Biology Vocabulary 1.4-1.7

1.4-1.7 Words to Learn

• Oxygen: A colorless gas, part of the air we breathe.
• Carbon Dioxide: A colorless gas, a byproduct of respiration, ingredient in photosynthesis.
• Host: A living organism that a parasite infects.
• Bacteria: Organisms that live on or in another organism, often causing disease.
• Parasite: Tiny organism that causes infection.
• Fungi: Living organisms that obtain food from their surroundings.
• Infection: When a disease or illness enters the body.
• Transmit: To cause something to pass from one place to another.
• Vector: An organism that carries a disease.
• Physical Barrier: Stops germs from entering the body (e.g., skin).
• Chemical Barrier: Destroys germs (e.g., mucus).
• Mucus: A slimy substance in the body.
• Microorganisms: Tiny living organisms not visible to the naked eye.
• Fertilization: Union of a male and female sex cell.
• Hormones: Chemicals in the body that cause changes (e.g., puberty).
• Menstruation: The release of an unfertilized egg and the lining of the uterus.
• Ova: Female sex cells.
• Puberty: The age when a person becomes able to reproduce.
• Reproductive System: Organs that create and support reproduction.
• Sperm: Male sex cells.

1.2 The Respiratory System

• Function: Allows us to breathe in oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide.
• Organs: Includes nose, trachea, lungs, and diaphragm.
• Breathing Process: Involves inhaling and exhaling.
• Diaphragm: A muscle below the lungs assisting in breathing.
• Respiratory Disorders: Common issues like asthma, bronchitis, and pneumonia.
• Maintaining Health: Avoid smoking, good air quality, exercise, and hygiene.

1.3 The Reproductive System - Key Facts About Puberty

• Changes During Puberty: Boys and girls experience physical changes in their reproductive systems to become able to reproduce.
• Reproductive System Role: To produce special cells for reproduction (sperm and eggs).
• Fertilization: Sperm and egg unite, starting the process of creating a new life.
• Boys During Puberty: Bodies begin to produce sperm.
• Girls During Puberty: Bodies develop eggs, menstruation begins, about a year after puberty starts.

Changes in the Reproductive System - Key Facts About Puberty

• Puberty: Stage where the body matures and capable of reproduction.
• Hormones: Chemicals that trigger changes during puberty.
• Growth Spurt: Period of rapid growth during puberty.
• Hair Changes: Growth of hair in specific areas of the body—boys and girls.
• Skin Changes: Skin becomes oily; prone to pimples.
• Changes in Boys: Shoulders and chests broaden; muscles develop; voice deepens.
• Changes in Girls: Hips widen; breasts develop; voice deepens slightly.

Male Reproductive System

• Organs: Testes (produce sperm), Sperm duct (carries sperm), Penis (transfers sperm).

Female Reproductive System

• Organs: Ovaries (produce ova/eggs), Uterus/womb (where baby develops), Oviducts (where fertilization occurs), Birth canal.

Microorganisms

• Bacteria, Viruses, Fungi: Single-celled and multicellular organisms, can be helpful or harmful in various environments.
• Parasites: Live inside another organism, causing harm.

1.4 Infectious Diseases

• Infectious Diseases: Illnesses caused by tiny germs like bacteria, viruses, or parasites.
• Spread: Through air, water, touch, or insects.
• Symptoms: Fever, cough, tiredness, stomach issues.
• Body Defenses: Skin, acid in stomach, mucus act as barriers to prevent germs from entering the body.