Essential Biology Terms and Concepts for Students
Key Biological Terms
Abiotic: Non-living.
Aerobic: Biological processes occurring in the presence of oxygen.
Anaerobic: Biological processes occurring without oxygen.
Anabolism: Metabolic reactions synthesizing larger molecules from smaller ones, requiring energy.
DNA: Molecule containing genetic information, responsible for protein production and hereditary transmission.
Alleles: Alternative forms of a gene.
Amino Acids: Building blocks of proteins.
Antibody: Plasma protein synthesized by the immune system,
Read MoreHuman Circulatory, Endocrine, and Nervous Systems: An Overview
The Circulatory System
Function
The circulatory system is responsible for the transport of nutrients and oxygen to cells and the removal of waste substances.
Components
- Heart: A muscular pump that propels blood throughout the body. It is composed of three layers:
- Pericardium: The outer layer surrounding the heart.
- Myocardium: The thick middle layer responsible for the heart’s pumping action.
- Endocardium: The inner lining of the heart.
- Blood Vessels: Arteries, veins, and capillaries that transport blood.
Understanding Blood Test Results: WBC, Hemoglobin, Platelets & More
WBC Count (WCC)
Normal value: 3,500 – 11,000/mL.
White blood cells, or leukocytes, are defense cells circulating in the bloodstream. Types include neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, and eosinophils. The total value is the sum of all types; an increase or decrease in one type affects the overall count.
- Neutrophils: Normal value: 2,000 – 7,500/mL. The most numerous, they attack foreign substances (bacteria, external agents). Their numbers increase during infection or inflammation. ‘Immature’ neutrophils,
The Properties of Water and Cell Structure
Water’s Vital Role and Cell Structure
The Remarkable Properties of Water
Density of Ice
Ice, the solid form of water, is less dense than liquid water, allowing it to float. This unique property enables aquatic life to thrive beneath ice sheets in cold environments.
Water’s Functions
Water’s properties contribute to its diverse roles:
- Metabolic Function: Water dissolves substances, facilitating metabolic reactions and acting as a reagent in processes like hydrolysis during digestion. It also provides hydrogen
Human Sensory System, Skeleton, and Muscles
Sensory Perception
Nerve stimulation is perceived by specialized cells called receptors, distributed throughout the body. There are different types:
- Thermoreceptors: Detect temperature. Located under the skin.
- Chemoreceptors: Detect chemicals. Found in the nose and mouth (smell and taste).
- Photoreceptors: Detect light. Located in the eyes.
- Pain Receptors: Located throughout the body, irregularly shaped.
- Pressure Receptors: Located in the skin, enabling detection of objects through touch.
Sense organs perceive
Read MoreHuman Sensory Systems: Smell and Taste
Sensory Systems Overview
Human sensory systems process information for perception. These include:
- Somatic: Touch, pressure, vibration, heat, cold, pain, etc.
- Visceral
Sensory processing involves:
- Receptor stimulation
- Transduction: Stimulus conversion into an electrical impulse
- Nerve Impulse Generation: Electrical potential becomes a nerve impulse
- Transmission: Nerve impulse transmission to the brain
- Integration: Information integration and perception
Receptor Characteristics:
- Transduction: Capability to turn