Defensive Strategies in Biology

The part of an antigen that binds to an antibody.

A type of immune cell that destroys infected cells by killing them.

A type of immune cell that matures in the bone marrow and produces a humoral response.

A complex of proteins found on the surface of cells that helps the immune system recognize foreign invaders.

A type of MHC protein that is associated with the cellular response.

A type of MHC protein that is associated with the humoral response.

A type of immunity that involves the transfer of antibodies from one individual to another.

A substance that stimulates the production of antibodies.

A protein produced by B-cells that binds to antigens and helps neutralize them.

The number of new hosts infected by an infectious host in a population that is 100% susceptible.

A structure in the brain that produces cerebrospinal fluid from blood.

The main relay center for sensory information to the cerebrum and motor information leaving the cerebrum. Also, a major control center for alertness.

It regulates homeostasis and basic survival behaviors such as fighting or fleeing.

The largest and most complex part of the brain. It's responsible for controlling voluntary movement and cognitive functions.

The outer layer of the cerebrum, composed of gray matter. It's responsible for complex functions like language, memory, and reasoning.

A thick band of nerve fibers connecting the two hemispheres of the cerebrum, allowing them to communicate.

A ring of structures around the brainstem, it's heavily involved in experiencing and generating emotions.

Located in the temporal lobe, this structure helps store emotions with their memories.

A type of excretory system found in flatworms and some other invertebrates. It consists of a network of dead-end tubules connected to external openings. The smallest branches are capped by flame bulbs, which help filter waste products from the body fluids.

A type of excretory system found in earthworms and other segmented worms. Each segment has a pair of open-ended metanephridia, which collect coelomic fluid and produce dilute urine for excretion. They also function in osmoregulation.

A type of excretory system found in insects and other terrestrial arthropods. They remove nitrogenous waste from hemolymph and function in osmoregulation. They open into the digestive tract and are highly efficient in water conservation.

The functional unit of the vertebrate kidney. It is made up of a long tubule and a ball of capillaries called the glomerulus. Nephrons are responsible for filtering waste products from the blood and regulating water and electrolyte levels.

A cup-shaped structure that surrounds the glomerulus in the nephron. It is where filtration of the blood occurs, allowing small molecules to pass through but blocking larger molecules.

The first part of the renal tubule, where reabsorption of water, ions, and nutrients occurs. It is also the site for secretion of some toxic materials into the filtrate.

The part of the nephron that descends into the medulla of the kidney. It is responsible for reabsorbing water, making the filtrate more concentrated.

The part of the nephron that ascends from the medulla. It is responsible for reabsorbing salt but not water, making the filtrate more dilute.

The final part of the renal tubule, where the filtrate is collected and further modified before being excreted as urine.

A type of nephron that has a long loop of Henle that extends deep into the medulla of the kidney. It is responsible for producing a more concentrated urine, which is important for conserving water in terrestrial animals.

A photosynthetic pathway where carbon dioxide is first fixed into a four-carbon compound (C4) before being used in the Calvin cycle.

A photosynthetic pathway where carbon dioxide is fixed at night and stored as organic acids, which are then used for photosynthesis during the day.

The process by which cells break down glucose to produce ATP, the energy currency of cells. It requires oxygen and produces carbon dioxide as a byproduct.

A process that occurs in the absence of oxygen, where glucose is broken down to produce a small amount of ATP. It is less efficient than aerobic respiration.

The first stage of aerobic respiration, where glucose is broken down into pyruvate. Occurs in the cytoplasm of the cell.

Hormones like insulin and thyroxine are soluble in water. They cannot pass through cell membranes, so they need receptors on the cell surface to trigger a response.

Hormones like cortisol are soluble in lipids. They can pass through cell membranes and directly interact with receptors inside the cell, affecting gene expression.

Organs that produce and secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream. They lack ducts.

Organs that release hormones into ducts, which then carry them to their target.

The brain region that acts as the central control hub between the nervous and endocrine systems. It influences the pituitary gland to regulate hormone release.

A gland located at the base of the brain. It has two parts: the anterior pituitary, which releases hormones, and the posterior pituitary, which stores and releases hormones.

A pathway where a hormone from the hypothalamus stimulates the anterior pituitary, which then releases a second hormone that acts on a target gland, triggering the release of a third hormone.

A mechanism where the product of a process inhibits its own production, ensuring a balanced response.

The ability of a plant to adjust its structure based on its environment.

A single layer of cells that forms the outer covering of a plant.

The type of tissue responsible for transporting water and nutrients throughout the plant.

The type of tissue that fills the space between the dermal and vascular tissues.

The ability of a plant cell to develop into a whole new organism.

The ability of a plant cell to develop into new tissues, but not a whole organism.

Spikes on plants are actually modified leaves.

The outer layer of a leaf that protects it and helps control water loss.

Tiny openings on the leaf epidermis that allow for gas exchange.

The part of the leaf where photosynthesis takes place.

The system that transports water and sugars throughout the plant.

A type of stem that specializes in photosynthesis.

Buds located at the tip of a stem that control the growth of lateral shoots.

Buds located at the base of leaves that can develop into lateral shoots.

Lateral shoots, or stems that grow from the side of the main stem, can develop into new branches.