Glossary
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| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Active transport | Movement of substances against a gradient using energy |
| Allele | An alternative form of a gene |
| Antibody | A protein made by B cells that binds a specific antigen |
| ATP | Adenosine triphosphate, the cell's energy currency |
| Biodiversity | The variety of life at genetic, species, and ecosystem levels |
| Buffer | A solution that resists changes in pH |
| Carrying capacity | The maximum population an environment can sustain |
| Chemiosmosis | ATP synthesis driven by a proton gradient |
| Codon | A triplet of mRNA bases specifying an amino acid |
| Enzyme | A biological catalyst, usually a protein |
| Field capacity | The water held in soil after excess has drained |
| Gene | A segment of DNA that codes for a product |
| Genotype and phenotype | The genetic makeup and the observable traits |
| Homeostasis | Maintenance of a stable internal environment |
| Hormone | A chemical messenger secreted into the blood |
| Integrated pest management | A strategy combining several methods to control pests |
| Meiosis | Cell division that halves the chromosome number to form gametes |
| Mitosis | Cell division producing two identical daughter cells |
| Mutation | A change in the DNA sequence |
| Neurotransmitter | A chemical released at a synapse |
| Osmosis | Net movement of water across a selectively permeable membrane |
| PCR | Polymerase chain reaction, a method for amplifying DNA |
| Photosynthesis | The synthesis of sugars from CO₂ and water using light |
| Soil texture | The proportions of sand, silt, and clay |
| Transcription and translation | Making RNA from DNA; making protein from RNA |
| Vaccine | A preparation that stimulates immunity without causing disease |
| Water potential | A measure of the tendency of water to move from one place to another |
| Zoonosis | A disease transmitted between animals and humans |