Biolojia

Allele

One of two or more alternative forms of a gene that arise by mutation and are found at the same place on a chromosome.

ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate)

The primary energy carrier in all living organisms, providing energy for cellular processes.

Cell Membrane

The semipermeable membrane surrounding the cytoplasm of a cell, controlling the passage of substances in and out.

Chromosome

A threadlike structure of nucleic acids and protein found in the nucleus, carrying genetic information in the form of genes.

Cytoplasm

The gelatinous liquid that fills the inside of a cell, surrounding the organelles.

DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid)

A self-replicating material present in nearly all living organisms as the main constituent of chromosomes; the carrier of genetic information.

Enzyme

A substance produced by a living organism that acts as a catalyst to bring about a specific biochemical reaction.

Eukaryote

An organism consisting of a cell or cells in which the genetic material is DNA in the form of chromosomes contained within a distinct nucleus.

Evolution

The process by which different kinds of living organisms are thought to have developed and diversified from earlier forms.

Genotype

The genetic constitution of an individual organism.

Homeostasis

The tendency toward a relatively stable equilibrium between interdependent elements, especially as maintained by physiological processes.

Meiosis

A type of cell division that results in four daughter cells each with half the number of chromosomes of the parent cell, producing gametes.

Metabolism

The chemical processes that occur within a living organism in order to maintain life.

Mitosis

A type of cell division that results in two daughter cells each having the same number and kind of chromosomes as the parent nucleus.

Mutation

A change in the DNA sequence of an organism.

Nucleus

A dense organelle present in most eukaryotic cells, typically a single rounded structure bounded by a double membrane, containing the genetic material.

Organelle

Any of a number of organized or specialized structures within a living cell.

Osmosis

A process by which molecules of a solvent tend to pass through a semipermeable membrane from a less concentrated solution into a more concentrated one.

Phenotype

The set of observable characteristics of an individual resulting from the interaction of its genotype with the environment.

Photosynthesis

The process by which green plants and some other organisms use sunlight to synthesize foods from carbon dioxide and water.

Prokaryote

A microscopic single-celled organism that has neither a distinct nucleus with a membrane nor other specialized organelles.

Protein Synthesis

The process by which cells make proteins using DNA, RNA, and various enzymes.

Ribosome

A minute particle consisting of RNA and associated proteins found in large numbers in the cytoplasm of living cells; they function as the sites of protein synthesis.

RNA (Ribonucleic Acid)

A nucleic acid present in all living cells that acts as a messenger carrying instructions from DNA for controlling the synthesis of proteins.

Transcription

The process by which the information in a strand of DNA is copied into a new molecule of messenger RNA (mRNA).

Translation

The process in which cellular ribosomes create proteins using the information contained in messenger RNA (mRNA).