents of geography such as distanceor mountainous regions which preventpopulations meeting
gibberellic acid (GA)
a plant growth substance which promotes cell
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elongation and causes production of amylasein germinating seeds
glomeruli
knots of tiny blood capillaries found in theBowmans capsules of nephrons
glucose
a six carbon sugar which is the product ofphotosynthesis and the substrate ofrespiration
glycogen
the storage product formed by the action ofinsulin on glucose
glycolysis
the breakdown of glucose (sugar) into 2molecules of pyruvic acid
grazer
an animal which spends many hours feedingon plants
growth curve
a graph showing growth in sze over anorganisms lifetime
guard cells
kidney shaped cells found in pairs to formstomata
habituated
a term decribing an animal which has learnedto ignore a specific, repetitive, harmlessstimulus
haemoglobin
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a globular protein containing iron whichassociates readily with oxygen whenavailable
Henle the loop of Henle is a part of the nephronwhich folds back on itself allowing acountercurrent exchange system between thetwo portions which lie parallel to one another
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
a virus which disrupts the immune system byinvading white blood cells
hybrid plants
plants produced using genes of differentvarieties or species
hydrogen carriers
molecules such as NAD which easily bind toHydrogen when available
Hydrophytes
plants adapted to live in wet conditions suchas in ponds
hypertonic
solution A (or cell A) is hypertonic to solutionB (or cell B) if it has less water, that is more
solute, than solution B (or cell B)
hypothalamus
part of the brain adjacent to the pituitarygland which monitors and regulatestemperature and water balance
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a hormone produced in the pancreas whichconverts excess glucose to glycogen
internal environment
conditions within all the different cells andfluids in the body
interspecific
between species
intraspecific
within one species
Inversionreversal
Inversion mutation
reversal of a sequence of nucleotides or alength of DNA
islets of Langerhans
cells in the pancreas which produce insulin
and glucagon
isotonic
equal in concentration
Jacob-Monod hypothesis of gene action
the theory, observed in bacteria, that geneswork in functional groups to control use ofresources
kidneys
osmoregulatory organs; they remove ureaand excess water from the blood
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lac operon
the group of genes responsible in bacteria forregulation of lactose digestion bybetagalactosidase enzyme
Lateral meristems
growing points (regions of mitosis) foundinside plant stems or roots allowing increasein girth
learned behaviour
behaviour copied by observation in socialgroups
liver
a large organ with many functions, includingstoring vitamins and iron, deaminatingexcess amino acids to form urea, and storingglycogen
Long-day plants
plants which use lengthening days as atrigger for flowering; there is a critical
number of hours which must be exceeded.
lymphocytes
cells involved in producing humoralantibodies (B-lymphocytes) and in cell-mediated responses (T-lymphocytes)
lysis
bursting, eg. the release of daughter
viruses from a host cell. See also glycolysis
lysozyme
an enzyme produced in tears to defend
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against pathogens
macro-elements
elements such as N, S, P, K, Ca, Mg which
are required in relatively large quantities byplants
mass extinctions
large scale losses of species and genera
maximum sustainable yield (MSY)
the highest harvest of plants or animalswhich can continue over time without
detriment ot the population harvested
membranous envelope
a coating formed by a membrane
memory cells
cells (B cells) which produce a secondaryimmune response as they are activated bylow levels of antigen
meristem
a growing point in a plant, ie. a place wheremitosis produces new cells (see cambia)
meristems
growing points in plants, ie. places wheremitosis produces new cells (see cambium)
messenger RNA (mRNA)the nucleic acid which carries the geneticcode to the ribosomes
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metabolic pathway
a series of reactions which build up (anabolic)products or break down (catabolic)substrates
metabolic water
water released during respiration in allrespiring cells (check the equation)
micropropagation
the use of plant tissue other than seeds togrow new plants allowing mass production ofuniform crops
mitosis
nuclear division
mobile
able to move
monocytes
large, long-lived white blood cells which
become macrophages which engulf virusesand bacteria
NAD
A co-enzyme which easily attaches toHydrogen atoms, but releases them whenthey are required
national park
an area reserved for wildlife by governmentlegislation
natural environment
native surroundings
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nutrient
a mineral such as nitrogen, phosphorous orpotassium, or a chemical which releasesminerals to a plant
obligate intracellular parasites
organisms which require to live in the cells ofhosts
operator gene
the gene which switches on the structuralgene when appropriate
operon
a group of regulator, operator and structuralgenes which operate as a unit
order
sequence
osmoregulation
the mechanisms used by organisms tomaintain water and solute balance
Osmoregulation
control of water and solute concentrationswithin tolerable limits
osmosis
movement of water from high to lowconcentration through a semi permeablemembrane
pancreas
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an organ which both releases enzymes, suchas amylase, and also hormones, insulin andglucagon
peptide bonds connections between amino acids
perennial
living for several years
pesticides
chemicals applied to kill pests
Phagocyteswhite blood cells called macrophages
Phagocytosis
the process by which macrophages engulfbacteria which invade tissues
phenotypes that are beneficial
constitutions which allow individuals to
exploit resources and circumstances betterthan their competitors
phenylalanine
an amino acid
phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH)
the enzyme which cannot be produced in theinherited disorder phenylketonuria
Phenylketonuria (PKU)
(PKU) is an inherited metabolic disorder (orinborn error of metabolism) which results ininability to convert phenylalanaine to tyrosine
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photoperiodism
the response of an organism to changingdaylength
photophosphorylationthe production of ATP using light energy
photosynthesis
the production of glucose and oxygen in thechloroplasts of a green plant using lightenergy to combine carbon dioxide withhydrogen extracted from water
physiological
relating to responses and secretions of bodyorgans
physiological homeostasis
mechanism used to maintain a stable internalenvironment
phytoalexins
chemicals produced by plants when they areattacked by parasites in the same way thatantibodies protect animals
pioneer community
the first populations establishing themselves.These are short-lived.
pituitary glandthe master gland, found in the brain, whichreleases growth hormone, TSH and ADH,among others
plant growth hormones
substances which promote or inhibit the
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development of plant tissues, depending onconcentrations
plasmodesmata
pores in a cell membrane (plasmalemma)connecting adjacent cells
plasmolysed
shrunken due to loss of water
polymers
long molecules composed of repeated units(monomers)
polypeptide chains
several amino acids joined by peptide bonds
primary growth
first increase in size due to production andenlargement of new cells at the cambiawithin a vein (vascular bundle)
primary immune response
first defensive reaction on detection of anantigen. It is usually weak and slow.
Primary succession
changes in the types of species which occupyan initially barren area through time
protein coat
outer part of a virus
protoplasts
nucleoplasm and cytoplasm
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pursuit time
time spent pursuing prey
ranking order
the organisation of a hierarchy of dominancewithin a group of social animals
receptor
name applied to cells which monitor changesin environment
recombinant plasmids
circular portions of DNA containing genes
inserted artificially
Regeneration
regrowth of amputated parts in lowerorganisms such as starfish and spiders
regulator
describing a gene of an operon which causesa repressor molecule to inhibit action of an
operator gene
repressor molecule
the compound produced under the control ofa regulator gene to inhibit operator geneexpression
Reproductive barriers
impediments to interbreeding arising fromdifferences in courtship ritual or in breedingseason
Resin
gum
reverse transcriptase
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an enzyme used by pathogens to generateDNA from RNA using the host cells resources
reversed stomatal rhythm
specialised behaviour of desert plants whichcauses the stomata to open at night ratherthan in the daytime
ribose
a sugar which forms part of an RNAnucleotide
ribosomes
structures found in the cytoplasm andattached to ER where protein synthesisoccurs
rickets
bone deformity due to lack of vitamin D orcalcium
RNAa nucleic acid containing phosphate, ribosesugar, adenine, uracil, guanine and cytosine
root pressure
the apparent push of water up through a cutstem from the roots
search time
time spent foraging
secondary growth
increase in width of a stem or root due toactivity of lateral meristems. This is themethod by which trees add annual rings as
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they grow perennially.
secondary immune response
defensive reaction on second or subsequent
exposure to an antigen. It is fast and strong.
Secondary succession
changes in the types of species which occupya previously colonised area through time
selected
allowing advantage
selective behaviourchoosing prey of the optimum size andavailability
semi-conservativemethod of replication whereby each new DNAdouble helix consists of one strand of originalDNA, and one newly constructed sequence ofnucleotides
sessile
unable to move
shade plants plants which thrive in poorly-illuminatedsituations
Short-day plants
plants which use shortening days as a triggerfor flowering; there is a critical number of
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hours which must not be exceeded.
short-term modification
a change in learned behaviour lasting only a
short time as it has not been practised
social behaviour
behaviour which affects relationships
social signals
behaviour communicating status or mood
somatic cell hybrid
a cross between two species arising from thefusion of cells other that gametes
somatic fusion
the joining of two plant cells, other thangametes, which have had their cell wallsremoved so that their contents fuse together
speciation
formation of a new species
species
a group of organisms which can breed toproduce fertile, viable offspring
specific immune response
cancelling of one type of antigen byantibodies which match only that single
pathogen
stomata
pores, mainly found on the undersurfaces ofleaves, which allow gas exchange
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strong bonds
conections between molecules, such ascovalent bonds, which are not easily broken
structural genesgenes responsible for the transcription ofmRNA, leading to enzyme production
structure
1: a particular organelle within a cell, eg.nucleus, nucleolus; 2: the way in which amolecule or an organelle or organ is built,eg.proteins are made of amino acids
struggle to survive
competition for resources
Substitution mutation
the replacement of one nucleotide by another
Succession
the series of changes in the types of species
which occupy a given area through time
sun plants
plants which thrive in sunny situations
territory
an area defended by an animal, or by a pair,usually to allow breeding behaviour
thalidomidea morning-sickness drug which caused limband other deformities in foetuses
thermostat
receptors in the hypothalamus which detectblood temperature and receive nervous
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Transpiration
release of water by stomata
transpiration pull
movement of water through the xylem of aplant due to solar evaporation through thestomata
transpiration stream
the flow of water through the xylem of aplant caused by transpiration loss at theleaves
triplet code three exposed bases on a length of DNA orRNA forming a code for matching bases
type
kind
tyrosine
an amino acid
unidirectional
in one direction only
uracil
an organic base forming part of RNAnucleotides
variations
differences
vasoconstriction
contraction in diameter of a blood vessel,
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