Odyssey High School Biology Vocabulary

These are the vocabulary words and definitions used throughout the Biology course. They are listed in alphabetical
order.

Vocabulary Word Definition

abiotic physical, or nonliving, factor that shapes an ecosystem

abiotic factor physical, or nonliving, part of an ecosystem

accurate the closeness of a measurement to the actual value

acoelomate having no body cavity

acoelomic lacking a body cavity

acquired traits traits that develop as a result of an organism's experiences in the world
the energy needed to start a reaction by exciting a stable molecule and
activation energy
making it a reactive molecule
the energy-requiring process of moving or pumping a substance across the
active transport plasma membrane against an electrical or concentration gradient (moving
from low to high concentration)
adapt to change to suit a new purpose
a variation in a plant or animal that increases it chance of survival in its
adaptation
environment
evolutionary divergence of members of a single phyletic line into many
adaptive radiation
different niches
adenine purine base that pairs with thymine in DNA or uracil in RNA
a small gland that produces steroid hormones, adrenaline and
adrenal gland
nonadrenaline, which helps control heart rate, blood pressure
adventitious roots roots growing from an unusual spot, like the stem
cellular process of producing energy in the form of ATP and carbon dioxide
aerobic respiration
from food (glucose) and oxygen; occurs in the mitochondria
air the mixture of gases that make up the atmosphere

aldosterone a corticosteriod hormone that is secreted by the cortex of the adrenal gland
any of the various non-vascular, plant-like organisms that usually produce
algae
energy through photosynthesis
fetal membrane important in the formation of the umbilical cord and placenta
allantois
in mammals; also present in eggs of reptiles and birds
one of the two copies of a gene the occupies the same position on
allele
chromosomes
allergen any substance that can cause an allergy
cycling between haploid and diploid stages of life cycle; occurs in plants,
alternation of generations
fungi, and plant-like protists
tiny air sacs at the end of a ronchoile in the lungs that provides surface area
alveoli
for gas exchange to occur
the basic building block of proteins. structurally made up of a carboxyl
amino acid group, an amine group, a hydrogen, and an R group side chain. there are
20 natural amino acids.

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 Odyssey High School Biology Vocabulary

Vocabulary Word Definition

the thin innermost membranous sac enclosing the developing embryo of

amnion
higher vertebrates (reptiles, birds and mammals)
an egg composed of shell and membranes that create a protected
amniotic egg
environment in which the embryo can develop out of the water
any of the organisms in the protozoan Amoeba genus that are microscopic,
amoeba single-celled, move by forming pseudopods, and do not have a consistent
shape
any of the organisms in the protozoan Amoeba genus that are microscopic,
amoebas single-celled, move by forming pseudopods, and do not have a consistent
shape
any cold-blooded vertebrate typically living on land but breeding in water;
amphibian
aquatic larvae undergo metamorphosis into adult form
cellular process of metabolizing food(glucose) without oxygen to form
anaerobic respiration
energy(ATP) and lactic acid; also known as fermentation
stage of mitosis or meiosis where the sister chromatids begin to separate
anaphase
and begin move to the opposite poles of the spindle
anatomy the structure of an animal or plant or of any of its parts
a vascular plant whose sex organs are enclosed by flowers and seeds are
angiosperm
enclosed by an ovary (fruit)
the eukaryotic cells that make up animal tissues. Animal cells lack cell walls
animal cell
and chloroplasts
Annelida segmented worms: earthworms; lugworms; leeches

annelids worms with cylindrical bodies segmented both internally and externally
one of a pair of mobile appendages on the head of e.g. insects and
antennae
crustaceans; typically sensitive to touch and taste
the male sex organ of spore-producing plants; produces antherozoids;
antheridium
equivalent to the anther in flowers
any of a large variety of proteins normally present in the body or produced
antibody in response to an antigen which it neutralizes, thus producing an immune
response
group of three bases on a tRNA molecule that are complementary to an
anticodon
mRNA codon
antigen any substance that stimulates an immune response in the body

aquatic relating to, living in or growing in water

a group of bacteria that share more similarities with eukaryotes than with
Archae common bacteria; also known to have alternative ways to obtain energy and
like living in alternative environments
microorganisms of the Archaea domain including methane-producing, red
Archaebacteria
halophilic, and acidophilic forms
archegonium a female sex organ occurring in mosses, ferns, and most gymnosperms
invertebrate having jointed limbs and a segmented body with an exoskeleton
arthropod
made of chitin
selection by humans for breeding of useful traits from the natural variation
artificial selection
among different organisms

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 Odyssey High School Biology Vocabulary

Vocabulary Word Definition

changing a species so that certain desirable traits are represented in the

artificial selection
new generations; used to breed domestic dogs
to reproduce by cell division, spore formation, fission, or budding without the
asexual reproduction
union of individuals or gametes
a lung disorder characterized by wheezing, coughing and shortness of
asthma
breath caused by constriction of airways
asymmetry a lack of symmetry
the narrowing of the walls of the arteries caused by deposits of fatty
atherosclerosis
substances especially cholesterol
the mixture of gases that surrounds the Earth or some other celestial body.
atmosphere
It is held by the force of gravity and forms carious layers at different heights.
the basic building block of elements. Atoms are indivisible by chemical
atom
means and are composed of protons, neutrons, and electrons
adenosine triphosphate; energy molecule of living things that is produced
ATP
from food by respiration
any chamber that is connected to other chambers or passageways
atrium
(especially one of the two upper chambers of the heart).
an organism that is capable of synthesizing its own organic food molecules
autotroph
from only carbon dioxide, simple inorganic nitrogen, and light or ATP
axon a long nerve process that carries nerve impulses away from the cell body
a lymphocyte derived from bone marrow that provides humoral immunity; it
B cells recognizes free antigen molecules in solution and matures into plasma cells
that secrete immunoglobulin (antibodies) that inactivate the antigens
bacilli a term used to describe rod-shaped bacteria
a prokaryotic microorganism without a cell membrane or nucleus. Bacteria
bacteria
usually reproduce by fission or spores and may cause disease.
bacteriophage a virus that infects bacteria
the process of nitrogen bases pairing up when forming DNA molecules or
base pairing during replication; adenine pairs with thymine (base A pairs with base T) and
guanine pairs with cytosine (base G pairs with base C)
form of reproductive isolation in which two populations have difference
behavioral isolation in courtship rituals or other types of behavior that prevent them from
interbreeding
the muscle at the front of the upper arm that bends the elbow. The biceps
biceps
has two points of attachment to the bone at one end.
bilateral having two sides or parts

bilateral symmetry an organism that is divided into two equal parts

a type of asexual reproduction in which a cell divides into genetically
binary fission
identical cells
binomial nomenclature a species name made up of two words: a genus and a species
the diversity of an environment shown by number of different species of
biodiversity
plants and animals
biodiversity hotspots a threatened or endangered location that is highly diversified

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Vocabulary Word Definition

organic molecules, like proteins and nucleic acids, that are produced in
bioremediation
living organisms
biotic caused by or relating to a living organism

biotic factor biological influence on organisms within an ecosystem

the ratio of live births in an area to the population of that area; expressed
birth rate
per 1000 population per year
Bivalva class of gastropods known as clams and oysters

body cell any diploid cells that are part of the body that are not gametes
an organ of the nervous system made up of neurons and other tissues that
brain processes information, controls autonomic function, directs movement, and
learns
the bodily process of inhalation and exhalation; the process of taking in
breathing
oxygen from inhaled air and releasing carbon dioxide by exhalation
bronchi either of the two main branches of the trachea leading to the lungs
non-flowering plants of the division Bryophyta including mosses and
bryophytes
liverworts
a modified bud consisting of a thickened globular underground stem serving
bulbs
as a reproductive structure
thyroid hormone that tends to lower the level of calcium in the blood plasma
calcitonin
and inhibit resorption of bone
the act of checking or adjusting (by comparison with a standard) the
calibrations
accuracy of a measuring instrument
dark reactions, or light-independent reactions, of photosynthesis that use
Calvin cycle the ATP from the light reactions to convert carbon dioxide into sugar; occur
in the chloroplasts
the smallest of blood vessels that connects arterioles to venules and is the
capillaries
sight of gas and nutrient exchange between the body and blood
capsid the viral protein coat that covers the virus’ genetic material
a chemical compound such as sugars or starches that is made up of carbon,
carbohydrate
nitrogen, and oxygen
the sixth element in the periodic table. carbon has six protons and is a major
carbon part of organic molecules and living things. the chemical symbol for carbon
is C
carbon cycle flow of carbon between all living and non-living things on Earth
the group of organs and tissues responsible for transport and delivery of
cardiovascular system
blood, nutrients, oxygen, wastes, and other materials
carnivore any animal that feeds on flesh

carrying capacity the maximum population an area can support

elastic tissue that makes up the skeleton of vertebrate embryos and other
cartilage
structures such as joints, respiratory passages, and ears
a substance that lowers the activation energy of a reaction, allowing the
catalyst reaction to proceed faster or more easily. the catalyst itself is not affected
by the reaction.

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 Odyssey High School Biology Vocabulary

Vocabulary Word Definition

a change to a substance that lowers the activation energy of a reaction,

catalyze allowing the reaction to proceed faster or more easily. the catalyst itself is
not affected by the reaction.
the smallest functional unit of a living organism that is bound by a
cell
semipermeable membrane and contains various intracellular organelles
cell body the central part of a nerve cell that contains the nucleus
the process of cell growth, replication of genetic material, and cell division;
cell cycle
divided into 4 parts: G1, S, G2, and mitosis
the cellular structure that surrounds the cell separating the inside of the
cell from the external environment. the cell membrane controls what goes
cell membrane
in and out of the cell. Many proteins are embedded in the cell membrane.
Also, known as the plasma membrane.
cell reproduction the process of producing new cells from parent cells

cell theory the theory that cells are the basic building block of all living things

cell wall the rigid, outer structure of plant cells that gives the cells shape and strength
process cells use to produce carbon dioxide and energy in the form of ATP
cellular respiration
from food and oxygen
the portion of the vertebrate nervous system consisting of the brain and
central nervous system
spinal cord
one of two tiny structures located in the cytoplasm of animal cells; produces
centriole
spindle fibers during cell division
centromere the area where the chromatids of a chromosome are attached
small region of cytoplasm adjacent to the nucleus; contains the centrioles
centrosome
and serves to organize the microtubules
concentration of sense organs and nerve cells at the front of an animal's
cephalization
body
Cephalopoda octopi, squid, cuttlefish and pearly nautilus

cerebrum the large, highly developed upper portion of the brain

chlorophyll the green photosynthetic pigment found in plant chloroplasts

a division of photosynthetic marine algae that store food as starch that
Chlorophyta
usually green in color
chloroplast a plant organelle that contains chlorophyll and is the site of photosynthesis

chordates any animal of the phylum Chordata having a notochord or spinal column

chorion outermost membranous sac enclosing the embryo in higher vertebrates

the complex of DNA and proteins that condenses to form chromosomes in
chromatin
mitosis
any event that changes genetic structure; any alteration in the inherited
chromosomal mutation
nucleic acid sequence of the genotype of an organism
chromosome DNA-containing structures in the nucleus that contains the cell’s genes

ciliates protozoan that uses hair-like microtubules for moving and feeding
the organs and tissues involved in circulating blood and lymph through the
circulatory system
body

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Vocabulary Word Definition

cladogram a tree diagram used to illustrate phylogenetic relationships

classification the systematic process of arranging things into groups or categories

the final stage of succession in an ecological community where a population
climax communities
can remain stable
the act of make identical copies of a DNA strand or organism using genetic
cloning
engineering
radially symmetrical animals having saclike bodies with only one opening
cnidarians
and tentacles with stinging structures; they occur in polyp and medusa forms
cocci a term used to describe sphere-shaped bacteria
when both alleles of a gene contribute to the phenotype of the organism;
codominance
example is human blood types
a series of three consecutive mRNA nucleotides that together code for a
codon
specific amino acid or stop/starts protein synthesis
coelomate fluid filled body cavity lined with mesoderm
a relationship between two organisms where one benefits from but does not
commensalism
harm the other
common ancestor most recent ancestor or species from which two different species evolved

communities the area occupied by a population

communities more than one population working together in an area

competition a situation where two or more organisms battle for a limited resource
a judgment or decision, usually about the hypothesis, that is made based on
conclusion
the outcome of an experiment
fusion of usually similar gametes with ultimate union of their nuclei and
sexual reproduction that occurs in most fungi and in some algae (as green
conjugation
algae) b: temporary cytoplasmic union with exchange of nuclear material
that is the usual sexual process in ciliated protozoans
any tissue made up of various cells and fibers that supports, surrounds, or
connective tissue
binds tissue
conservation the careful use, management, protection, and preservation of a resource
an organism that can not produce its own food and must feed on producers
consumer
or other consumers
contaminants a substance that contaminates
a cytoplasmic vesicle in unicellular organism that collects excess water from
contractile vacuole
the cell then contracts to expel the water from the cell
control a comparative standard in an experiment by which variables are judged
the evolutionary tendency of unrelated organisms in the same or similar
convergent evolution
environments to independently develop similar adaptations or traits
cooperation a situation where two or more organisms work together for mutual benefit
the layer of tissue external to the vascular tissue and internal to the corky or
cortex
epidermal tissues of a green plant that carries water
moving one substance across a membrane while simultaneously moving
co-transport
another substance across that membrane; may be active or passive

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Vocabulary Word Definition

cuticle a thin waxy film on the surface of most plants that waterproofs that plant
a part (sometimes a root or leaf or bud) removed from a plant to propagate a
cuttings
new plant through rooting or grafting
cyanobacteria photosynthetic bacteria that were previously classified as blue-green algae

cytokinesis division of cytoplasm, often called cleavage, occurs after mitosis

chemical reactions of photosynthesis that use the ATP from the light
reactions to convert carbon dioxide into sugar; also known as the Calvin
dark reactions
Cycle or light-independent reactions, occur in the chloroplasts and do not
require light
data information gathered, evidence from observation

daughter cell a cell formed by the division or budding of another cell

the ratio of deaths in an area to the population of that area; expressed per
death rate
1000 per year
an organism that recycles organic matter back into the food chain by feeding
decomposer
on other dead organisms
decomposition the process of decay caused by bacterial or fungal action
a type of genetic mutation where one or more nucleotide bases is missing or
deletion
deleted from a nucleic acid
the branching extensions of a neuron’s cell body that conduct nerve signals
dendrite
toward the cell body
deoxygenated blood blood lacking oxygen

deoxyribose 5-carbon sugar lacking an oxygen at the 2 position; part of DNA nucleotides

depletion to reduce significantly to the point that availability is in danger

a characteristic that appears in recent parts of a lineage, but not in its older
derived characters
members
dermal layer the inner layer of skin; also known as dermis
an outer protective layer of cells that helps defend against injury and
dermal tissue
invasion by foreign organisms. Also known as the epidermis.
an arid land ecosystem with a warm climate, little rainfall, and sparse
desert
vegetation
the separation of substances in solution by means of their unequal diffusion
dialysis
through semipermeable membranes
diatoms any of the single-celled algae that live in water and have a hard silica shell
a key for identifying organisms based on a series of choices between
dichotomous key
alternative characters
the movement of a substance across a membrane following the electrical or
diffusion concentration gradient (from high concentration to low concentration); does
not require energy; also known as passive transport.
the organ system responsible for ingestion, digestion, absorption, and
digestive system
excretion of food
an order of marine planktonic protozoans that have flagella and a cellulose
dinoflagellates
covering

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Vocabulary Word Definition

diploid a body cell having two haploid sets of homologous chromosomes

a condition of a living animal or plant that alters or impairs normal
disease
functioning and usually exhibited by diagnostic signs and symptoms
the evolutionary tendency of organisms with a common ancestor to develop
diversity
different adaptations or traits and become less related
diversity to be made up of many different and unique parts
the abbreviation for deoxyribonucleic acid. DNA is the blueprint for life, is
DNA bundled into chromosomes found in the nucleus of cells and is made up of
nucleotides joined together to form a complex double helix structure
the process of duplicating DNA using each strand of the double helix to
DNA replication create new complimentary strands; yields two DNA molecules each having
one old strand and one new strand
virus that codes DNA into RNA and then back into DNA before replication
DNA reverse transcriptase virus
with host cell
DNA virus virus with DNA as its genetic material
the highest taxonomic category ranking above kingdom. Also, known as a
domains
superkingdom.
dominant trait an allele that is expressed and suppresses the other recessive allele

echinoderms marine invertebrates with tube feet and five-part radially symmetrical bodies
the progressive development of a community from it’s initial stage until a
ecological succession
climax community is established
an ecological unit made up of an environment and the organisms in that
ecosystem
environment
electron an elementary particle with negative charge
the last phase of cellular respiration in the mitochondria where electrons are
electron transport chain
transferred from carbohydrates to oxygen and ATP is produced
a chemical substance made up of a single type of atom that can not be
element divided into simpler parts by chemical means. elements make up the
periodic table
embryo an unborn animal in the early stages of growth and differentiation

embryology the scientific study of embryos and their development

a lung disorder characterized by shortness of breath caused by enlargement
emphysema
of the alveoli and loss of lung elasticity
any of the glands of the endocrine system that secrete hormones directly
endocrine gland
into the bloodstream
the process of the cell bringing something from the environment in and
endocytosis
surrounding it with the plasma membrane
organelle system of membranes within cells that transport material around
endoplasmic reticulum
the cell; two types: rough and smooth
theory that eukaryotic cells formed from a symbiosis among several different
endosymbiotic theory
prokaryotic organisms
energy transferable ability or power to do work

energy flow the passing of energy from the sun throughout an ecosystem

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Vocabulary Word Definition

a graphical method of illustrating the number and energy in the trophic levels
energy pyramid
of an ecosystem
envelope the lipoprotein outer layer of viruses

environment the area in which something exists or lives

enzyme complex protein that begins chemical reactions in living cells

enzymes complex protein that begins chemical reactions in living cells

epiglottis a flap of cartilage that covers the windpipe while swallowing

membranous tissue covering internal organs and other internal surfaces of
epithelial tissue
the body
eradication the complete destruction of every trace of something

esophagus a muscular tube that connects the mouth to the stomach

amino acids that humans must consume in their diet because they can not
be synthesized by the body; essential amino acids include: isoleucine,
essential amino acid
leucine, lysine, threonine, tryptophan, methionine, histidine, valine and
phenylalanine
essential vitamins the thirteen vitamins required for proper nutrition
a female steroid hormone secreted by the ovaries that stimulates the
estrogen development of female sex characteristics and promotes growth and
maintenance of the female reproductive system
ethics the philosophical study of moral values and rules
a major group of prokaryotes that includes microorganisms with simple,
Eubacteria
undifferentiated cells and rigid cell walls that are considered true bacteria
a genus of the green, single-celled algae that live in freshwater and move
euglena
using a flagellum
any of the green, single-celled algae that live in freshwater and move using
euglenoids
a flagellum
domain of all organisms whose cells have nuclei, including protists, plants,
Eukarya
fungi, and animals
higher order organisms made up one or more cells with visible nuclei and
eukaryote
organelles; examples are plants, animals, protists, and fungi
eukaryotic classification of cell that includes nuclei

evolution the change in a population’s gene pool over generations

the process of changing or developing through natural evolutionary
evolve
processes
excretion the bodily process of discharging waste matter.

excretory system system used to remove wastes from the body; includes urinary system
is the process of the cell sending out something throughout the plasma
exocytosis
membrane.
experiment test done by scientist to see if a hypothesis or idea is true
the diffusion of a substance across the cell membrane with the help of a
facilitated diffusion
carrier. Facilitated diffusion does not require energy

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Vocabulary Word Definition

an organic lipid that is usually solid at room temperature. Fats are

fat
triglycerides formed from a glycerol molecule and three fatty acid molecules
cellular process of metabolizing food(glucose) without oxygen to form
fermentation
energy (ATP) and lactic acid; also known as anaerobic respiration
part of a root system in which roots branch to such an extent that no single
fibrous roots
root grows larger than the rest
filtration the process whereby fluids pass through a filter or a filtering medium

first-order the initial level of a consumer; the consumer that eats the producer

fitness good physical condition; being in shape or in condition

without rigidity, to be soft or weak. In plants, occurs when water is lost from
flaccid
the cell and the cell loses shape.
flagella a long, tail-like cellular structure that allows for movement
a usually nonphotosynthetic free-living protozoan with whiplike appendages;
flagellates
some are pathogens of humans and other animals
a model used to explain the structure of the cell membrane and that the
fluid mosaic model
phospholipids and proteins in the membrane are able to move side to side
folding the process of forming a protein’s complex structure
a series of producers and consumers in an ecosystem and how energy or
food chains
food flows between them
a group of interrelated food chains, producers and consumers in an
food web
ecosystem and how energy or food flows between them
a groups of interrelated food chains, producers and consumers in an
food webs
ecosystem and how energy or food flows between them
a large land ecosystem with many large trees and significant undergrowth
forest
that usually has a moderate to cool climate and receives ample rainfall
a mutation that shifts the reading frame of the genetic message by inserting
frameshift mutation
or deleting a nucleotide
free oxygen oxygen in its molecular form, O2
a functioning ecological unit of a population and its environment that occurs
fresh water ecosystem
in freshwater
any of various tailless stout-bodied amphibians with long hind limbs for
frog
leaping; semiaquatic and terrestrial species
follicle stimulating hormone – a pituitary hormone that stimulates follicle
FSH
growth in the ovaries and sperm formation in the testes
haploid male or female germ cells that combine in sexual reproduction to
gamete
form a new diploid offspring
the haploid form of an organism with alternation of generations that begins
gametophyte
with a spore and produces a diploid zygote
Gastropoda snails and slugs and their relatives
group of archaeocytes surrounded by a tough layer of spicules; produced by
gemmule
some sponges
portion of DNA on a chromosome that is responsible for the expression and
gene
inheritance of a specific trait

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Vocabulary Word Definition

gene pool all the genes that exist within the members of a population
process of duplicating DNA. One DNA molecule produces two new
gene replication molecules each containing one new strand and one old strand from the
original molecule.
a segment of DNA that is involved in producing a polypeptide chain; it can
genes include regions preceding and following the coding DNA as well as introns
between the exons; it is considered a unit of heredity.
genetic material the nucleic acids contained inside the virus

genotype the genetic makeup of an organism

the form of reproductive isolation in which two populations are separated
geographic isolation physically by geographic barriers such as rivers, mountains, or stretches of
water
germ layer any of the 3 layers of cells differentiated in embryos following gastrulation.
opening for organ in aquatic animals specialized for the exchange of gases
gill slits
with water
an increase in atmospheric and oceanic temperatures due pollution and the
global warming
greenhouse effect
first process in cellular respiration that converts glucose to pyruvate and
glycolysis
produces ATP
organelle system of membranes within cells associated with sorting,
Golgi apparatus modification, packaging, and transport of cell products that come from the
endoplasmic reticulum
part of the evolutionary theory that states species evolve slowly and
gradualism
continuously over long periods of geological time
grafting the act of grafting something onto something else
a large land ecosystem with few trees that is populated by grasses and
grassland
small plants
directional growth of a plant organ in response to gravity. Shoots exhibit
gravitropism negative gravitropism and grow upward. Roots exhibit positive gravitropism
and grow downward.
any of the gases that produce the greenhouse effect by absorbing solar
greenhouse gases
radiation reflected back from the Earth
ground tissue tissue of plants; examples include cortex and pith
one of a pair of cells that surround the stomata and control the rate of gas
guard cells
and water exchange
gut the part of the alimentary canal between the stomach and the anus
a vascular plant that produces naked seeds that are not enclosed in an
gymnosperm
ovary
the type of environment in which an organism or group normally lives or
habitat
occurs
a small tubular cavity containing the root of a hair; small muscles and
hair follicle
sebaceous glands are associated with them.
sex cell having a single set of homologous chromosomes; haploid human
haploid
cells have 23 unpaired chromosomes

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Vocabulary Word Definition

heliotropism phototropism wherein sunlight is the stimulus

the red, iron-containing pigment of red blood cells that carry oxygen and
hemoglobin
aids in carbon dioxide transport in respiration
herbivore any animal that feeds chiefly on grass and other plants
an organism that requires complex organic food molecules from autotrophs
heterotrophic or other heterotrophs. Heterotrophs are incapable of producing their own
food.
heterotroph an organism that depends on complex organic substances for nutrition

heterozygous having different alleles or genes for a trait; also known as hybrid
the ability of an organism to maintain stability, also known as equilibrium.
homeostasis
Temperature regulation is an example of homeostasis.
pair of chromosome with the same alleles or genes arranged in same order
homologous chromosomes
or position
anatomical structures that perform similar functions in different species and
homologous structure
evolved from a common ancestor
homozygous having identical alleles or genes for a trait; also known as purebred

law of segregation
a biomolecule produced and released into the blood by one cell to produce
hormone
an effect by binding to a receptor on another cell
the first element in the periodic table. Hydrogen has one proton, is the
hydrogen simplest element, is a major part of organic molecules and living things and
is an odorless, colorless, highly flammable gas.
type of chemical bond used to hold DNA nucleotides together; allows DNA
hydrogen bond
molecule to be “unzipped” for replication
condition where the solution surrounding a cell has a higher concentration
hypertonic than the concentration inside the cell; cause cells to shrink as water moves
out of the cell by osmosis
hyphae long structural threads that together make up the mycelium of a fungus
brain structure that acts as a control center for recognition and analysis of
Hypothalamus
hunger, thirst, fatigue, anger, and body temperature
hypothesis an idea that is formed and tested to explain a problem or predict an outcome
condition where the solution surrounding a cell has a lower concentration
hypotonic than the concentration inside the cell; cause cells to swell as water moves
into the cell by osmosis
any period of time during which glaciers covered a large part of the earth's
ice age
surface
impulses the electrical discharge that travels along a nerve fiber
when one allele is not completely dominant over another; often referred to
incomplete dominance
as blending
infer to conclude by reasoning; in logic

inference a conclusion drawn from evidence

the nonspecific defense reaction to tissue damage caused by injury or
inflammatory response
infection

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Vocabulary Word Definition

ingestion to take in for digestion

internal portion of the mitochondrial membrane that encloses the
inner membrane mitochondrial matrix; has many proteins that are important for mitochondrial
function
a type of genetic mutation where one or more nucleotide base is added into
insertion
the normal nucleic acid strand.
insoluble incapable of being dissolved
hormone secreted by the isles of Langerhans in the pancreas; regulates
insulin
storage of glycogen in the liver and accelerates oxidation of sugar in cells.
integumentary system the skin and its appendages

interdependence to be mutually dependent of each other

the space between inner membrane and outer membrane in the
intermembrane
mitochondria
interphase the 3 stages of the cell cycle that occur between mitotic divisions
a kind of mutation in which the order of the genes in a section of a
inversion
chromosome is reversed
condition where the solution surrounding a cell has the same concentration
isotonic as the inside of the cell; do not change the size of cells because osmotic
flow in and out of the cell is equal
jawless of animals having no jaw
the appearance, size, number, arrangement, and structure of the
karyotype
chromosomes in a somatic cell
a urinary organ that collects urine and discharges it to the bladder through
kidney
the ureter
kingdoms the taxonomic category ranking below domain and above phylum
the process in cellular respiration that converts pyruvate to carbon dioxide
Kreb’s cycle
and produces ATP; also known as the citric acid cycle
a functioning ecological unit of a population and its environment that occurs
land ecosystem
on land
a symbiotic growth on a rock or solid surface that is made up of a fungus
lichen
and an alga
chemical reactions in photosynthesis that use light energy to convert water
light reactions to oxygen and produce ATP for use in the dark reactions; occur in the
thylakoid; also known as light dependent reactions
light sensor sensory organelle in protist; used to detect light

limiting factors an ecological characteristic that tends to restrict population growth

insoluble organic molecules such as fats, oils, waxes made mostly of fatty
lipid
acids
air-breathing fish having an elongated body and fleshy paired fins; certain
lungfish
species construct mucus-lined mud coverings in which to survive drought
either of two saclike respiratory organs in the chest of vertebrates; serves to
lungs
remove carbon dioxide and provide oxygen to the blood

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Vocabulary Word Definition

the interconnected system of spaces and vessels between body tissues and
lymphatic system
organs by which lymph circulates throughout the body
the reproductive cycle of a virus where the virus infects a cell and
lysogenic cycle incorporates it’s own viral DNA into the cell’s DNA so that the viral DNA is
replicated and transmitted to the daughter cells
organelle containing powerful digestive enzymes used to break down cell
lysosome
wastes, food, or engulfed particles
the reproductive cycle of a virus wherein the virus infects a cell, uses the cell
lytic cycle to reproduce and assemble new viruses, and then causes cell death/lysis to
release the new virions
very large, complex molecule usually made up of protein, carbohydrates, or
macromolecule
nucleic acids
mammary glands milk-secreting organ of female mammals

marine ecosystem ecosystem involving salt water

mass extinction event in which many types of living things become extinct at the same time
area inside the inner membrane; contains many of the enzymes and
matrix
substances needed for cellular respiration
the average of all the values in a dataset calculated by adding all the values
mean
of each term in the set and dividing the total number of terms
the middle value in an ordered set of number in a data set. if there is an
median even number of terms in the set, the median is the average of the two
middle numbers
medusa motile stage of the life cycle of a cnidarian that has a bell-shaped body
first part of meiosis that occurs after DNA replication in which the cell divides
meiosis I
but the chromosomes do not
second cell division of meiosis in which the 2 diploid cells produced in
meiosis II
meiosis I divide to produce 4 haploid cells
meristematic tissue developing cells in the tips of growing stems and roots that form new tissues

mesophyll a layer of chlorophyll-containing cells

set of chemical reactions through which organisms builds up or breaks down
metabolism
material as it goes through life
the marked and rapid transformation of a larva into an adult that occurs in
metamorphosis
some animals
the stage of mitosis or meiosis where the chromatids align in the center of
metaphase
the cell between the spindle poles
microscopic too small to be seen except under a microscope
rod-shaped organelle, in all cells, that produces energy for the cell through
mitochondria
respiration
rod-shaped organelle, in all cells, that produces energy for the cell through
mitochondrion
respiration
process of cell division where one cell divides to produce two daughter wells
mitosis with the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell; consists of 4
stages: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase
mode the value in a dataset that occurs most often

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Vocabulary Word Definition

a wooly or hair-like fungus that grows on the surface of damp or decaying

molds
matter
smallest particle of a substance that has all the properties of the substance
molecule
and is made up of one or more atoms
genetic cross that consists of mating one organism that is homozygous
dominant for a trait and one organism that is homozygous recessive for
monohybrid cross a trait; yield all heterozygous offspring with the dominant phenotype in
the F1 generation. The F2 generation has a 3:1 ratio of heterozygous to
homozygous recessive offspring.
monomer single chemical molecules that can join together to form a polymer

monosaccharide a single sugar molecule that can not be broken into smaller, simpler sugars
a neuron that transmits nerve impulses from the CNS to muscles and
motor neurons
controls movement
mouth the opening of the digestive system through which food enters
abbreviation for messenger ribonucleic acid; is a single stranded RNA
mRNA produced in transcription and used in translation as a template to produce
proteins
protective secretion of the mucous membranes; in the gut it lubricates the
passage of food and protects the epithelial cells; in the nose and throat and
mucus
lungs it can make it difficult for bacteria to penetrate the body through the
epithelium
multicellular consisting of many cells

multiple alleles three or more alleles of the same gene; an example is human blood types

muscle animal tissue consisting predominantly of contractile cells

tissue that controls the internal movement of materials in the body, as well
muscle tissue
as external movement
skeletal, smooth, and cardiac muscle that are responsible for movement,
muscular system
posture, and heat production
a change in an organism’s DNA or mRNA codons. Mutations may have
mutation positive or negative results. Mutations in the gametes can be passed on to
offspring.
a relationship between two organisms where both organisms benefit without
mutualism
causing harm
mycelium the mass hyphae that forms parts of the thallus of a fungus

mycorrhizae symbiotic association of plant roots and fungi

myelin sheath a fatty substance that covers the axon of some nerve cells
a process in nature where traits and organisms that are best adapted to the
natural selection
environment survive and reproduce
unsegmented worms with elongated rounded body pointed at both ends;
nematodes
mostly free-living but some are parasitic
body system made up of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves that sends,
nervous system
receives and interprets stimuli to and from the effector organs and sensors
nervous tissue tissue composed of neurons

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Vocabulary Word Definition

neuron a nerve cell that is the basic unit of nervous tissue

nucleotide bases adenine, thymine, guanine, cytosine, and uracil; otherwise
nitrogenous base
known as purines or pyrimidines
in a nerve cell, a gap in the myelin sheath between which nerve impulses
node
pass
a mistake in meiosis in which the homologous chromosomes do not
non-disjunction
separate
plants that do not have tissues or vessels to carry sap, water, nutrients, or
non-vascular
minerals
a flexible rod like structure that forms the supporting axis of the body in
notochord the lowest chordates and lowest vertebrates and in embryos of higher
vertebrates
the basic building block of DNA and RNA. Structurally made up of a
nucleic acid nucleotide base, a sugar molecule, and a phosphate all linked to form a
linear chain.
nucleolus a small, round protein part of the nucleus where RNA is made
the basic structural group of nucleic acids made up of a ribose sugar, a
nucleotide
nitrogen base, and a phosphate
the central part of the cell that controls the cell and contains genetic material
nucleus (DNA). The nucleus has 3 parts: the nuclear envelope, the chromatin, and
the nucleolus.
a judgment or decision, usually about the hypothesis, that is made based on
observation
the outcome of an experiment
offspring the product of reproduction
a bodily structure made up of cells and tissues that performs a specific
organ
function
organ system a group of organs that function together to perform a bodily function

organ systems a group of organs that function together to perform a bodily function
a specialized cell structure that performs a specific function such as the
organelle
nucleus, ribosomes, mitochondria, etc.
organic a fertilizer that is derived from animal or vegetable matter
molecule usually composed of carbon atoms in rings or chains, to which
organic molecule
other atoms like hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen are attached
organism a living being
the arrangement of cells, tissues, and organs into functional groups
organization
necessary to carry out bodily functions
the diffusion of water across a cell membrane from the area of low
osmosis solute concentration (high water concentration) to the area of high solute
concentration (low water concentration); does not require energy
outside part of a chloroplast’s double membrane system; freely permeable
to the flow of substances in and out of the chloroplast
outer membrane
plant cell: eukaryotic cells that make up plant tissues; have cell walls and
chloroplasts, but lack centrioles

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the eighth element in the periodic table. Oxygen has 8 protons, is a

pale blue liquid or an odorless and colorless gas that makes up 20% of
oxygen
atmospheric air; a key part of organic molecules and has the chemical
symbol "O."
the process by which oxygen is released into the atmosphere by
oxygen cycle photosynthetic organisms and is taken up by aerobic organisms while
carbon dioxide is released to be taken up for photosynthesis
palisade mesophyll (layer) a tall layer of column shaped mesophyll cells, under the top layer epidermis

paramecium a freshwater protozoan that is oval shaped and ciliated

a relationship between two organisms in which one harms and benefits from
parasitism
the other
the movement of a substance across a membrane following the electrical or
passive transport concentration gradient (from high concentration to low concentration); does
not require energy; also known as diffusion.
a measure of acidity or alkalinity on a scale of 0-14 where 0 is acidic, 14 is
pH
basic, and 7 is neutral
phagocytes a cell that engulfs and digests debris and invading microorganisms
any state or process known through the senses rather than by intuition or
phenomenon
reasoning
phenotype the observable appearance of an organism based upon its genotype
a tissue in some plants’ vascular systems that includes sieve tubes and
phloem elongated parenchyma cells and functions in movement, support, storage
and food transport
phosphate group PO4 group that is part of nucleic acid

phospholipid bilayer the basic two-layer structure of phospholipids that form the cell membrane
the process plants use to make carbohydrates and oxygen from water and
photosynthesis
from carbon dioxide in the air in the presence of light
phototropism tropism where light is the stimulus

phylogenetic tree a family tree showing the evolutionary history of an organism

phytoplankton small, free-floating marine plants

pilus a hair-like structure on the surface of a prokaryotic cell

pituitary gland the master gland of the endocrine system located at the base of the brain
eukaryotic cells that make up plant tissues; have cell walls and chloroplasts,
plant cell
but lack centrioles
plantlets a young or small plant
a colorless, watery fluid made up blood and lymph containing no cells and in
plasma
which erythrocytes and leukocytes and platelets are suspended.
a circular piece of viral or bacterial DNA often used in genetic engineering
plasmid to transport new genes into cells. Plasmids can replicate on their own or be
added into a host’s DNA.
severe shrinkage of the plasma membrane and internal contents of the cell
plasmolyzed
caused by excess water loss from a plant cell

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Vocabulary Word Definition

platelets tiny bits of protoplasm found in vertebrate blood; essential for blood clotting

Platyhelminthes flatworms
a type of genetic mutation where a single base is changed, inserted, or
point mutation
deleted
yellow, powdery grains that contain the male reproductive cells of most
pollen
plants
pollination transfer of pollen from the anther to the stigma of a plant

pollinator an insect that carries pollen from one flower to another

pollutants waste matter that contaminates the water or air or soil

pollution the contamination of the environment by man-made wastes

a naturally occurring or synthetic compound consisting of large molecules
polymer
made up of a linked series of repeated simple monomers
one of two forms that coelenterates take (e.g. a hydra or coral) that is
polyp usually sedentary and has a hollow cylindrical body usually with a ring of
tentacles around the mouth
an organic molecule made up of several amino acids joined by peptide
polypeptide
bonds
polysaccharide a large carbohydrate polymer of many monosaccharides
a group of interbreeding plants or animals of the same species that occupy
population
a community or area
groups of interbreeding plants or animals of the same species that occupy a
populations
community or area
precise the ability of a measurement to be reproduced with the same outcome

primary succession the development of a community in an environment where no organisms live

procedure the steps or instructions of a process

producer an autotrophic organism that is a source of food for consumers

producers an autotrophic organism that is a source of food for heterotrophs

products substances that are produced from reactants through a chemical reaction
a female steroid hormone secreted by the corpus luteum to stimulate
progesterone endometrial growth. Progesterone is also secreted by the placenta during
pregnancy to prevent rejection of the embryo/fetus
a single celled microorganism, like bacteria, that lacks a visible nuclei or
prokaryote
membrane-bound organelles
the beginning of mitosis or meiosis where the chromosomes condense to
prophase form two sister chromatids, the nucleolus and nuclear membrane disappear,
and the mitotic spindle develops
a complex organic molecule made up of many amino acids joined by peptide
protein
bonds
the proteins that enclose the genetic material of a virus. The capsid is a
protein coat
type of protein coat.
protein synthesis process in cell that produces proteins from DNA

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Vocabulary Word Definition

a diverse kingdom of eukaryotes that includes protozoans, most algae, and

protist
some fungi
a stable particle with positive charge equal to the negative charge of an
proton
electron
a body cavity between the endoderm tissue and the mesoderm tissue that is
pseudocoelomate
somewhat lined with mesoderm tissue
psuedocoelomic possessing a "false" body cavity

PTH the parathyroid hormone; used to maintain body's calcium levels

a theory of evolution holding that evolutionary change in the fossil record
punctuated equilibrium
came in fits and starts rather than in a steady process of slow change
square table used in genetic crosses to calculate the genotypic and
Punnett square
phenotypic ratios
a group of nitrogen bases, specifically adenine and guanine in both DNA
purine
and RNA
a group of nitrogen bases, specifically thymine and cytosine in DNA and
pyrimidine
uracil and cytosine in RNA
question a statement to gain information by asking or inquiring

radial similar to spokes of tire or how pizza is sliced

a body plan that can be separated along any part, through the central axis,
radial symmetry
into equal parts
radius the outer and slightly shorter of the two bones of the human forearm

range the difference between the largest and smallest value of a dataset

ratio relation between two similar things

reabsorption when liquid is taken back into a vessel

reactants substances that enter a chemical reaction

receptor a cell or tissue that receives a stimulus

receptor proteins proteins on the cell membrane

allele that is suppressed by a dominant and not expressed; to be expressed,
recessive trait
a recessive allele must be paired with another recessive allele
recycling to reuse or reprocess something for reuse

red blood cells hemoglobin-containing cells that carry oxygen and give blood its red color

reflexes an automatic, instinctive and unlearned reaction to a stimulus

reproduction the process of generating offspring

separation of species or populations so that they cannot interbreed and
reproductive isolation
produce fertile offspring
any cold-blooded vertebrate of the class reptilia including tortoises, turtles,
reptile
snakes, lizards, alligators, crocodiles and extinct forms
resources something valuable or useful that is available for utilization

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Vocabulary Word Definition

the cellular process of producing energy in the form of ATP and carbon
respiration dioxide from food (glucose) and oxygen. Respiration occurs in the
mitochondria
the rate at which a person inhales and exhales; usually measured to obtain
respiratory rate
a quick evaluation of a person's health
respiratory system the group of organs and tissues responsible for respiration

response a single, specific reaction to stimulus

any of various slender filaments that function as roots in mosses and ferns
rhizoid
and fungi
a horizontal plant stem with shoots above and roots below serving as a
rhizome
reproductive structure
a horizontal plant stem with shoots above and roots below serving as a
rhizomes
reproductive structure
Rhodophyta a division of marine algae that are multicelluar and usually red in color

ribose five-carbon sugar with an oxygen at the 2 position; part of RNA nucleotides
form of RNA found in all cells that helps decode mRNA and interacts with
ribosomal RNA
tRNA in translation; also known as rRNA
ribosome two subunits of mRNA; located on rough ER or free floating in cell
abbreviation for ribonucleic acid; differs from DNA because it contains ribose
RNA
and uracil
RNA reverse transcriptase virus virus that codes RNA into DNA before replication with host cell
RNA virus virus with RNA as its genetic material

root system the network of roots a plant develops

rough looking part of the endoplasmic reticulum that has ribosomes on its
rough endoplasmic reticulum
surface; ribosomes cause the rough looking appearance
a horizontal branch from the base of plant that produces new plants from
runners
buds at its tips
any of various typically terrestrial amphibians that resemble lizards and that
salamander
return to water only to breed
a clear liquid secreted into the mouth by the salivary glands and mucous
saliva
glands of the mouth; moistens the mouth and starts the digestion of starches
secondary succession The sequence of events that occurs after a community is disturbed
the second level of a consumer; the consumer that eats the first-order
second-order
consumer
a mature fertilized plant ovule consisting of an embryo and its food source
seed
and having a protective coat or testa
plants that have a vascular structure to transport water and nutrients but do
seedless vascular plants
not reproduce by seeds
segment to divide or split up
having the body divided into successive metameres or segments, as in
segmented
earthworms or lobsters
segregation separation of alleles that occurs in meiosis

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Vocabulary Word Definition

a way to improve the next generation by allowing only those individual

selective breeding
organisms with desired characteristics
organs or part of an organ that is sensitive to stimulus such as sound, touch
sense organs
or light
sensory neurons a nerve that transmits impulses from sensory organs to the CNS

sex chromosome X or Y chromosome; XX is female genotype; XY is male genotype

sex-linked trait gene which is located on the X or Y chromosome

where haploid male or female germ cells that combine to form a new diploid
sexual reproduction
offspring
hard outer covering or case of certain organisms such as arthropods and
shell
turtles
the plant stem, leaves, flowers and other structures that are usually found
shoot system
above ground
sieve cells tubular cells in the phloem that are stacked to form sieve tubes
a phloem cell that is joined end to end to similar cells to form a continuous
sieve elements
sieve tube
the diffusion of a substance across the cell membrane without the help of a
simple diffusion
carrier. Simple diffusion does not require energy.
sister chromatid two identical parts of a duplicated chromosome
striated, voluntary muscle that is used for movement and is usually attached
skeletal muscle
to bone
an internal network of bones and tissue that supports and gives shape to an
skeletal system
organism
a portion of the digestive system found between the stomach and colon that
small intestine
secretes digestive enzymes and absorbs nutrients
smooth looking part of the endoplasmic reticulum that does not have
smooth endoplasmic reticulum
ribosomes on its surface
soluble having the ability of being dissolved in some solvent
a taxonomic category referring to organisms that can reproduce with one
species
another, have similar characteristics, and have a common gene pool
spike viral surface proteins that participate in binding and entry into host cells
a cord of nerve tissue that runs down the spine from the brain then sends
spinal cord nerves out into the body and communicates signals between the body to the
brain
spirilli a term used to describe spiral-shaped bacteria
a large dark-red oval organ on the left side of the body between the stomach
spleen
and the diaphragm; produces cells involved in immune responses
an acronym for Sulfur, Phosphorus, Oxygen, Nitrogen, Carbon, Hydrogen,
SPONCH
the key elements that compose living things
loose tissue beneath the palisade layer of a leaf with a lot of air space
spongy mesophyll
between the cells
a dormant cell or reproductive body produced by plants, fungi, and some
spores microorganisms that can produce a new individual alone or by combining
with another spore
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the diploid form of an organism with alternation of generations that begins

sporophyte
with a zygote and produces a haploid spore
stimuli something that excites an organism into changing to suit a new purpose
a horizontal branch from the base of plant that produces new plants from
stolon
buds at its tips
a portion of the digestive system found between the esophagus and the
stomach small intestine that secretes digestive enzymes and acids to break down
food into smaller, absorbable parts
a small opening in the bottom of a leaf that allows carbon dioxide and
stomata
oxygen to diffuse into and out of the leaf
stroma colorless protein matrix of the chloroplast that holds the grana

substitution an event in which one thing is replaced with another

the progressive development of a community from it’s initial stage until a
succession
climax community is established
surface protein proteins found on the surface on the viral envelope

sweat gland any of the glands in the skin that secrete perspiration

sweat glands any of the glands in the skin that secrete perspiration

symbiosis a close relationship between two unrelated organisms

symbiotic a cooperative relationship between two unlike organisms

symmetry balance or similarity in body structures of organisms

a gap between two neurons that a neurotransmitter crosses to carry a nerve
synapse
impulse
lymphocytes that act to defend the body against disease by connecting
T cells
foreign antigens to receptors on the surface of their cell
taproot main root of a plant growing straight downward from the stem
a system of classifying organisms based on their structural, genetic, and
taxonomy
evolutionary relationships
tears drops of the clear salty saline solution secreted by the lacrimal glands
hard projections attached to the jaw that are used for tearing and chewing
teeth
food
final phase of mitosis where the spindle disappears and the nuclear
telophase
membrane reforms around each new set of chromosomes
temperature a measurement of heat

tendons a tough, fibrous band of connective tissue that connects a muscle to bone
part of a belief or doctrine believed to be true by all members of the group or
tenet
profession
terrestrial of or relating to, or characteristic of, the planet Earth or its inhabitants
a male steroid hormone secreted by the testes that stimulates the
testosterone development of male sex characteristics and promotes growth and
maintenance of the male reproductive system

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Vocabulary Word Definition

a plant or fungal body that is not differentiated into separate parts like stems,
thallus
roots, and leaves
thigmotropism a plant's reaction to a touch
the third level of a consumer; the consumer that eats the second-order
third-order
consumer
heart with right and left atrium, but only one ventricle; occurs in amphibians
three-chambered heart
and most reptiles
part of chloroplast that contains chlorophyll; site of photosynthesis; stacked
thylakoid
to form granum
thylakoid membrane membrane of a thylakoid; site of the light reactions in photosynthesis

thymine pyrimidine base that pairs with adenine and is found in DNA

thyroid located near the base of the neck

two lobbed glands that release hormones that are important for cell
thyroid gland
metabolism and normal growth and development
hormone produced by the thyroid glands to regulate metabolism by
thyroxin
controlling the rate of oxidation in cells
part of an organism consisting of an aggregate of cells having a similar
tissue
structure and function
a group of related cells that are joined together to form organs and
tissues
structures of living organisms
any of various tailless stout-bodied amphibians with long hind limbs for
toad
leaping; semiaquatic and terrestrial species
a long, tubular, pitted xylem cell that carries water and has closed, tapered
tracheids
ends.
transcription the process of producing mRNA from a DNA template

translation the ribosomal process of translating mRNA to produce protein

translocation an exchange of chromosome parts

transmission the process of passing a virus from one host to another

transpiration the release of water vapor from the leaves of plants

triceps any skeletal muscle having three origins

the abbreviation for transfer ribonucleic acid, the small RNA molecule that
tRNA delivers amino acids to the ribosome for addition to the growing polypeptide
chain
trophic level a step in the food chain or food web
cuplike suctions structure attached to radial canals of endinoderms, used for
tube feet
walking and opening shells
tubers a fleshy underground stem or root serving for reproductive and food storage
a rolling, mossy, marshy land ecosystem that has few trees and a cold
tundra
climate with frozen subsoil
to be swollen or distended. In plants, occurs when water is absorbed into
turgid
the cell and the cell swells; this is “normal” to a plant cell.
uracil pyrimidine base that pairs with adenine and is found in RNA
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Vocabulary Word Definition

to deliver a drug product intended to produce or increase immunity to an

vaccination
infectious disease
vacuole a cavity or vesicle in the cytoplasm of a cell that usually stores food or water

variable factors or characteristics that are measured or observed in an experiment

differences in the structure or characteristics of a single organism compared
variation
to the other members of a population or species
vascular plants that have tissues or vessels to carry sap, water, nutrients or minerals
tissue that conducts water and nutrients through the plant body in higher
vascular tissue
plants
a chamber of the heart that receives blood from an atrium and pumps it to
ventricle
the arteries
vertebrae individual parts of the backbone that surround and protect the spinal cord

vertebrate animals with a backbone

vertebrates animals with a backbone

xylem cells that form part of a continuous tube through which water can go
vessel elements
back and forth
vestigial structures a small part of a functional structure that indicates shared ancestry
a submicroscopic, ineffective organism made up of a protein coat covering
virus
genetic material that is only capable of reproducing in a living host cell
vocal cords either of two pair of folds of mucous membrane projecting into the larynx
the clear, odorless, tasteless molecule of hydrogen and oxygen that is a
water
universal solvent and required for life
the distribution and flow of Earth’s water through vapor, liquid, and ice
water cycle
phases
an area where water covers the soil or is present or near the surface of the
wetland ecosystem
soil for at least part of the year
blood cells that engulf and digest bacteria and fungi; an important part of the
white blood cells
body's defense system
a tissue in some plants’ vascular system that includes vessels, tracheids, or
xylem
both and functions in water/mineral conduction, support and food storage
nutritive material of an ovum stored for the nutrition of an embryo (especially
yolk
the yellow mass of a bird or reptile egg)
membranous structure enclosing the yolk of eggs in birds reptiles
yolk sac
marsupials and some fishes; circulates nutrients to the developing embryo
zooflagellates a flagellated protist that engulfs its food and is not photosynthetic

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